The Key Magazine 2025 Q4 Issue Vol.51 No. 4

SERVING ORANGE, SEMINOLE, OSCEOLA, VOLUSIA, AND LAKE COUNTIES

SEITNUOC EKAL DNA ,AISULOV ,ALOECSO ,ELONIMES ,EGNARO GNIVRES ODNALRO RETAERG FO NOITAICOSSA TNEMTRAPA

APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF GREATER ORLANDO

VOLUME 51, NO.4

THE KEY

2025 Q4 ISSUE

AA DIGITAL DIGITAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS AAGO'S 2025 2025 Leadership Leadership 04 AAGO'S 04 Meet our Meet our 2026 2026 incoming incoming Leadership Leadership

05 Meet 05 Meet our our Board Board of of Directors Directors for for 2026 2026 07 2025 07 2025 Premier Premier Partners Partners

Welcome to to All All Our Our Q4 Q4 New New Members Members 09 Welcome 09 Check out Check out our our new new members! members!

2026 Q1 2026 Q1 Education Education Sched Schedu u le le

12 Check 12 Check out out what what is is happening happening in 2026 in 2026 for for Education Education

AAGO Invests AAGO Invests in in the the Future Future of of

13 Maintenance 13 Maintenance Education Education Read more Read more about about the the renovation renovation of of our our Maintenance Training Maintenance Training Center Center 2026 Q1 2026 Q1 Events Events Sched Schedu u le le

17 Check 17 Check out out what what is is happening happening in in 2026 2026 for Events for Events

18 18

Florida Landlords Florida Landlords Score Score a a Win Win on on Arbitration Arbitration Enforcement Enforcement 29 Mid-AmericaApartments 29 Mid-AmericaApartments v. v. Tracz Tracz (Fla. 2d (Fla. 2d DCA DCA Sept.

Sept. 12, 12, 2025) 2025)

Check out Check out photos photos from from our our APAC Fundraising APAC Fundraising Event Event

Read more Read more about about key key takeaways takeaways

2025 Boots, 2025 Boots, Bling, Bling, and and BBQ BBQ

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2025 LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION STAFF

OFFICERS

MONICA RAMSEY Executive Vice President

PRESIDENT Melissa Dugas Melissa Dugas

VICE PRESIDENT Eddy Perez Eddy Perez

TREASURER Meredith Torres Meredith Torres

Royal American Management

RangeWater Real Estate

Greystar

CAM, CAPS

CAPS, ARM, CAM

CAPS

HEATHER ALZATE Vice President

SECRETARY Domonique Messeroff Domonique Messeroff

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

ConAm Management

DBK Construction & Service Solutions

CPM

CAPS

Ashlee Partin Ashlee Partin

Kathy Hensley Kathy Hensley Greystar

LINSAY MEANEY Manager of Meetings and Events

DIRECTORS LATRENDA FRYE Membership Manager

Austin Cotton Austin Cotton

Brent Dickson Brent Dickson

Cotton Coatings

BELFOR Property Restoration

Mallory Mallory Hoffmeyer Hoffmeyer Range Water Real Estate

Nicole Johns Nicole Johns

Amanda Otey Amanda Otey

Level Roofing

Bell Partners Inc.

TORQUIOSE WARE Creative Director

Maurice Williams Maurice Williams Jon Jon Champan Champan i4 Valet Trash

Bainbridge Companies

Erika Johnson Erika Johnson

John Kozlarek John Kozlarek

PRG Real Estate

LivCor

Tracy Lesse Tracy Lesse RangeWater Real Estate

AMARIS HUNT Administrative Coordinator

Ana Lugo Ana Lugo Artium Management

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Michelle Montoya Michelle Montoya Laura Laura VargasVargasMazzarino Mazzarino ConAm Management Bell Partners Inc.

