Q What is a Committee and how is it organized?
A A committee is a group of board members, unit owners, or board members and unit
owners appointed by the board to make recommendations to the board or take action on
behalf of the board.
Q Does the Florida Sunshine Law apply to associations?
A No! The Florida Sunshine Law is in FS 286.011 and mandates that government meetings
be open to the citizens and the public. It does not address associations.
Q Since the Sunshine Laws do not apply to associations, can the boards meet in private?
A There are two answers for this question. Yes and no! What determines the
"no" is the word quorum. Condominiums have statutes that state that any
quorum of directors meet to discuss association business, it is considered a meeting, and
the board of directors must comply with meeting notices which is 48 hours advance posted
notice. When board members get together but there is not a quorum they can meet and
discuss business, talk on the telephone, email each other and meet and discuss business
with the manager as long as there is not a quorum present. Or, if at a social event /
party or at the swimming pool, etc., they can attend even with a quorum as long as they do
not discuss association business.
Q Are Board Meetings required to be open to the unit owners?
A Yes. A notice must be posted on the condominium property at least 48 hours in advance
of the meeting and incorporate an identification of agenda items.
Q Are Unit Owners permitted to attend and speak at board meetings?
A Yes. As stated above all board meetings are open to the unit owners and the board is
required to set aside time on the agenda for comments from the unit owners.
Q What is my voting rights in the condominium association?
A One designated owner can vote per unit on voting matters at the unit owners meetings.
The Board of Directors elected by the unit owners runs the day to day business of the
association.
Q Do I have to get board approval to install Hurricane Shutters?
A. The board is required to adopt hurricane shutter specifications, which comply with
the applicable building code. The board is required to approve the installation of
shutters that comply with the specifications adopted. Such installation of shutters is not
to be considered a material alteration of the common elements. You are required however to
submit a request to the Board for approval.
Q What restrictions exist on my right to use my unit?
A The unit shall be used for only single family residence and for no other purpose. No
separate part of the unit may be rented.
Q Are pets allowed?
A The only pets permissible in the condominium shall be household pets and shall be
kept in the units. Any time the pets are taken outside the units, the pets shall be kept
on a leash. Renters are not permitted to have pets.
Q What restrictions exist on the renting of my unit?
A Leases are for a minimum of (1) one month. All renters must report to the office and
complete an information sheet. Owners are required to furnish renters with a copy of the
condominium rules and regulations.
Q The Declaration of Condominium of Hutchinson House refers to a UNIT. What is a UNIT?
A The unit or also called apartment is a part of the condominium property which is to
be subject to private ownership and shall include all portions of the condominium
property exclusive of the common elements.
Q What is a COMMON ELEMENT?
A All the structure elements, including the perimeter walls, supports, slabs and where
there is attached to a building a balcony, loggia, terrace, canopy or other part of the
building serving only the unit being bounded are considered common elements whose use
shall be confined strictly to the owner of each condominium unit.
Q Can I alter or improve the common element?
A There shall be no alteration of the common elements or further improvement of the
heretofore described property without prior approval of the Board of Directors of the
Association. The Declaration of Condominium of Hutchinson House East and West
paragraph VII. B. 5. outlines these rules and regulations.
Q What about the Maintenance of my unit?
A The unit owner shall maintain, repair and replace at his expense all portions of the
unit. All such work shall be done at reasonable business hours without disturbing the
rights of other unit owners. The screens and windows of the units must be maintained and
replaced in such a manner and with such materials as to conform with the remainder of such
facilities in the apartment buildings".
Q What are the Condominium Association Documents?
A During the process of purchasing your unit at Hutchinson House you should have been
given a copy of the Hutchinson House Condominium Documents. The realtors normally advise
that prospective owners review these documents before they purchase the unit. Within these
documents are the rules and regulations of Hutchinson House, which must be followed by all
unit owners, living at Hutchinson House. If you do not have a copy of the Hutchinson House
Condominium Documents please see our Manager for a copy.
It's best to review your Condominium Documents and the Association Rules and
Regulations before beginning any major work in your apartment. If you have questions
please contact our Manager.
