Community Connection Newsletter

D & O Concerns

Directors & Officers Liability Insurance (“D & O”) for community associations is projected to increase in price by as much as 130% in Florida. Additionally, community associations that have litigated three or more lawsuits within the last five years may only be able to obtain policies which provide the association is essentially self-insured for the first $100k it spends in any future litigation. The reason for this is mainly due to the general increase in the number of covered D & O claims made by community associations in the past few years. Has your association budgeted appropriately for this projected increased expense? If not, you may want to reconsider the budgeted amounts allocated for insurance policies of the association. Additionally, keep in mind that the number of community associations being dropped from coverage by their insurers has increased dramatically within the past year. In order to make sure any valid claims are insured, it is important to timely notify your insurers as soon as the association receives any threat of legal action, or if the association makes changes which the insurer should be notified about pursuant to the association’s policy. Some changes that associations often overlook but cause insurers to later deny coverage may include, but are not limited to: updating rules and regulations, expanding the hours of operation for common areas, and hosting public events.

New DBPR Registration Requirement for CONDO Associations

By October 1, 2025, all condominium and cooperative associations must register with the DBPR under HB 913 to enhance transparency and communication.

Required Information

Association details
Board/manager contacts
Building age and structure
Assessments and finances
SIRS status (if applicable)

Prepare now to meet the deadline. Contact us for support.

REACH OUR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TEAM: [email protected]

SIRS Reporting

Has your association notified the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation – Division of Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (“Division”) that it has completed its Structural Integrity Reserve Study (“SIRS”)? If not, now is the time to do so in order for your association to be compliant with the new laws regulating condominium and co-operatives in Florida. Associations existing on or before July 1, 2022, which are controlled by unit owners other than the developer, must have a structural integrity reserve study completed by December 31, 2024, for each building on the condominium property that is three stories or higher in height. An association that is required to complete a milestone inspection in accordance with Florida Statute section 553.899 on or before December 31, 2026, may complete the structural integrity reserve study simultaneously with the milestone inspection. Use this link to electronically notify the Division that your association has complied with SIRS: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/condominiums/condominiums-and-cooperatives-sirs-reporting/.

Ansbacher Law Opens New Office in Coral Gables

Ansbacher Law is proud to have opened its newest office in Coral Gables, located at 1430 South Dixie Highway, Suite 322, Coral Gables, FL 33146. This expansion marks another exciting milestone for the firm as it continues to grow its statewide presence and commitment to serving communities across Florida.

The new Coral Gables location will enhance Ansbacher Law’s ability to provide exceptional legal services in the areas of community association law, real estate, construction law, and personal injury. With a proven track record of client-focused representation, Ansbacher Law looks forward to bringing its trusted counsel and deep experience to South Florida’s vibrant and growing communities.

Meet…

Emily Dominguez is an associate attorney at Ansbacher Law, where she represents condominium and homeowners’ associations across Florida. Her practice includes general representation, covenant enforcement, restrictions, collections, and assisting association boards and management with their legal needs.

In addition to her work with community associations, Emily is the firm’s go-to insurance expert. She has also conducted numerous continuing education courses, particularly focusing on Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) and Milestone Inspections, helping boards and managers navigate important legislative changes.

A proud Cuban-American born and raised in Miami, Florida, Emily is bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows her to connect with and better serve Florida’s diverse communities. She earned her Associate of Arts from Miami-Dade College, her Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida, and her Juris Doctorate from Florida International University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude and finishing third in her class.

While at FIU Law, Emily served as Executive Business Editor of the FIU Law Review, President of the National Conference of Law Reviews, and worked as a teaching assistant for legal writing courses, mentoring students in appellate writing and oral advocacy. She also received two prestigious honors: the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Products Liability and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Pre-Trial Practice in 2017.

When she’s not advocating for her clients, Emily enjoys boating in the Florida Keys, cooking, and soaking up the sunshine with her husband, Jeff, and their dog, Mahi Mahi (yes, like the fish).

We are proud to have Emily’s expertise, dedication, and energy on the Ansbacher Law team!