ASSOCIATION DEADLINE PERTAINING TO FIRE SPRINKLERS
Jason B. Goldman • February 8, 2016
Important notice for Charlotte County condominiums and Charlotte County cooperative associations.
A deadline is rapidly approaching regarding a condominium or cooperative association’s need to install a fire sprinkler system. If a condominium was constructed without a fire sprinkler system and the unit owners have not elected to forego retrofitting, then the condominium association must retrofit the building with a fire sprinkler system that is code compliant no later than January 1, 2020. The vote to forego retrofitting if the association is not in compliance with the requirements for a fire sprinkler system is December 31, 2016. By that date, the association must initiate an application for a building permit for the required installation with the local government authority having jurisdiction over same demonstrating the association will be compliant by January 1, 2020.
Section 718.112(2)(l) of the Florida Statutes outlines the procedure for condominium associations to forego the retrofitting requirement.
- Vote to forego retrofitting may be obtained by limited proxy or by a ballot personally cast at a duly called membership meeting, or by execution of a written consent by the member, and is effective upon recording a certificate of attesting to such vote in the public records of the county where the association is located. A majority of all voting interests of the association must affirmatively vote in favor of opting out of the retrofitting requirements.The association shall mail or hand deliver to each unit owner written notice at least fourteen (14) days before the membership meeting at which the vote to forego retrofitting of the required fire sprinkler system is to take place.Within thirty (30) days after the association’s opt out vote notice of the results of the opt out vote must be mailed or hand delivered to all of the unit owners.Evidence of compliance with this notice requirement must be made by affidavit executed by the person providing the notice and filed among the official records of the association.
- After notice is provided to each owner, a copy must be provided by the current owner to a new owner before closing by a unit to a renter before signing a lease.
- If there has been a previous vote to forego retrofitting, a vote to require retrofitting may be obtained at a special meeting of the unit owners called by a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the voting interests. Such a vote may only be called once every three (3) years. Notice shall be provided as required for any regular called meeting of unit owners and must state the purpose of the meeting. An electronic transmission may now be used to provide notice of a meeting called in whole or in part for this purpose.
- If the association votes to forego retrofitting of the common elements for the fire sprinkler system within sixty (60) days from recording the certificate it must report the voting results and certificate information to the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation provides Form CO 6000-8 for this purpose.
- If the association does not waive retrofitting requirements, it must report the per unit cost of the retrofitting to the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominium and Mobile Homes. Retrofitting information is collected by the Division is then reported to the State Fire Marshall on an annual basis.
Similar provisions for cooperative associations are provided in Florida Statute §719.1055(5). However, the deadline to become compliant if a vote to vote to opt out of the retrofitting requirement is December 31, 2019, as opposed to the January 1, 2020 date for condominium associations. Also, the form for retrofitting report for cooperatives provided by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is found at Form CP 6000-1.
Please note there is not a distinction in Florida Statute §719.1055 for mobile home cooperatives as opposed to high rise cooperatives. Therefore, cooperative associations should seriously consider either compliance with the installation of a fire sprinkler system or voting to opt out of the retrofitting requirement.
As to both condominium and cooperative associations the decision to vote to forego retrofitting should be carefully considered. In addition to the obvious fire hazard and safety risks, the association’s insurance premiums could be affected by the decision to forego retrofitting.
This blog entry is general in nature and should not be substituted for obtaining the advice of association’s counsel regarding retrofitting and the potential vote to opt out of same.
