Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Florida Real Estate Closings, Start To Finish
The anatomy of a Florida real estate closing can be straightforward, but it may also be difficult and confusing to navigate, particularly if the buyer or seller involved has never participated in the process before. There is quite a lot that must go on behind the scenes before the parties ever meet to hand… Read More »
What Is The Difference Between Service Dogs & Emotional Support Animals?
Florida is home to many people with disabilities and other conditions where they might require a bit of extra help. Very often, this comes in the form of assistance animals – service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) of all kinds. However, too many people who are new to being disabled or in need… Read More »
How Do I Handle A Squatter On My Property?
A significant minority of Florida properties are actually owned by people and corporations who are primarily based out of state. While in theory, there is nothing wrong with that, it can be problematic for the owner’s wallet, because it is not uncommon for squatters to move into vacant homes and try to assert their… Read More »
New Requirements For Condominium Buildings Take Effect
In September 2022, Florida’s brand new inspection requirements for buildings over 3 stories tall went into effect. The legislature passed sweeping reforms of state laws after the tragic 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, intending for greater oversight of building quality, as well as increasing requirements for community associations and condominiums in… Read More »
Should New Homeowners “Harden” Their Florida Homes?
In early 2022, Florida State Representative Nick Diceglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) filed what came to be known as the “home-hardening” bill. The proposed legislation offered homeowners a chance to “harden” their homes by offering grants to windproof dwellings in vulnerable areas. The legislation passed into law in May, but it has taken until November… Read More »
How HOAs Collect Delinquent Assessments
In Florida and the other states that use them, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have the right to collect assessments from owners for unexpected expenses. While owners may complain, the right to do this is contained in both Florida law, and in most HOAs’ conditions, covenants & restrictions (CC&Rs), which must be approved before purchasing land… Read More »
Why Do I Need A Florida Real Estate Lawyer?
It is true that in Florida, one does not need a real estate attorney for most residential real estate transactions. However, it is definitely in the average person’s best interest to hire one anyway, simply because doing so may help to protect you from easily avoidable errors or problems during the process. If you… Read More »
Common Questions At Florida Real Estate Closings
The closing is the last step of what can be a complex process of buying real estate. While the process in Florida is fairly straightforward, it is not uncommon for last-minute questions or concerns to crop up before the closing can be successfully completed. Both buyer and seller may want to be reassured about… Read More »
Crucial Factors For Landlords In Florida Residential Evictions
Eviction is a fact of life in Florida real estate law, as unpleasant as it can be for both the landlord and the tenant. Most landlords are not averse to giving a tenant a grace period or another kind of break, but eventually, the landlord’s own obligations prevent them from carrying the tenant any… Read More »
The Most Common Real Estate Closing Issues In Florida
Residential real estate closings can be complex endeavors, simply because the stakes are so high in the underlying transaction. A home is a significant investment, and naturally, both parties to a real estate transaction want it to conclude swiftly and successfully. However, certain issues have a way of appearing at the last possible moment…. Read More »