Varnum recently hosted its 2026 Community Association Director Symposium in Naples, Florida, bringing together board members to discuss governance, legal compliance, and operational best practices. Presenters Steven Adamczyk, Kyla Thomson, Chris Miller, Jessica Rodriguez, and Joseph Bare shared actionable guidance to help Florida community association directors lead their communities effectively. The symposium also provided statutory continuing education hours for both condominium and homeowners association board members.
Below are several key takeaways from the program.
2025 Florida Legislative Changes
Recent legislation, including House Bill 913, is reshaping compliance expectations for Florida condominium and cooperative associations and community association managers (CAMs).
At the board level, enhanced responsibilities now include recording requirements for video conference Board and membership meetings, allowing voting for Directors via email, revised budgeting requirements, verifying CAM licensure, overseeing reserve planning and structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS), and making insurance determinations.
More broadly, updates include requirements for maintaining online licensure accounts with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, expanded conflict-of-interest disclosure obligations, and stricter enforcement, including potential long-term licensure bans. Associations should review current governance and operational practices to ensure compliance.
Contract Basics for Community Associations
Vendor relationships are critical to community association operation, but should always be governed by a written agreement. Presenters reviewed critical contract provisions, shared real-world examples, and outlined a number of best practices to help protect the community association’s interests.
Key provisions include termination rights, insurance requirements, indemnification clauses, and liability limitations. Even a one-page estimate can be strengthened in a cost-effective way. Legal guidance is highly recommended for complex or high-value arrangements.
Running Effective Board and Member Meetings
Well-run board and membership meetings are essential for transparency, compliance, and community trust. Best practices include following statutory notice and agenda requirements, understanding fiduciary duties under the business judgment rule, and using appropriate voting procedures, including proxies and ballots.
Directors should also implement meeting management strategies that improve efficiency, strengthen documentation, and encourage member engagement.
Ongoing Education
Proactive education remains essential as legal and operational requirements evolve. Varnum regularly hosts educational programs for community association members to provide timely updates and practical guidance on emerging issues.
Associations with questions about the symposium topics or interest in future programs are encouraged to contact Varnum’s Condominium and Homeowners Association Practice Team.
