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Florida Public Benefits Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Our HOA bylaws were created in 1990 and filed with the State of Florida. What is required to turnover the association?

"The developer shall organiz the association. The board of directors shall consist of no more than 20 and not less than 3 directors. Prior to turnover the developer shall have the right to control the association and shall not be required to submit any matters to the members for a vote of... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 18, 2020

Florida Statute 720.307 provides in pertinent part that:

"... —With respect to homeowners’ associations:

(1) Members other than the developer are entitled to elect at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the homeowners’ association when the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: I was denied for unemployment because I quit my last job......but....

The end of Oct 2019 I was forced to quit my job at Pollo Tropical in Sunny Isles due to being evicted, my car being totaled, and having to move to my mom’s in Hollywood. I had spoken with my employer regarding the strong possibility I would need to transfer because I was on the verge of losing my... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 25, 2020

If you make your unemployment insurance claim, chances are that you will be deemed to qualify.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Entertainment / Sports, Intellectual Property and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Does our local Chamber of Commerce own our communities local "Pageant"?

We have a pageant that has been in our community for over 30 years! Its never been filed as an official entity or organization. It has always been ran by different volunteers within the community. I know for several years our local Chamber sponsored the pageant. Then there was a issue with... View More

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Apr 1, 2020

You definitely need to consult with an attorney.

Anybody can own a pageant and call it anyway they want.

The question is whether it is exclusive, and if what you do, your work, is owned by somebody else.

Check if they ever signed or got a contract from somebody.

Even...
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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Public Benefits and Social Security for Florida on
Q: Which site is legitimate? I know there are many scammers. I need a lawyer so I can appeal a denied disability claim

I know legitimate places exist for this but I am seeing sites saying their lawyers will help me with this and they are only entitled to payment if we win the appeal but I'm skeptical. I do not exactly know what I'm talking about but that just doesn't sound like something a lawyer... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 30, 2020

You raise good points, but in the end, the only person who can ultimately make such an important decision is yourself. You will have to contact lawyers, and after speaking with them, decide for yourself who you prefer in terms of skill, experience, and your trust and confidence in them. Good luck... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits, Social Security, Family Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: My sister has dementia and no funds other than social security. We are out of Florida and cannot help financially.

We have no idea of any financial particulars other than she has no outside income other than social security and we are not in a position to help

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Feb 9, 2020

Unless someone in your family steps up and gets involved you and the rest of the family might not like the outcome of this situation. Take up a collection and go find out what needs to be done.

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Child Support, Civil Litigation and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: How do I file a response to a motion from DOR for ridirection of payment?

I received a motion that my very bad attorney said nothing about and that was on the 5th and I went into the hospital for cancer surgury right after. My ex has been fraudulently receiving medicaid benefits while she has been running a lucrative side business and I have the PI reports. I have never... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 25, 2019

Even if your attorney has moved to withdraw, she is still obligated to respond to this motion until her motion is granted. Condition your consent to withdrawal upon your being given sufficient time to find another attorney and for that attorney to respond to the pending motion.

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Hello, I have a question about unemployment benefits in the state of Florida

I was working for a company and I got ill and I was not able to work for two months. My FMLA was exhausted and my short term disability claim was denied. My employer decided to terminate me after the two months. I filed for unemployment and the benefits were denied or the following reason: THE... View More

Kevin Sanderson
Kevin Sanderson
answered on Oct 22, 2019

This is a hard area and the DEO changes its official and unofficial policies often. I would appeal the decision and attend the telephone hearing. Although at one point DEO tried to change their policy to say if you could not work due to illness you were ineligible, some hearing officers seems to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Insurance Defense, Probate and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: How can I get a lawyer to assist with getting homeowner's insurance to respond after Irma damage and or management?

It has been over a year already since Irma hurricane and my mother has yet received any services for the damages. Her case remains open but my day to day concern is that her inside roof is falling and at any time can collapse. The insurance tell me you need to contact your property management and... View More

David M. Goldman
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answered on Jan 7, 2019

Consult with a property attorney who deals with hurricane damage.

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1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits, Social Security and Collections for Florida on
Q: Can social security benefits be garnished for unpaid out of state (New York) medical bills if a judgment is awarded?

