condo association websites SUBMITTED BY MELODY FRITZ, NABR NETWORK
REQUIREMEN
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THE NEW FLORIDA SUNSHINE LAW WEBSITE REQUIREMENT OFFERS YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO BOOST EFFICIENCY AND OWNER SATISFACTION IN YOUR CONDO ASSOCIATIONS
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n June 26, 2017, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill into law that requires condominium associations with 150 units or more to have a website where digital copies of official records are stored. The new law – HB 1237 – known as the Sunshine Law or Florida’s Condominium Act, is effective as of July 1, 2017. The provision requiring websites will be effective on July 1, 2018. This means Associations have until July 1, 2018 to ensure that their new or existing websites are compliant with the new law. It is important to note that the law requires that these websites contain specific features to meet the legally required criteria. Documents such as Declarations, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and all Amendments must be available on the website. Meeting notices and agendas must be posted no later than 14 days before Association meetings. But, why stop there? Capitalize on this opportunity to advance Association communication and implement time-saving automation and accessibility features. 16
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“The Sunshine Law is all about transparency and accountability,” said James Garner, Nabr Network Vice President. “Associations can use this as springboard to improve communications with their residents – as many associations and management companies have already done. Rather than settling on a site that meets the bare minimum standards, these associations saw this as an opportunity to select a web platform that improves business operations and fosters community engagement.” Here’s a checklist of features that will make the most of your required condo websites: 1. Security is paramount. Security is on everyone’s mind these days. Your website must offer security measures to protect member data. 2. Mobile optimization is a must. Today’s websites must work with whatever device they are viewed on. A great website looks and functions equally well on desktop and mobile. The