Jolie Whitmore Jolie Whitmore Highmark Residential

MEET OUR 2026 INCOMING LEADERSHIP

AAGO Officers AAGO Officers

Melissa Dugas Melissa Dugas

President: Melissa Dugas, Royal American President: Vice President: Vice President: Eddy Perez, Rangewater Treasurer: Meredith Torres, Greystar Treasurer: Secretary: Domonique Messeroff, ConAm Secretary: Associates’ VP: Associates’ VP: Brent Dickson, BELFOR Restoration Immediate Immediate Past President: Past President: Kathy Hensley, Greystar

2026 AAGO President

AAGO Directors AAGO Directors Jon Chapman, Jon Chapman, Bainbridge

Nicole Johns, Nicole Johns, Level Roofing

Erika Johnson, Erika Johnson, PRG Real Estate

John Kozlarek, John Kozlarek, LiveCor

Tracey Lesse, Tracey Lesse, RangeWater

Ana Lugo, Ana Lugo, Atrium

Ty Jackson, Ty Jackson, Affinity Waste Solutions

Michelle Montoya, Michelle Montoya, ConAm

Laura Vargas-Mazzarino, Laura Vargas-Mazzarino, Bell Partners

Jolie Whitmore, Jolie Whitmore, Highmark Residential

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MEET OUR 2025 INCOMING LEADERSHIP

AAGO Foundation AAGO Foundation Officers Officers

President: Sydney Jameison, 407Apartments President: Vice President: Vice President: Lori Agudo, Royal American Treasurer: Tami Swanson, Massey Services Treasurer: Secretary: Wendy Sikorski, ConAm Secretary: Immediate Immediate Past President: Past President: Kimberly Maggard, Royal American Sydney Jamieson Sydney Jamieson

2026 AAGO Foundation President

AAGO Foundation AAGO Foundation Directors Directors Kyra Do Kyra Do Carmo, Carmo, Career Strategies

Michelle Dixon, Michelle Dixon, Greystar

Hollie McCall, Hollie McCall, DBK Construction

Beverly Duda, Beverly Duda, Highmark Residential

Bryce Heath, Bryce Heath, Real Floors

Kathy Hensley, Kathy Hensley, Greystar

Rachelle Hundley, Rachelle Hundley, Highmark Residential

Mark Ogier Mark Ogier

Renae Rodriguez, Renae Rodriguez, Highmark Residential

Lee Rogers, Lee Rogers, Asset Living

Joseph Rossenwasser, Joseph Rossenwasser, Meadows Wood Property Company

Jodi Sink, Jodi Sink, D.Sink Inc

Ashlee Partin, Ashlee Partin, DBK Construction

AAGO| 06 AAGO| 06

2025 PREMIER PARTNERS

AAGO| 07 AAGO| 07

R.I.S.E. COMMIT TEE

ARE YOU ARE YOU READY READY TO TO

R.I.S.E.?

R.I.S.E.?

R.I.S.E. R.I.S.E. MISSION MISSION

SCAN TO SCAN TO

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE AAGO| 08 AAGO| 08

At AAGO, At AAGO, We We are are Greater Greater Because We Because We R.I.S.E. R.I.S.E. Together Together REACH REACH

II

IMPACT IMPACT

SUPPORT SUPPORT

EMPOWER EMPOWER

Engage all Engage all members members

Create Create meaningful meaningful opportunities opportunities

Guide, mentor, Guide, mentor, & provide & provide access access

Equip & Equip & amplify amplify all voices all voices

RR

SS

EE

Welcome to All Our Q4 New Members New Community New Community & & Developer Developer Members Members Aston Square Aston Square 1500 Neo Landings Loop Kissimmee, FL 34744

Aventon Lake Aventon Lake Conway Conway 4741 Hoffner Avenue Orlando, FL 32812

Broad Oak Broad Oak Development Development 250 International Parkway Lake Mary, FL 32812

287 Units 287 Units

346 Units 346 Units

Champions Chase Champions Chase

EMBREY EMBREY

Ocoee Village Ocoee Village Townhomes Townhomes

1244 Eagle Branch Lane Davenport, FL 33896 64 Units 64 Units

7600 Broadway Suite 300 San Antonio, TX 78209

2028 Marigold Park Drive Ocoee, FL 34761

232 Units 232 Units

Paros Vineland Paros Vineland

Phoenix Orlando Phoenix Orlando

Sea Spray Sea Spray Apartments Apartments

1115 S Beach Circle Orlando, FL 32821

10801 Heather Ridge Circle Orlando, FL 32817

140 Cascade Terrace Daytona Beach, FL 32118

400 Units 400 Units

396 Units 396 Units

21 Units 21 Units

Sea View Sea View Apartments Apartments

Sutton Fields Sutton Fields

The Sea The Sea Glass Glass

100 Browning Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118

2350 North Narcoossee Road St. Cloud, FL 34771

141 Boynton Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32118

15 Units 15 Units

78 Units 78 Units

34 Units 34 Units

Valencia Isle Valencia Isle

Whispering Winds Whispering Winds Apartments Apartments

898 Valencia Isle Drive Orlando, FL 32825

119 Thomasson Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32117

60 Units 60 Units

20 Units 20 Units

AAGO| 09 AAGO| 09

New Supplier New Supplier Partner Partner Members Members A Painter's A Painter's Touch Touch Painting;Drone Pressure Washing;Pressure Washing/Ext. Building Cleaning;Waterproofing