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Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, connection, and shared experiences. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a night out, or a special event with friends, February 14 often brings an increase in travel, dining, and social gatherings throughout Charlotte County. While the focus is on celebration, Valentine’s Day also tends to bring a rise in accidents and injuries. Being aware of common risks can help you enjoy the holiday safely — and understand your options if something goes wrong. Increased Driving Means Increased Risk Valentine’s Day often means more drivers on the road, particularly during evening hours. Busy intersections, unfamiliar routes, and distracted driving can contribute to accidents. Common Valentine’s Day–related driving risks include: Rear-end collisions during peak dinner hours Distracted driving caused by phones or navigation apps Impaired driving following celebrations If you’re injured in a car accident, understanding your rights under Florida law is critical — especially when fault or insurance coverage is disputed. Dining Out and Premises Liability Concerns Restaurants, bars, and event venues are often packed on Valentine’s Day. Crowded spaces and rushed service can lead to hazards such as: Slippery floors Poor lighting Obstructed walkways Property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. When injuries occur due to unsafe conditions, liability may rest with the business or property owner. Alcohol-Related Incidents Alcohol is commonly part of Valentine’s Day celebrations, which can increase the likelihood of: Drunk driving accidents Falls or injuries at venues Altercations resulting in injury Victims injured by an impaired driver or negligent party may have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Hotel and Short-Term Rental Injuries Many couples choose hotels or short-term rentals for Valentine’s Day getaways. These properties must meet safety standards, including: Secure railings and staircases Proper lighting Well-maintained amenities Injuries caused by unsafe conditions may fall under premises liability, depending on the circumstances. What to Do If You’re Injured on Valentine’s Day If an accident happens, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights: Seek medical attention immediately Report the incident to the appropriate party Document the scene and gather witness information Avoid discussing fault before speaking with an attorney Protecting Your Rights Matters Valentine’s Day should be about making memories, not dealing with unexpected injuries. Unfortunately, accidents don’t take holidays off. When injuries occur due to someone else’s negligence, knowing your rights can make a meaningful difference in your recovery. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident this Valentine’s Day season, the attorneys at GTS Law Firm are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
As 2026 approaches , many Charlotte County residents are thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and long-term planning. While updating calendars and resolutions is common this time of year, reviewing your homeowner’s liability coverage is an important step that often gets overlooked. Even in close-knit communities like ours, accidents can happen and without adequate coverage, a single incident could have lasting financial and legal consequences. Understanding Liability Coverage in Homeowners Insurance Most homeowners’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage designed to help protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else’s property. This may include coverage for medical expenses, legal defense costs, and potential settlements. However, many standard policies have limits that may not align with today’s rising medical costs, legal expenses, and settlement amounts, especially as we head into 2026. Why Standard Coverage May Not Be Enough in 2026 As lifestyles evolve and homes become more multifunctional, liability risks continue to grow. Some common scenarios include: Rising Medical Costs Injury-related medical expenses have increased steadily, and even a seemingly minor accident can result in bills that exceed basic policy limits. Increased Legal Exposure Lawsuits related to slip-and-fall accidents, guest injuries, or property conditions can quickly escalate. Legal defense costs alone may strain limited coverage. Pools, Docks, and Outdoor Living Spaces Charlotte County’s outdoor lifestyle often includes pools, docks, patios, and water features: all of which can increase liability exposure if someone is injured. Activity Beyond the Home Certain incidents that occur away from your property may not be fully covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, leaving gaps in protection. Additional Coverage Options to Consider To strengthen protection going into 2026, homeowners often explore: Umbrella Liability Policies These policies provide an extra layer of protection above standard limits, offering broader coverage at a relatively affordable cost. Expanded Coverage for Secondary or Rental Properties If you own a vacation home, rental property, or short-term rental, standard homeowners’ coverage may not apply — making supplemental liability coverage essential. Scheduled Coverage for High-Value Assets Items such as collectibles, tools, or specialty equipment may require additional protection beyond standard policy limits. Why This Matters for Charlotte County Residents From waterfront properties and seasonal visitors to year-round outdoor activities, Charlotte County presents unique liability considerations. Preparing now allows homeowners to move into 2026 with confidence, knowing they are protected against unexpected claims. Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind Reviewing your liability coverage isn’t just about insurance — it’s about protecting your financial security and your future. Taking proactive steps today can help prevent legal and financial stress tomorrow. At GTS Law Firm, we regularly help Charlotte County residents navigate liability issues and understand how insurance coverage and personal injury law intersect. If you have questions about liability exposure or find yourself facing a claim, our team is here to help. As we move into 2026, a little preparation can go a long way toward peace of mind.
