Tag Archives: goonan

Condo or Hotel?

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guest blog by Deborah Goonan

AirBnB, VRBO, and online vacation rental sites have taken on a life of their own. Now condo owners can arrange to rent their units by the week, with the click of a few buttons. But some Florida condo owners are upset that their condo building has been overrun with tourists from all over the world, making their homes feel more like a hotel.

In the video report linked below, Michele Gillen, CBS4, Miami Beach, features Octagon Towers, just steps from South Beach. One condo owner laments that she no longer knows her neighbors, because they change every week. The problem has been ongoing.

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Timberlake Management, aka “The Condo Crime Family”

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guest blog by Deborah Goonan

Former FL Representative Julio Robaina calls the Timberlake management company run by the Duggers the “Condo Crime Family,” in this special News 10 report by Bob Norman. Take a look at the video of some of these communities that the Duggers manage – clogged storm drains, flooded streets every time it rains, trash all over the place. Exactly all of the blight that HOAs are supposed to prevent, right? Have these HOA property values been enhanced over the years? Not on your life!

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FL legislation passed will harm, not help Condo and Homeowners’ Association owners and residents

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guest blog by Deborah Goonan

I can’t say I’m surprised, but I am thoroughly disgusted by the nature of HOA legislation that has passed the 2015 Legislative session, despite the fact that the FL House threw in the towel 3 days early. Given the hostile nature of other pending bills, it was probably a blessing in disguise.

Here are some highlights of what HOA-related passed and what failed:

CCFJ-backed SB 1308/HB 1263, the bill that would have authorized limited state oversight of HOAs similar to that available to condo owners, died before ever making it to a committee, for the second year in a row.

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FL legislature passes amended version of condo termination bill, still full of loopholes

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guest blog by Deborah Goonan

Florida Legislators have done it again. They have managed to pass a bill that gives the illusion of protecting condo owners, but, in reality, does very little to prevent real estate investors and developers from exploiting consumers, violating 5th Amendment Rights to unlawful taking of property and just compensation.

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Update: Justice served for one Florida Condo Association

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guest blog by Deborah Goonan

After Bob Norman of Channel 10 news brought media attention to Board member misconduct at Georgian Court North Condo Association last fall, former president Ed Ryan entered a guilty plea on criminal charges of practicing community association management without a license.

The Judge sentenced Ryan to 3 months probation and 25 hours of community service. Ryan was also ordered to return his ‘borrowed’ car to the Association and resign from the Board. The judge did not order financial Restitution.

The Attorney General opened the case following an investigation by Local 10 News in September.

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