Creative Walls Creative Walls and and Landscaping Landscaping

Airo Mechanical Airo Mechanical

Air Quality Service | Commercial Roofing & Indoor;Bathtub Repairs & Repair;Gutter Refinishing;Heating & Air Protection;Siding/Installation Conditioning Supplies/Parts;Mold Inspection Services

Far Out Far Out Solutions Solutions

Landscaping/Lawn Maintenance/Consulting;Law n/Shrub Spraying;Maintenance Repairs;Maintenance Supplies;Mulch

Software Solutions;Security Systems/Service, Installation & Monitoring;Cameras | CCTV;Access Control Systems;Multimedia Services

Kidd Roofing Kidd Roofing

Switch Phase Switch Phase Electrical Services Electrical Services LLC LLC

Commercial Roofing & Repair;Roofing Contractors/Consultants

Bigfoot Roofing Bigfoot Roofing & & Construction Construction

Electrical Supplies/Services

Conaway Capital Conaway Capital Construction, LLC Construction, LLC Construction;General Contractors

Full Pressure Full Pressure Powerwash Powerwash

GM Works GM Works LLC LLC

Pressure Washing/Ext. Building Cleaning

Painting;Cabinets | Kitchens | Baths;Cleaning Services;Maintenance Repairs

Terminix Commercial Terminix Commercial by by RentoKil RentoKil

Texacraft Texacraft

Terminix Commercial by RentoKil

Outdoor commercial furniture

VITAL SECURITY VITAL SECURITY AND AND INVESTIGATIONS INVESTIGATIONS Security Services/On-Site

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Q1 2026 EDUCATION CALENDAR FEBRUARY CONTINUED FEBRUARY CONTINUED

JANUARY JANUARY CERTFIED POOL OPERATOR

8-9 (CPO)- EN ESPAÑOL

OBJECTIONS IN 15 OVERCOMING 2026

18

FROM MIYA’S LAW TO OPEN CARRY: WHAT PROPERTY TEAMS MUST KNOW

19

EPA UNIVERSAL CERTIFICATION

21 THRIVING THROUGH

20 CAFFEINATED BY CREATIVITY

UNDERSTANDING LEASES, 27 ADDENDUMS & COMMON TERMINOLOGY

23 CAM CRAM

CHANGE

LOW GWP REFRIGERANT 29 A2L CERTIFICATION & HVAC TRAINING

26 FIRE WATCH CERTIFICATION

CLIFF NOTES COURSE FOR 30 A SUPPLIER SUCCESS

MARCH MARCH

FEBUARY FEBUARY

5

THE LEASING FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP

4-6 AMPLIFY YOUR VOICE: PUBLIC

11

EQ + IQ + CQ= EFFECTIVE CHANGE LEADERSHIP

SPEAKING & FACILIATION TRAINING

5

NAVIGATING CONCESSIONS AND PRICING STRATEGIES

10

HANDLING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

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Date, times, and instructors are subject to change for the full and most up-to-date education calendar, please visit: aago.org/events/education Webinar

AAGO INVESTS AAGO INVESTS IN IN THE THE FUTURE FUTURE OF OF MAINTENANCE EDUCATION MAINTENANCE EDUCATION TRANSFORMING HANDS-ON TRANSFORMING HANDS-ON TRAINING TRAINING FOR FOR FUTURE MAINTENANCE FUTURE MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS

By Monica Ramsey, Executive Vice President The Apartment Association of Greater Orlando

From foundational skills to advanced technical

(AAGO) is proud to announce an exciting renovation

training, the renovated Maintenance Training

of its Maintenance Training Center—an investment

Center will reflect AAGO’s ongoing

designed to elevate hands-on education and better

commitment to workforce development and

serve Central Florida’s multifamily maintenance

professional growth within the multifamily

professionals.

industry.

