Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Questions Answered by Barbara Billiot Stage
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: I have an Air bnb in FL. Currently there are no restrictions on rentals. Can hoa amend Ccr’s and prohibit air bnb’s?
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jul 4, 2023

Yes, they can but whether or not it is applicable to a current owner has yet been addressed in a published opinion by appellate courts. In my opinion, they cannot be applied retroactively but it would take a judicial decision to convince some association attorneys. Condominium statutes prohibit... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Is a partial rent payment made via Zelle to the landlord and is automatically posted, is that knowledge of noncompliance

Tenant paid $118 rather than $850 via Zelle. The payment was automatically posted upon receipt with an email afterwards with notification of the deposit. The Tenant followed up with a statement that they felt their rent was too high and not justified and was only willing to pay $667/month and the... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jun 9, 2023

Tenants don't get to set the rate for rent and hopefully you have a written lease agreement. There are specific technical requirements for providing a tenant with a notice to vacate and the length of time to provide the notice depends on the lease terms. I encourage you to consult with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can they ask me for more money when by my account, I’ve paid up everything I’ve owed and I’m up to date?

In a letter dated March 31, 2023, I was informed by the Head of Accounts Receivables that I owed $789.99 to the Association. The letter states, “must be paid within 30 days of the date of this letter. "

On April 29th, 2023 I sent the full $789.99 within the 30 days of the date of the... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on May 16, 2023

Technically you missed the 30 day deadline if the payment was not received by April 30th. Without knowing how much your dues are and what the frequency is for payments, it is impossible to give you a definitive answer if this amount being demanded is an overcharge. Legally, the management company... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts for Florida on
Q: Is a promissory note enforceable if the full principal sum of money was never delivered to the borrower?

My father and step mother agreed to loan us 7200 at the terms 200 a month for 36 months they are now refusing to send the remaining 1500. Does this make the promissory note void under their terms since they never sent the full sim of 7200?

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on May 11, 2023

It's a breach of contract matter. It doesn't mean you don't have to pay the money back that was loaned but rather you don't have to pay back the full sum. I suggest you negotiate a new promissory note with your father and step mother for the amount received. Maybe their... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Can I claim a refund now from a car dealer who overcharged me last year?

After a couple of hours in the dealership last year, I failed to properly double check the numbers and the dealer changed the prices we agreed to by more than $16,000 in the contract. I trusted that the numbers were correct and I signed the contract. This week I was looking at the paperwork and... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on May 10, 2023

Unfortunately, you signed the contract and it is presumed you read and understood the terms and provisions of the contract. You would only have a case if you could prove you signed the contract under duress or there was fraud involved. While it is a long shot, take the contract to an attorney to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Collections for Florida on
Q: Is it legal for my management to threaten foreclosure on me for sending HOA invoices to an incorrect address?

I moved into a condo in Bradenton from New York. My HOA instructions and unique pin for accessing the payment portal was sent to the wrong address for consecutive months. I had asked 3 times for my management to send the paperwork to my new address. For this reason I was unable to pay my dues at... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 27, 2023

These are particularly troublesome issues to deal with because Florida law does not favor owners in these situations and owners are not familiar with dealing with the ins and outs of living in a community association, especially if you are just moving to Florida.

The first thing you...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Are HOAs in FL required to conduct architectural reviews in public meetings?

I am a new member of the Board of Directors for my HOA. In the certification course for new directors, we were told that architectural reviews must be conducted in public meetings just like Board meetings. However, members of our Board who have been members for years say that our association's... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 14, 2023

Architectural reviews are required to be discussed and approved at open meetings if the committee has final say. If the board is reviewing them they need to be reviewed at board meetings. While your documents could possibly provide for a different method, unless your documents are really old,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: This is presently in the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions. Is this a discriminatory restriction?

Section 26. Flags. An Owner may display one portable, removable United States flag in a respectful way and, on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day, may display in a respectful way portable, removable official flags, not larger than 41/2 feet by 6 feet, that... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 3, 2023

It depends on what you mean by "discriminatory?" It is outdated and not compliant with the latest statute, which allows these flags to be flown year-round and also include Space Force, MIA and POW flags. This is state law, Florida Statute 720.304(2)(a-b). If you mean is it... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can a quit claim deed still be filed after home being discharged in Bankruptcy?

My mother is looking to add me on the deed to her home using a quit claim deed. I am currently living in the home and making payments. However she filed bankruptcy a few years ago and the home was discharged, so she is no longer financially responsible for the home. I read somewhere that if she... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 28, 2023

It is highly likely the creditor could demand payment in full once the deed is recorded. See a real estate lawyer to discuss the possibilities and to prepare a proper deed if one is advisable. Quitclaim deeds cause more problems then they solve. You should consult a real estate lawyer who is also... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Florida on
Q: Ejectment after being deeded property from a Will.