As 2026 approaches , many Charlotte County residents are thinking about fresh starts, new goals, and long-term planning. While updating calendars and resolutions is common this time of year, reviewing your homeowner’s liability coverage is an important step that often gets overlooked. Even in close-knit communities like ours, accidents can happen and without adequate coverage, a single incident could have lasting financial and legal consequences. Understanding Liability Coverage in Homeowners Insurance Most homeowners’ insurance policies include personal liability coverage designed to help protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else’s property. This may include coverage for medical expenses, legal defense costs, and potential settlements. However, many standard policies have limits that may not align with today’s rising medical costs, legal expenses, and settlement amounts, especially as we head into 2026. Why Standard Coverage May Not Be Enough in 2026 As lifestyles evolve and homes become more multifunctional, liability risks continue to grow. Some common scenarios include: Rising Medical Costs Injury-related medical expenses have increased steadily, and even a seemingly minor accident can result in bills that exceed basic policy limits. Increased Legal Exposure Lawsuits related to slip-and-fall accidents, guest injuries, or property conditions can quickly escalate. Legal defense costs alone may strain limited coverage. Pools, Docks, and Outdoor Living Spaces Charlotte County’s outdoor lifestyle often includes pools, docks, patios, and water features: all of which can increase liability exposure if someone is injured. Activity Beyond the Home Certain incidents that occur away from your property may not be fully covered under a standard homeowner’s policy, leaving gaps in protection. Additional Coverage Options to Consider To strengthen protection going into 2026, homeowners often explore: Umbrella Liability Policies These policies provide an extra layer of protection above standard limits, offering broader coverage at a relatively affordable cost. Expanded Coverage for Secondary or Rental Properties If you own a vacation home, rental property, or short-term rental, standard homeowners’ coverage may not apply — making supplemental liability coverage essential. Scheduled Coverage for High-Value Assets Items such as collectibles, tools, or specialty equipment may require additional protection beyond standard policy limits. Why This Matters for Charlotte County Residents From waterfront properties and seasonal visitors to year-round outdoor activities, Charlotte County presents unique liability considerations. Preparing now allows homeowners to move into 2026 with confidence, knowing they are protected against unexpected claims. Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind Reviewing your liability coverage isn’t just about insurance — it’s about protecting your financial security and your future. Taking proactive steps today can help prevent legal and financial stress tomorrow. At GTS Law Firm, we regularly help Charlotte County residents navigate liability issues and understand how insurance coverage and personal injury law intersect. If you have questions about liability exposure or find yourself facing a claim, our team is here to help. As we move into 2026, a little preparation can go a long way toward peace of mind.
The New Year is a time for fresh starts, celebrations, and setting goals for the months ahead. While ringing in the new year should be fun and memorable, it’s also one of the times when accidents, injuries, and legal issues are more likely to occur. Taking a few proactive steps can help ensure your celebration ends on a positive note. Here are some important New Year’s safety tips for residents and visitors throughout Charlotte County. Celebrate Responsibly on the Roads New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day consistently see an increase in impaired driving incidents. Even one poor decision behind the wheel can lead to life-altering consequences. If you plan to celebrate: Arrange a designated driver ahead of time Use a rideshare service or taxi Stay overnight if alcohol will be involved If you encounter a driver who appears impaired, keep your distance and contact local authorities when it is safe to do so. Be Cautious at Parties and Events Large gatherings can bring excitement and risk. Slips, falls, and other injuries are common at crowded celebrations. To reduce risks: Keep walkways clear and well-lit Monitor alcohol consumption Address spills immediately Ensure outdoor areas are safe and free of hazards Property owners and hosts should remember that they may have a responsibility to keep guests reasonably safe. Fireworks and Fire Safety Matter While fireworks are festive, they are also one of the leading causes of holiday injuries. If fireworks are permitted: Follow local Charlotte County regulations Never allow children to handle fireworks Keep a safe distance and fire extinguisher nearby Better yet, consider attending a professional fireworks display rather than lighting your own. Stay Alert Around Water Charlotte County’s waterways remain active year-round. Cooler temperatures don’t eliminate boating or dock-related risks. Avoid alcohol while boating Wear life jackets when appropriate Watch footing on docks and seawalls Water-related injuries can happen quickly, especially during celebrations. Don’t Ignore Injuries or Incidents If an accident occurs: Seek medical attention immediately Document what happened if possible Report the incident when appropriate Prompt action protects both your health and your legal rights. Start the Year Protected The New Year is about moving forward, not dealing with preventable legal challenges. Staying alert, planning, and making safe choices can help you and your loved ones begin the year with confidence. If you or someone you care about is injured due to another party’s negligence, understanding your rights is an important step toward recovery. GTS Law Firm is proud to serve Charlotte County and remains committed to helping individuals navigate difficult situations with clarity and care. Here’s to a safe, healthy, and successful New Year.