Beginning in December, the renovation will transform

The new space is anticipated to open in mid–

the existing space into a modern, enhanced training

Q1 2026, marking a major milestone in AAGO’s

environment built to support today’s evolving

mission to provide best-in-class education and

maintenance needs. The upgraded center will allow

resources for maintenance professionals across

AAGO to expand course offerings, improve hands-on

the region.

learning opportunities, and create a more immersive experience for technicians at every stage of their

More details will be shared as construction

career.

progresses—stay tuned for updates as AAGO builds the future of maintenance training.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2025 NAAEI DESIGNATES Ilusion Solomon, CAM

Gabriel Lugo, CAM

Liliana Rojas, CAM

Tegan Diemer, CAM

Maried Aleman, CAM

Heather Stallone, CAM

Holly Hartel, CAM

Noah Brice, CAM

Sarah Koch, CAM

Teresa Johnson, CAM

Kelley Rike, CAM Jasmine Hylick, CAM

Shoya Gayle, CAM Provisional

Danielisse De La Torre, CAM Shanna Wright, CAM Kevin Bonifacio, CAMT Gabriel ramos, CAMT Joshua Moore, CAMT Joshua Reyes, CAMT Rafael Morales Fernandez, CAMT Ildefonso Velez CAMT Unique Harrell, CAMT Adolfo Martinez, CAMT Richard Molock, CAMT Wilfredo Garcia Olavarria, CAMT Isaias Inoa, CAMT

George Speck, CAMT Luis Villasmil, CAMT John Hernandez, CAMT Robert Johnson, CAMT Jonovan Tirado, CAMT Clint Schlueter, CAMT Ramon Sanchez Ortega, CAMT

Margarita Archila, CAPS Genesis Rodriguez, CAPS Laura Vargas, CAPS Kimberly Dunbar, CAPS Lakecia Ridley, CAPS AAGO| 14 AAGO| 14

Q1 2026 EVENTS CALENDAR MARK YOUR CALENDARS, SO YOU DON'T MISS A THING JANUARY

MARCH

17 GOLDEN KEY AWARDS

13 2026 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

SOLD OUT

SUMMIT

FEBURARY

12 AAGO FOUNDATION

GOOD POUR: SIP & SHOP

Dates are subject to change. For more event details, please visit aago.org/events

AAGO| 17 AAGO| 17

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL

Golden Key Awards

SATURDAY

JANUARY 17

5:30PM - 10:00PM

ORLANDO WORLD CENTER MARRIOTT 8701 WORLD CENTER DRIVE ORLANDO, FL 32821

www.aago.org/events/2025gka www.aago.org/events/2025gka AAGO| 18 AAGO| 18

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOMINIEES

Individual Nominees

Aaron Webb Aaron Webb Adam Quintero Adam Quintero Adrian Daniels Adrian Daniels Alberto Figueroa Alberto Figueroa Aldo Rodriguez Aldo Rodriguez Alejandra Rubi Alejandra Rubi Alex Gardener Alex Gardener Alexandra Shulusky Alexandra Shulusky Alirio Segarra Alirio Segarra Allison Murrell Allison Murrell Alvaro Salazar Alvaro Salazar Amanda Johnson Amanda Johnson Ana Gonzalez Ana Gonzalez Ana Lugo Ana Lugo Ana Rivas Ana Rivas Ana Vazquez Ana Vazquez Andre Hartwell Andre Hartwell Andrea Hobbs Andrea Hobbs Angel Otero Angel Otero Angie Peralta Angie Peralta Anthony Camacho Anthony Camacho Anthony Hernandez Anthony Hernandez Antonio Alvarez Antonio Alvarez Gomez Gomez Aren Rogers Aren Rogers Aristoteles Rodriguez Aristoteles Rodriguez Ashlee Partin Ashlee Partin Baby Bras Baby Bras Belinda Sanchez Belinda Sanchez Brandy Lewis Brandy Lewis Bri Thompson Bri Thompson Carla Mardini Carla Mardini Carlos Reyes Carlos Reyes Carmen Rosario Carmen Rosario Carol Green Carol Green Casey Unger Casey Unger Catina Evans Catina Evans Cedtara Houston Cedtara Houston Chad Fernandes Chad Fernandes Cheyanne Swift Cheyanne Swift Chris Brown Chris Brown Christian Nova Christian Nova Christian Taboas Christian Taboas Christina Watts Christina Watts Christopher Costello Christopher Costello Christopher Haines Christopher Haines Christy Nunez Christy Nunez Cindy Steinmeyer Cindy Steinmeyer Cindya Roman Cindya Roman CitiTower CitiTower Dane Grubbs Dane Grubbs Daniel Camacho Daniel Camacho Daniel Hobson Daniel Hobson Daniel Sarria Daniel Sarria Danielle Combs Danielle Combs David Hernandez David Hernandez David Thomas David Thomas

