MIAMI – Representative Julio Robaina (R-Miami) today expressed his support for Governor Jeb Bush’s appointment of Dr. Virgil Rizzo of Fort Lauderdale to serve as Florida’s first Condominium Ombudsman.

Representative Robaina chaired the House Select Committee on Condominium Association Governance and authored House Bill 1223, where the role of ombudsman was outlined.  House Bill 1223 would go on to become law in the form of Senate Bill 1184.

“The Office of Condominium Ombudsman was created with passage of legislation I helped steer through the 2004 Legislative Session,” said Representative Robaina,  “We wanted to insure that condo owners had a voice in the process, and that their concerns were being actively heard.”

Since 1971, Dr. Rizzo has resided in a Condominium and has became involved with the problems and operation of condominiums throughout the State. Dr. Rizzo has dedicated himself to assist persons in need through his professional careers in medicine and law.

“Dr. Rizzo has a very distinguished career helping people, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be a passionate advocate for condo owners,” said Representative Robaina.  “Our select committee traveled the state and heard a consistent call for a way Floridia’s condo-owners could have a seat at the table. The role of ombudsman will help accomplish this.”

The Governor’s appointment of Dr. Rizzo became effective December 3, 2004.