The post Greater Groves Board Meeting January 9,2026 first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

REMINDER: HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FORGET TO REQUEST YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCESS HOA RECORDS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The post Greater Groves Annual Meeting & Elections first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

The post Greater Groves Board Meeting August 8, 2025 first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

REMINDER: HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FORGET TO REQUEST YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCESS HOA RECORDS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2025, upon written request by a parcel owner, the association must provide the parcel owner with a username and password and access to the protected sections of the association’s website or application that contain the official documents of the association.

The post Greater Groves Board Meeting May 30, 2025 first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2025, upon written request by a parcel owner, the association must provide the parcel owner with a username and password and access to the protected sections of the association’s website or application that contain the official documents of the association.

REMINDER: HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FORGET TO REQUEST YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCESS HOA RECORDS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The post Greater Groves Board Meeting March 14, 2025 first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

• Five board members were arrested in November 2022 for charges including racketeering, grand theft, and money laundering, accused of stealing over $2 million.
• Three additional arrests were made in the ongoing investigation, with the latest reported in November 2024.
• In 2022, a former HOA president in Lantana, Florida, was arrested for embezzling over $2 million from the association.
• In 2020, a Broward County HOA board member was charged with stealing $300,000 from residents.
• In 2019, a Miami-Dade HOA treasurer was arrested for misusing $1.5 million in association funds.

These are just to point out a few; there are so many more cases that are under investigation.

Common Types of Fraud in HOA:

• Embezzlement of HOA fees.
• Kickbacks from contractors.
• Falsifying financial records.
• Unauthorized use of association funds for personal expenses.

How to Find Specific HOA Cases

• Local News Outlets: Media like the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, or Orlando Sentinel often report on HOA scandals.
• Court Records: Search county court databases (e.g., Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts) for cases involving HOAs.
• Florida DBPR: The Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigates HOA complaints and may provide records of disciplinary actions.
• Florida Attorney General: While not HOA-specific, their office occasionally highlights major fraud cases.

Steps to Report Suspected HOA Fraud
If you suspect fraud in your Florida HOA:

• Document Evidence: Gather financial records, emails, contracts, ect.
• File a complaint with the HOA’s board (if not complicit).
• File a complaint with Florida DBPR (www.myfloridalicense.com).
• File a complaint with local law enforcement (e.g., sheriff’s office or police department).
• Consult an Attorney: Specialized HOA attorneys can help navigate civil or criminal actions.

The post HOA Fraud in Florida first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

1. Knowledge of Governing Documents
Understanding Bylaws and CC&Rs: Board members should be well-versed in the HOA’s governing documents, including the bylaws, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), and Florida state laws governing HOAs (e.g., Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes).

Compliance with Florida Laws: Florida has specific laws regulating HOAs, such as requirements for meetings, financial transparency, and dispute resolution. A good board ensures compliance with these laws.

2. Transparency and Communication
Open Meetings: Florida law requires HOA board meetings to be open to members. A good board ensures transparency by providing proper notice of meetings and allowing homeowner participation.

Clear Communication: Regularly updating homeowners about decisions, financial status, and upcoming projects fosters trust and reduces misunderstandings.

3. Financial Responsibility
Budgeting and Reserves: A good board creates and adheres to a realistic budget, ensuring adequate reserves for emergencies and long-term maintenance.

Financial Transparency: Providing detailed financial reports and conducting annual audits helps maintain trust.

4. Fair and Consistent Enforcement
Uniform Application of Rules: Enforcing community rules consistently and fairly prevents favoritism and disputes.

Reasonable Rules: The board should ensure that rules are reasonable, enforceable, and in the best interest of the community.

5. Proactive Maintenance and Planning
Regular Maintenance: A good board ensures that common areas and community amenities are well-maintained, preserving property values.

Long-Term Planning: Developing and updating a long-term maintenance plan helps avoid costly repairs and ensures the community remains attractive and functional.

6. Conflict Resolution Skills
Mediation and Dispute Resolution: Florida law encourages alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for HOA disputes. A good board is skilled in resolving conflicts amicably and professionally.

Listening to Homeowners: Being approachable and willing to listen to homeowner concerns fosters a sense of community and reduces tensions.

7. Ethical Behavior and Integrity
Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Board members should act in the best interest of the community, not for personal gain.

Accountability: A good board holds itself accountable for its decisions and actions, ensuring they align with the community’s best interests.

8. Professionalism and Training
Continuing Education: Board members should stay informed about HOA management best practices and changes in Florida HOA laws.

Working with Professionals: Engaging qualified professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, property managers) when needed ensures the board makes informed decisions.