Dayton Tirado Dayton Tirado Derrick Wilmeth Derrick Wilmeth Destiny White Destiny White Diana Ruiz Diana Ruiz Diane Martinez Diane Martinez Dominic Sinibaldi Dominic Sinibaldi Dra'Kara Tillman Dra'Kara Tillman Eddie Andino Eddie Andino Edward Velasquez Edward Velasquez Elaine Maldonado Elaine Maldonado Eliezer Lopez Eliezer Lopez Emely Estrella Emely Estrella Emilio Malave Emilio Malave Enrique Robinson Enrique Robinson Eric Sills Eric Sills Fernanda F. Fernanda F. Herrera Herrera Reyes Reyes Gamalier Maldonado Gamalier Maldonado Velez Velez Genesis Cartagena Genesis Cartagena Gigi Quinonez Gigi Quinonez Gio Ortiz Gio Ortiz Giovanna Perez Giovanna Perez Giovany Ortiz Giovany Ortiz Gladys Pacheco Gladys Pacheco Guillermo Marin Guillermo Marin Harold Cruz Harold Cruz Olivero Olivero Harry Olmeda Harry Olmeda Heather Gottlieb Heather Gottlieb Heather Stallone Heather Stallone Heaven Maldonado Heaven Maldonado Hector Hernandez Hector Hernandez Hector Hiraldo Hector Hiraldo Hector Motta Hector Motta Hollie McCall Hollie McCall Irene Rodriguez Irene Rodriguez Ivelis Rodriguez Ivelis Rodriguez Iveth Herrera Iveth Herrera Jade grabow Jade grabow James Currier James Currier James King James King James Walton James Walton Janelle Carabeo Janelle Carabeo Janet Jones Janet Jones Janna Freedy Janna Freedy Jason Ramos Jason Ramos Lopez Lopez Jefren Rodriguez Jefren Rodriguez Jennifer Campos Jennifer Campos Jennifer Izelle Jennifer Izelle Jennifer Ortiz Jennifer Ortiz Jesus Araiza Jesus Araiza Jesus Ozoria Jesus Ozoria Jiovanna Duran Jiovanna Duran Joel Baez Joel Baez Jon Chapman Jon Chapman Jose Antonio Jose Antonio Gracia Gracia Rivera Rivera Jose de Jose de los los Santos Santos Jose Ortiz Jose Ortiz

Jose Antonio Jose Antonio Gracia Gracia Rivera Rivera Jose de Jose de los los Santos Santos Jose Ortiz Jose Ortiz Jose Soto Jose Soto Joseph De Joseph De La La Cruz Cruz Joseph Perry Joseph Perry Joy Beaumont Joy Beaumont Julia E. Julia E. Miranda Miranda Albert Albert Julian Valencia Julian Valencia Julissa Felix Julissa Felix Justin Coble Justin Coble Kara Young Kara Young Kate Cawthon Kate Cawthon Kayla Barber Kayla Barber Kelley Rike Kelley Rike Kevin Bonifacio Kevin Bonifacio Kim Polito Kim Polito Lacey Chenaille Lacey Chenaille Lain Mejia Lain Mejia Laura Sawhill Laura Sawhill Lee Devonish Lee Devonish Linda Thompson Linda Thompson Lisa Fiumara Lisa Fiumara Lisha Ceballo Lisha Ceballo Lucas D. Lucas D. Lopez Lopez Lucas Lopez Lucas Lopez Luis Cuervo Luis Cuervo Luis Torres Luis Torres Santel Santel Luis Vargas Luis Vargas Lyraine Valdez Lyraine Valdez Maddie Ramsli Maddie Ramsli Madison Rodgers Madison Rodgers Maia Arocho Maia Arocho Maria Sanchez Maria Sanchez Marisa Vasquez Marisa Vasquez Marisol Osorio Marisol Osorio Melissa Brown Melissa Brown Michael Figueira Michael Figueira Michael Figueira Michael Figueira Michael Rodriguez Michael Rodriguez Michael Scofield Michael Scofield Michelle Borges Michelle Borges Michelle Lebron Michelle Lebron Michelle Rentas Michelle Rentas Miguel Marrero Miguel Marrero Miguel Palou Miguel Palou Mireya "Zoe" Mireya "Zoe" Moreno Moreno Moises Rivas Moises Rivas Naesha Mitchell Naesha Mitchell Nancy Almonte Nancy Almonte Nancy Simone Nancy Simone Nasaya Henriquez Nasaya Henriquez Natacha Santos Natacha Santos Natalie Diaz-Dones Natalie Diaz-Dones Nathan Detweiler Nathan Detweiler Nick Cepeda Nick Cepeda

