Real Estate
Sometimes commercial and residential real estate deals seem to move smoothly and easily on the surface, but often there is an attorney paddling away underneath to get the deal done. Our real estate team is experienced with complex and simple deals, and we know where the pitfalls typically arise.
Real Estate Issues Resolved
Purchase and Sales
Whether you are the buyer or seller, dealing with commercial or residential property, our firm will be with you every step of the way: we can draft the contract, review a presented contract, negotiate the deal, and attend closing. You'll never feel in the dark about the process
Association Law
Condominium and Homeowners Association law is specific and requires the association board members to know the basics. Jennifer Winegardner is the only Leon County DBPR-certified course provider to train new HOA board members on their new role.
Leases
Residential and commercial leases can be complicated, especially when you are dealing with a difficult tenant or landlord. We can draft your leases or exercise their provisions when things go awry.
Title Claims
As licensed title insurers, we understand title issues. Our attorneys have experience cleaning up mistakes, oversights, and wild deeds so that a sale can proceed.
Florida law requires new association directors to either self-study and sign a new director certification form or attend an educational class and obtain a certification of completion form. We find that directors who attend our class are more confident in their duties with fewer problems.
HOA Workshop
Every new HOA board member is now required to take a DBPR-certified new board member educational class. For associations with fewer than 2500 homes, the members must take 4 hours of classwork each year. For associations with more than 2500 homes, the board members must take 8 hours of classwork each year.
Jennifer Winegardner is one of the only approved providers in Leon County. Classes are in person or by Zoom, scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
In this 4-hour class, you will learn the basics of HOA law, walk through the requirements of your governing documents, and leave with confidence as you represent your association's members.
Requirements for HOA Board Members
HOA directors elected or appointed on or after July 1, 2024, must complete a Board Member Certification (BMC) within 90 days of their election or appointment. The BMC course must be completed before other continuing education and every four years thereafter to satisfy this requirement.
Florida Statutes Section 720.3033(1)(a)3 allows HOA directors, regardless of election or appointment date, to count a BMC toward the completion of their continuing education requirement once every four years.
Beyond the BMC, each year between July 1 and June 30, all HOA directors, regardless of when elected or appointed, must complete four (4) or eight (8) hours of continuing education annually based on the number of parcels within their association (4 hours if an association includes less than 2,500 parcels and 8 hours annually if an association has 2,500 or more parcels).
A director may take multiple courses to satisfy the four (4) or eight (8) hour requirement, provided the total hours of all courses taken equal or exceed the annual minimum hour requirement. As a courtesy, DBPR provides free continuing education courses that satisfy this requirement. You can also find courses offered by approved providers by clicking here.
Upon the completion of each course, the HOA is required to retain the certificate of completion for four (4) years after each board member's election.
How RW Helps With Your HOA
New Board Training
RW helps new board members understand and comply with the laws and rules of managing the association's business.
Certified by DBPR
Our certification program is one of the only state-certified new board member education courses in Leon County.
Business Background
We draw on our experience as business and general counsel to provide a comprehensive course that gives you the confidence to run your board.
HOA FAQs
General HOA governance can be confusing. Contact us for answers to the most frequently asked questions.