In today’s digital world the public’s view of an organization frequently comes with the click of a mouse, leading us to a web site. Thanks to a new bill governing the operations of condominium associations in Florida, these associations must abide by strict regulations regarding the characteristics of these online properties.
The law passed on June 26 with Gov. Scott’s signature. It provides specific guidelines for how condominium associations must be run. In an effort to foster accountability and transparency, the legislation also governs how web sites must be built and managed to better serve residents.
The legislation went into effect on July 1 and adds several requirements and prohibitions to the Florida Condominium Act and Florida Statutes Chapter 718 governing condominium associations. In a nut shell, the legislation mandates that boards become more accountable and transparent to their constituents.
While most of the thousands of associations in Florida are managed with integrity, some are not. The bill basically puts board members on notice that they can face felony charges if found guilty of specific breaches. There is a long laundry list covering electoral fraud, forged signatures on ballots, conflict of interest, and misappropriation of funds, to name a few.
In today’s world, transparency and communication starts with a web site, and the law clearly stipulates how these destinations must be structured. They must be secure and provide specific information. The Florida legislature clearly believes they must be much more than online brochures.
The bill requires that all condominium associations with more than 150 units must have a compliant web site by July 1, 2018. It is really one of the first steps in associations creating an environment that is transparent for residents. Most associations in Florida are well run, but due to the actions of a few bad apples, this legislation is meant to provide the framework paving the way for honest and open operations.
One of the major concerns with online commerce is that sensitive documents and personal information will somehow be compromised and shared with those outside of the association. We read about these security breaches every day. They have time to select a web site developer that is familiar with protocols related to security. Keep in mind that while attractive design and ease of navigation are important, there is nothing more important than protecting and securing valuable information. In short, information should only be available to those who are entitled to seeing it – residents of the association communities.
The new law stipulates that specific information must be updated in a timely fashion. Consequently, these sites should be easy to update so that the association remains compliant with the law. In addition, the new legislation maps out some very specific characteristics for a web site. They include:
Each owner must be provided a login and password
The website must contain the various condominium association official records including all condominium documents, rules and regulations, management and other agreements to which the association is a party
It must publish the annual budget and proposed annual budget, financial reports, board certifications, notice of any unit owner meeting and the agenda within the statutory time periods. They must be posted in plain view on the front page of the website or a separate subpage of the website labeled “Notices” which is conspicuously visible and linked from the front page along with any document to be considered and voted on by the owners during the meeting or any document listed on the agenda, notices of board meetings and agendas within the statutory time periods.
There are other requirements which may not directly relate to the web site, but nevertheless require the orderly sharing of information to all residents.
These types of web sites are voluntarily standard in the business world. Now they will be part of Florida condominium associations. With the passing of this bill, the legal onus is now on the board of directors to follow these laws. The legislation is in the best interests of homeowners and the lines of open communications starts with a functioning and informative web site.
Todd Paton is president and founder of Paton Marketing, one of the country’s leading online marketing firms. It creates research-based dynamic websites and implements lead-generating Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaigns. With offices in South Florida and overseas, Paton Marketing represents clients in a wide range of industries, including community associations, medical, retail, legal, financial services, hospitality and many others. For more information, visit www.patonmarketing.com.