Nicole Johns Nicole Johns Nicole Lobelo Nicole Lobelo Nigoberto 'Nick' Nigoberto 'Nick' Vargas Vargas Ninoska Petit Ninoska Petit Norma Baez Norma Baez Octavia Jackson Octavia Jackson Omar Estrada-Rivera Omar Estrada-Rivera Orlando Medina Orlando Medina Orlando Morales Orlando Morales Osilton Alves Osilton Alves Pedro Corona Pedro Corona Portia Garrett Portia Garrett Priscilla Hidalgo Priscilla Hidalgo Ramon Guzman Ramon Guzman Randy Fundora Randy Fundora Castro Castro Rebecca Coleman Rebecca Coleman Reinaldo Rodriguez Reinaldo Rodriguez Lorenzo Lorenzo Reyinaldo Ramos Reyinaldo Ramos Riley Salinas Riley Salinas Rodger Marty Rodger Marty Russ Wasendorf Russ Wasendorf Ruth Quinones Ruth Quinones Ryan Grail Ryan Grail Santiago Garcia Santiago Garcia Santrez George Santrez George Sarah Koch Sarah Koch Sarah Mena Sarah Mena Sawsan Baker-Tatum Sawsan Baker-Tatum Shannon Obsaint Shannon Obsaint Shannon Piedrahita Shannon Piedrahita Shelby Deluccia Shelby Deluccia Stephen Castro Stephen Castro Stephen Galcaren Stephen Galcaren Steve Burch Steve Burch Steven Solomon Steven Solomon Sylvia Ferazzoli Sylvia Ferazzoli Tairia Caraballo Tairia Caraballo Tanya Costa Tanya Costa Thalia Quintero Thalia Quintero Tiana Jones Tiana Jones Tracey Whitson Tracey Whitson Travon Glover Travon Glover Ty Jackson Ty Jackson Valeria Chimdemi Valeria Chimdemi Valeria Escobar Valeria Escobar Valerie Aponte Valerie Aponte Vicky Morales Vicky Morales Whitney Louden Whitney Louden William Thurmer William Thurmer Yessenia Rodriguez Yessenia Rodriguez Yillah (Gigi) Yillah (Gigi) Candelario Candelario Yuderki Viamonte Yuderki Viamonte Yully Rojas Yully Rojas

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NOMINIEES

Team Nominees Massey Services, Massey Services, Inc. Inc.

Alta Longwood Alta Longwood

Solaya Solaya

Citi Tower Citi Tower

Trelago Apartments Trelago Apartments

Heron Ridge Heron Ridge Apartments Apartments Panther Management Panther Management

The Grove The Grove at at Clermont Clermont Apex Apopka Apex Apopka

Dream Live Dream Live Prosper Prosper Communities Communities

Cortland Mirror Cortland Mirror Lake Lake

Homestead at Homestead at Hamlin Hamlin

Park Central Park Central Apartments Apartments The Lodge The Lodge at at Hamlin Hamlin Aqua at Aqua at Millenia Millenia

Cortland Uptown Cortland Uptown Altamonte Altamonte Infield Infield

PetScreening PetScreening

The Lucent The Lucent at at Sunrise Sunrise Arcadia Dr. Arcadia Dr. Phillips Phillips

DBK Construction DBK Construction & & Services Services Klara Klara

Reef at Reef at Rivera Rivera

The Parks The Parks at at Hunter's Hunter's Creer Creer Artisent Floors Artisent Floors

Delamarre at Delamarre at Celebration Celebration Maitland City Maitland City Centre Centre Solara Apartments Solara Apartments

