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From the President

President’s Message

Greetings Everyone,

Needless to say, these are difficult and troubling times. Florida is reeling from this pandemic.  Statistically you all have done a great job in keeping the spread of this virus in our communities very low. Please remain safe and vigilant.

At FMO we too are feeling the effects.  Our Canadian residents are in limbo and the borders are currently closed.  Our membership drive started out on a record setting pace in January and February and then came the shutdowns.  FMO needs your assistance in making sure your neighbors are renewing their membership or joining us.  The prizes are still being awarded and we have extended the program at least through March 2021.

Recently we put out a WATCHDOG bulletin to our HOA’s that have questioned how to have meetings and elections.  Although Chapter 723 does not authorize Emergency Provisions the Corporate Laws Chapter 617 and 607 do.  Most HOA’s are incorporated under these laws.  Once an emergency is declared it provides for the establishment of Emergency Bylaws.  Read the law relating to your HOA and make the necessary emergency changes.  Note they are only in effect during the Emergency.

This will be on our Legislative agenda for 2021 along with the extension of the Tie-Down program. Please forward any other suggestions to Director Jesse James, Chairman of the PAC Committee (Political Advocacy Committee).  August is the month of primaries and to get to know the candidates in your area.  The PAC Committee has received a survey from candidates in both the Senate and House and after the primaries will make endorsements for supporting a Legislative slate.

The Education committee is also putting together an aggressive set of Educational opportunities for our members.  These will all be done through electronic means, webinars, meetings and videos.  The topics include Board Training, Park Rep Training, The Consolidated Legal Fund and HOA bookkeeping.  Please let us know if you have other ideas for education.

Finally, FMO like all other organizations are suffering from revenue losses. We have applied to the SBA for the Payroll Protection Program and have been tentatively approved for a loan. The next step would be to apply for the forgiveness of that loan.  Even with the loan we are projecting a serious shortfall in our cash flow for 2020.  We are working to possibly restructure our organization to meet the future challenges.  Stay tuned.      

THE BOTTOM LINE IS WE NEED YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBOR!

Be safe, Jerry Durham