I was the executor of my father's will. He owned a non-homestead house in another county. I filed a probate case and was deeded the home after disposition. A half sibling (step brother to my father) has been living in the home for 17 years and was on the mortgage (not the deed). I am now... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 20, 2023

The step-brother may have been paying the mortgage and might have a claim for those payments as well as any money he invested into maintenance and repairs if he was not paying rent. It seems a bit unusual to me that he was on the mortgage but not the deed. Usually someone signs a mortgage to... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I need to find out if I am covered on my insurance for the sprinklers in my condo I have insurance

I was told anything inside the unit os the condo responsibility. Insurance company is not reliable. Can you help me I have little money want want to be insured. I live in the bluffs marina.sprinklers and pipes are breaking. Thank you

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 20, 2023

A condo lawyer would have to read the Declaration of Condominium and Bylaws for your association to give a proper answer. Generally, anything from the bare sheetrock out is the condominium's responsibility and anything from the sheetrock in, including paint, floor coverings and other... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I own a condo in Florida. The Condominium association is requiring all water heaters over ten years old to be replaced.

My water heater sits in a pan with a well maintained drain, so the risk of flooding in the event of a leak is mitigated. Can the board legally require replacement, under the threat of legal action to enforce? Our bylaws make no mention of an authorization to require replacement of water heaters... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 20, 2023

Probably. Most modern water heaters have a life of 10 years if you are lucky. The consequences of a water heater failing could be more than just a leak filling up a pan and could flood your unit, which would damage adjacent units. If the condo association adopted this under their Rules and... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: When does my co op board have to give specific dollar amount about for a special assessment before expecting payment?
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 10, 2023

The process is for the board to give notice of a meeting 14 days in advance of the meeting to vote on the special assessment. Once the assessment is approved the board needs to send out a notice to the owners of the special assessment. There is no specific law of when the assessment can be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure for Florida on
Q: HOA Lien Foreclosure. Does FL 720 require that a lien be FILED/RECORDED w court before Intent to Foreclose is sent?

720.3085 (5) states the the notice for Intent to Foreclose must be substantially in the following form “This letter is to inform you a Claim of Lien has been filed…”. The text “has been filed” (past tense) leads me to believe the lien must be recorded before Intent to foreclose notice.... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 6, 2023

Filed and recorded are two different things in the legal world. Filed means it was sent to the clerk and recorded means the clerk recorded the document. There could be a situation where the document was sent to the clerk but not recorded (lost in the mail? lost by the clerk?). Not all attorneys... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: Is an HOA liable for known misrepresentations made by a home developer, on HOA controlled property?

If the HOA knew of the misrepresentations, intentional fraud, right? If they didn't know, negligence fraud, right? And any related parties aware and benefiting from said misrepresentations are conspirators, no?

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 4, 2023

Generally, no, but that answer could change depending on the misrepresentations. If any of the misrepresentations conflict with the language in the HOA documents, which are public record, the HOA would not be liable because owners are deemed to have read the HOA documents whether they actually... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I hope someone can get back to me asap. These are 2 of several urgent issues. Real Est law seemed the best category.

(1) Back in November 2022, I received a Cease & Desist Letter effective immediately and permanently to send emails for the health, safety, and welfare of the Management Team. If I didn’t do what they told me, they would file litigation against me. The 9 or 10 emails in a 5-month span that... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Feb 27, 2023

You didn't post a question. A cease and desist letter isn't really worth the paper it's written on. It is only effective if it's a court order from a judge but it is a warning the association may pursue legal action against you.

The management company may be deflecting...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: My partner and I are both named on the deed to our home. I am soley on the mortgage and responsible for payments.

He wants to take his name off of the deed so I can be 100% titled to house.(He is moving) Can this be accomplished with a quit claim deed? What would be the correct steps to take? Thank you in advance.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jan 28, 2023

It can but you should see a real estate lawyer to make sure that type of deed is in your best interest. If not done correctly it can cause you more money and trouble than it's worth to save a few dollars. You should also check to make sure it would not accelerate your mortgage and the total... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: HOw can I fight a mobile home park about them not renewing our lease for a reason that was discrimitive?

There was a problem in our park on New Years where my husband was trying to break up a fight with some residents, those residents turned against us and made reports to management that just was not true. Now they are serving us with a non-renewal. We own our home but rent the lot. We feel... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jan 26, 2023

There is no law that would require a landlord to renew your lease as long as the landlord is not engaging in discriminatory behavior. It would be very difficult to prove discrimination even if you were in a protected class (race, color, creed, religion, sex, etc.) because your husband was involved... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I purchased house from county auction. It was foreclosed house. Three months later second mortgage showed up.

Second mortgage is after estate of deceased owner against his heirs (former owners of house). I talked to attorney of case, he told me he can’t discuss details with me since I am not in case. He told me they going after former owners of the house including bank who took money I paid for house.... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jan 27, 2023

I would suggest you consult with a mortgage foreclosure defense attorney to make sure the foreclosure that resulted in your purchase was done correctly and without defects. If the second mortgage lender was included in the foreclosure action they would not have a claim against you or the property... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What is the statue of limiting on small claims in Florida,Lee County

1. Via violations of my civil rights by not following state statue 720.350 by golf club masters board and attorney advising them to do so.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jan 24, 2023

Do you mean Fla. Stat. 720.305? There is no 720.350. The statute of limitations on a claim against a homeowners association for breach of contract is five years. There is not enough information to determine if your civil rights have been violated because you can waive your civil rights by... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.