The Village The Village at at Lake Lake Lily Lily

Ashton Square Ashton Square Luxury Luxury Apartments Apartments Dream Kissimmee Dream Kissimmee

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Atruim Management Atruim Management Company Company Messina by Messina by the the Lake Lake

Studio 22 Studio 22 Productions Productions Urbana Urbana

Bainbridge The Bainbridge The Grand Grand

Encore Metro Encore Metro at at Millenia Millenia Mill Stacks Mill Stacks Apartments Apartments Sur Lake Sur Lake Buena Buena Vista Vista Vue at Vue at the the Ridge Ridge

Bainbridge Winter Bainbridge Winter Park Park

Greystar Management Greystar Management Services Services Minneola Hills Minneola Hills Apartments Apartments

The Alexander The Alexander at at Sabal Sabal Point Point Windermere Cay Windermere Cay

Birchstone Waterleigh Birchstone Waterleigh Halston Citrus Halston Citrus Ridge Ridge

Ocoee Village Ocoee Village Townhomes Townhomes The Allen The Allen Apartments Apartments

Burano Hunters Burano Hunters Creek Creek Halston Four Halston Four Corners Corners

Osprey Park Osprey Park Apartments Apartments

The BainBridge The BainBridge Companies Companies Chapel Trace Chapel Trace Apartments Apartments

Halston Waterleigh Halston Waterleigh

Palm Crossing Palm Crossing Apartments Apartments The Debra The Debra at at Metrowest Metrowest

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

Summit

03

13

2026

Orlando Marriott Lake Mary 1501 International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL. 32746

9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Inspiring Women, Cultivating Confidence & Creating Leaders

REGISTER TODAY!

www.aago.org/events/2026wls www.aago.org/events/2026wls AAGO| 21 AAGO| 21

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2026 EVENTS CALENDAR

January 17

February 12

February 17

March 13

2025 Golden Key Awards

Good Pour Event (AAGO Foundation)

Q1 Supplier Partner Breakfast

Women's Leadership Summit

April 28

May 8

May 19

July 14

2026 Around the World Trade Show

Kendra Scott Give Back Event

Supplier Summit

Business Exchange

(AAGO Foundation)

August 4

August 18

September 15

September

Rock N Bowl (AAGO Foundation)

Q3 Supplier Partner Breakfast

Supplier Roundtable

Boots, Bling & BBQ

October 21

November

November

17

18

Maintenance Appreciation

Q4 Supplier Partner Breakfast

Thanks For Giving Luncheon

17 (APAC Fundraiser)

(AAGO Foundation)

January January 16, 2027 16, 2027

Golden Key Awards

AAGO| 23 AAGO| 23

2025 BOOTS, BLING, & BBQ

AAGO| 24 AAGO| 24

Photos provided by:

AAGO| 25 AAGO| 25

MAINTENANCE APPRECIATION

AAGO| 26 AAGO| 26

AAGO| 27 AAGO| 27

EMPOWERING ADVOCACY FOR FLORIDA'S APARTMENT INDUSTRY Support and help elect state and local candidates who champion the Florida apartment industry’s interests, issues, and initiatives

ADVOCACY SUCCESS Empowers us to influence key policy decisions that impact the industry.

LOCAL IMPACT

Supports candidates in Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, and Volusia counties.

CONNECTIONS ARE KEY

Fosters relationships to protect, promote, and defend our industry's interests.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Contribute to APAC by scanning the QR code. Your investment makes a difference in building critical industry relationships.

AAGO| 28 AAGO| 28

FLORIDA LANDLORDS SCORE A WIN ON ARBITRATION ENFORCEMENT: MID-AMERICAAPARTMENTS V. TRACZ (FLA. 2D DCA SEPT. 12, 2025) Written by Written

by Kevin Kevin Knight Knight OVERVIEW

1.Whether a valid written arbitration agreement exists;

In a significant decision for Florida landlords, the Second District Court of Appeal in Mid-America Apartments, Ltd. v. Tracz, Case No. 2D2024-1849 (Fla. 2d DCA Sept. 12, 2025), reversed a trial court’s denial of a motion to compel arbitration. The appellate court held that a broad arbitration clause contained in a residential lease unambiguously required arbitration of the tenant’s personalinjury negligence claims. This ruling reinforces that clearly drafted arbitration provisions—particularly those covering “all claims arising from or relating to the lease, the apartment, the property, or use of the premises”—will be enforced according to their plain terms.