9. Community Engagement
Encouraging Participation: A good board actively seeks input from homeowners and encourages volunteerism in committees or events.

Building Community Spirit: Organizing social events and fostering a sense of belonging can improve homeowner satisfaction and cooperation.

10. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Handling Emergencies: Whether it’s a hurricane or a sudden financial shortfall, a good board is prepared to handle emergencies effectively.

Innovative Solutions: Being open to new ideas and technologies (e.g., energy-efficient upgrades, online payment systems) can benefit the community.

11. Respect for Diversity
Inclusivity: Florida communities are often diverse. A good board respects and represents the interests of all homeowners, regardless of background or culture.

12. Focus on Property Values
Enhancing Curb Appeal: A well-maintained community with attractive landscaping and amenities helps maintain or increase property values.

Balancing Costs and Benefits: The board should ensure that expenditures are justified and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

By embodying these qualities and practices, an HOA board in Florida can effectively manage the community, protect property values, and create a harmonious living environment for all residents.

The post What traits make up a good homeowners association (HOA) board in Florida first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beginning January 1, 2025 upon written request by a parcel owner, the association must provide the parcel owner with a username and password and access to the protected sections of the association’s website or application which contain the official documents of the association.

REMINDER: HOMEOWNERS DO NOT FORGET TO REQUEST YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO ACCESS HOA RECORDS ON OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The post Greater Groves Board Meeting January 10, 2025 first appeared on Greater Groves Community.

Board members in office should take the electoral process and voting process seriously, and they should make sure that all rules are appropriately followed and that appointments are made fairly. The way a community operates and the standard of living for its residents can be greatly impacted by the efficacy of its board of directors.

Election Process Overview
Nomination of Candidates
Voter Registration
Candidate Forum or Debate (optional but recommended)
Notice of Election (14 days before the election)
Casting of Votes
Vote Counting
Announcement of Results

Nomination of Candidates
The board or election committee issues a call for candidates, usually a few weeks before the election.
Interested candidates must submit their names by the deadline, typically a few weeks before the election.

Eligibility to Run for the Board
Generally, any homeowner can be a candidate for board membership as long as the homeowner is in good standing. Restrictions may apply to: Felons whose civil rights have not been restored for at least 5 years. Individuals delinquent in payment of any monetary obligation to the association.

Voter Eligibility and Registration
Homeowners are typically automatically members of their HOA especially in a PUD.
Members must often be current on dues and assessments to be eligible to vote.
Note: Refer to your bylaws as to membership guidelines. New laws have been implemented as of July 2024, which reference the process in which a board can suspend a homeowner’s membership.

Notice of Election
Section 720.306(5) of the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act states that the notice of membership meetings, which would include the annual meeting, must be mailed, delivered, or electronically transmitted to the members no less than 14 days prior to the date of the meeting. Electronic transmission (e-mail) may only be used for official notices if the member has consented in writing to receive legal notices in that fashion. If conducting an election, ballots and list of all candidates in alphabetical order by surname must be mailed to all homeowners.

Voting Methods
In-person voting at the annual meeting
Mail-in ballots
By Proxy

Quorum and Voting Requirements
A quorum is typically a simple majority (50% plus one) of voting interests, unless bylaws specify a lower percentage. For a valid election in HOAs, at least 30% of eligible voters must cast a ballot.

Vote Counting Procedure (Fla. Admin. Code R. 61B-23.0021(10))
Ballots are collected and handled by an impartial committee.
Outer envelopes are checked against the list of qualified voters.
Voters are checked off the list as having voted.
Inner envelopes are removed and counted in the presence of any homeowners in attendance.
Any inner envelope containing more than one ballot is marked “Disregarded” and not counted.

NOTE:
Board members must always maintain neutrality;, it is their fiduciary duty. Residents decide who gets their vote, and entrusted board members should never advocate or attempt to persuade voters, even if they believe one candidate is more fit for the position. That means no campaigning for one candidate or making derogatory or unsubstantiated remarks about another.

2024 New Statue: Criminal prohibitions against fraudulent voting activity, provided it is a first degree misdemeanor for:

Knowingly aiding, abetting, or advising a person in the commission of a fraudulent voting activity related to association elections.

Agreeing, conspiring, combining, or confederating with at least one other person to commit a fraudulent voting activity related to association elections.

Having knowledge of a fraudulent voting activity related to association elections and giving any aid to the offender with intent that the offender avoid or escape detection, arrest, trial, or punishment.

Any officer or director charged with a criminal violation under ch. 720, F.S., must be removed from office and a vacancy declared.

For full list of New Election laws, Click here

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