My father is retired, lives in Florida and receives social security benefits. In 2015 At age 64(was on ssid) he was admitted to the ER in New York (state funded hospital) while on vacation for heart related issues. Had no insurance at the times as he had been placed on social security disability... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 9, 2018

Generally, under Florida law, SSI cannot be garnished. However, without knowing why the NY AG sued him and because a state agency is involved, and not a private creditor, the benefits may be able to taken by other means. He should contact his county legal aid office to see if he can get some legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: I'm 16 and pregnant. Am I allowed to sign up for food stamps by myself? My moms trying to take them and call them hers

She says just because I'm pregnant that doesn't mean the food stamps would be mine. That I still live under her roof and that they belong to her.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 9, 2017

I think your mother is right. She has the duty to support you and thus your food stamp application would probably be in her behalf.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: If you are in a government program and you follow all the guidelines and do everything the program has asked and you

discriminated against and denied help and funds what can you what are your rights

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
answered on Aug 19, 2017

There is simply not enough information to answer your question. Also. Your situation appears to be very fact specific as well. Your need to consult with an attorney in your area face to face.

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Florida on
Q: My childrens father got ssi and is now incarcerated.. is there any help for me?

I am a single mom of 3, one of which is special needs, its only us. The only income I recieve is my sons SSI and that isnt much and of course SNAP/Medicaid. I don't have a vehicle or any source of transportation. I am currently staying with family but that is really hard also because its my... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 4, 2016

I'm assuming if you got snap and MA they would have signed you up for aid to families with dependent children (ADC) if you haven't already got it. You should check with SSI to see as you are the caretaker relative for the child if you can get a spousal benefit. Otherwise talk to Legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Libel & Slander, Public Benefits and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can a person be charged for threatening a food stamp recipient they will be turned in for selling their food stamps

Knowing the accusation is false and being done out of vindictiveness.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 4, 2016

Well, depends on the "threat." If the person did sell their food stamps, then there is an element of extortion if certain things happen. However, the person who sold food stamps has some exposure.

3 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Health Care Law and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Do I have pay for my daughter's health insurance even though she receives Medicaid through her mother?

I am court ordered to pay for the insurance, and I have done so for years. I am just wondering if there are any legal ramifications for just using her Medicaid that she already receives instead of pay for private insurance that I am not even happy with.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 21, 2016

You would have to move to modify the court order requiring you to buy health insurance.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: Can we do anything about the below situation? I fear for their lives if we can not prevent this from happening again.

My daughter has sunshine state health through Medicaid. She receives free transportation for her and her daughter to go to medical appts. My issue is that on one of her transportation times recently, the driver told her she had to hold my 2.5 month old grand child in her arms for the entire trip... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 17, 2016

You indicate that you have complained to Sunshine Health/ Medicaid. You might also notify your congressional representatives and senators. Notify your Florida legislative representatives and senators. Notify the governor. This isn't problem that can be solved by a lawsuit, if that is what... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: My school did not renew my contract due to diminished enrollment. My final day is June 6. Can I file for unemployment?

However, I'm getting paid through 7/31.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 26, 2016

So you can file after August 1. Note that there are strict filing deadlines.

Q: I live in Southwest Florida, can you receive unemployment benefits at the same time as work comp check?

I live in Southwest Florida,can a person collect & receive Unemployment benefits at the same time as Workers Comp benefits?My husband injured doing construction. He started not too longer before he was hurt. In fact, When he was injured he was uo for his 90 day probabtion period with his... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 25, 2016

Yes. If he was injured on the job he is entitled to workers compensation. If he is no longer employed at that job he is generally entitled to unemployment insurance benefits.

But you should be aware that an employer cannot discharge an employee because he has filed a workers compensation...
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2 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can either one of the parents see if there's anything pending or processing in the state of Florida
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 21, 2016

It's not clear what you mean by this question. I'm guessing it has something to do with child support. You might want to rephrase it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits for Florida on
Q: I am disabled. What is best, SSI or SSDI ?
Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Dec 17, 2015

You seek both. Get counsel.

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