2.Whether an arbitrable issue exists; and

FACTUAL BACKGROUND Tenant Joshua Tracz entered into a residential lease with MidAmerica Apartments in 2020. The lease contained an extensive arbitration provision requiring that “all claims that arise between you and landlord will be resolved through binding arbitration,” and specifically included claims “arising in contract, tort (including personal injury, death, or damage to property) or otherwise.”

Importantly, the lease provided that only “Excluded Claims”—namely, small claims actions and eviction/possession proceedings—could be brought in court. Both parties retained the option to opt out of arbitration, but neither exercised that right.

The lease also defined “Property” broadly as the entire apartment complex, including the residential unit and any “additional rentable items,” such as a boat slip. In 2023, Mr. Tracz sued the landlord entities for negligence, alleging that while attempting to move his boat from a slip where the landlord had relocated it for repairs, he was injured when he tried to fix a mechanical boat-lift motor. Each count of his complaint asserted premises liability against a different Mid-America entity.

The landlords moved to compel arbitration based on the lease agreement. The trial court denied the motion, finding that “there is no arbitrable issue as there was no nexus between the dispute and the contract containing the arbitration clause.” The landlords appealed.

APPELLATE ANALYSIS The Second DCA reviewed the matter de novo, applying the threepart test established in Seifert v. U.S. Home Corp., 750 So. 2d 633 (Fla. 1999):

3.Whether the right to arbitrate was waived.

The court concluded all three factors favored arbitration. The lease clearly contained a valid arbitration clause, the dispute fell within the scope of covered claims, and no waiver had occurred.

Judge Khouzam, writing for a unanimous panel, emphasized that the lease’s language expressly encompassed future personal-injury claims “arising from or relating to the lease or the tenant’s use of the Property.” The court noted that Mr. Tracz’s complaint alleged he was a tenant injured on the leased premises while handling the landlord’s equipment related to his rented boat slip—squarely within the clause’s reach.

Citing its own recent precedent in Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. v. Gonzalez, 406 So. 3d 362 (Fla. 2d DCA 2025), the court reiterated that such broad arbitration clauses covering “claims arising from or related to the use of common areas” leave no ambiguity: personal-injury and tort claims connected to a tenant’s use of the property are arbitrable.

Because the lease’s definition of “Claim” was explicit and comprehensive, there was no need to apply the “significant relationship” or “contractual nexus” test. The appellate court reversed the trial court’s order and remanded with directions to compel arbitration.

IMPLICATIONS FOR FLORIDA LANDLORDS This decision provides strong appellate authority confirming that broad arbitration clauses in residential leases are enforceable, even for tort-based or personal-injury claims arising from a tenant’s use of the leased property.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Broad Drafting Matters: The court enforced the clause as written because it covered “any claim, dispute, action, proceeding, or controversy of every kind and nature … arising from or relating to your lease or use of the property.” Landlords using similar language can ensure that nearly all tenant disputes —contractual or tort-based—will proceed in arbitration.

Explicit Exclusions Are Enforced: The lease specifically excluded only small-claims actions and eviction proceedings.

This helped demonstrate that the parties intended arbitration to govern all other disputes.

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Arbitration Clauses Cover Personal-Injury Claims: Even where the tenant sues for negligence or premises liability, if the alleged injury arises from the use of the leased premises, the claim falls within the arbitration clause.

Consistency with FAA and Florida Law: Because the lease expressly invoked the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA), federal law preempts conflicting state procedural limitations. Florida courts continue to favor arbitration where the agreement’s language is unambiguous.

CONCLUSION Mid-America Apartments v. Tracz is a reminder that wellcrafted lease language can dramatically reduce litigation exposure. By ensuring that all disputes—including negligence or personal-injury claims—are subject to binding arbitration, landlords can avoid jury trials, limit discovery costs, and maintain greater predictability in dispute resolution.

For residential landlords across Florida, this case underscores the importance of: Reviewing and updating lease templates to include comprehensive arbitration clauses referencing the FAA; Ensuring tenants are clearly advised of their right to opt out (and documenting that no opt-out occurred); and Limiting excluded claims to only those required by statute (such as eviction actions).

In sum, the Second DCA’s decision reaffirms that when arbitration clauses are drafted with precision and clarity, Florida courts will enforce them—providing landlords a powerful tool to resolve disputes efficiently, privately, and on predictable terms.

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