The board fined me and I think it's wrong
You were fined, and either the process was skipped or the fine breaks the statutory caps. Here is the path Florida owners generally follow, one step at a time. You decide which steps to take.
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1
Demand the hearing before the committee
Before a fine can stand, the law requires written notice and a hearing before an independent committee of members who are not on the board. Request that hearing in writing.
If the committee never met, or was not truly independent, the fine likely was not validly imposed. Move to the dispute letter.
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2
Dispute the fine in writing
Lay out, in writing, which step was skipped or which cap the fine exceeds (the per-violation and aggregate caps are in the guide). Ask the board to rescind it.
If the board will not back down, escalate. The route differs for an HOA and a condo.
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3
Escalate
An HOA fine under the aggregate cap cannot become a lien. If the dispute is unresolved, offer pre-suit mediation. Only a fine at or above the lien threshold can start a lien, and that is the point to bring in an attorney.
If the association threatens a lien over a large fine, stop here and talk to a Florida attorney.
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1
Demand the hearing before the committee
Before a fine can stand, the law requires written notice and a hearing before an independent committee of members who are not on the board. Request that hearing in writing.
If the committee never met, or was not truly independent, the fine likely was not validly imposed. Move to the dispute letter.
-
2
Dispute the fine in writing
Lay out, in writing, which step was skipped or which cap the fine exceeds (the per-violation and aggregate caps are in the guide). Ask the board to rescind it.
If the board will not back down, escalate. The route differs for an HOA and a condo.
-
3
Escalate
A condominium fine can never become a lien, so a fine is not a foreclosure threat. Take an unresolved fine dispute to the DBPR.
This is usually the end of a condo fine ladder.
Every letter here is free
Open any step above, fill the letter in yourself, and send it. Start with the first one.
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