Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel

By Fallan Patterson

Published December 11, 2008 

As the condo election season revs up, the Florida condo ombudsman office is offering classes to educate condo board candidates about the laws, as per a change this year to the Condominium Act.

Any unit owner wanting to run for the board must submit a signed form provided by the Division of Business and Professional Regulation, which certifies that he or she has read and understands to the best of their ability the governing documents of the association, Condominium Act and administrative rules.

This form, available online at the Division's Web site and sent to each unit owner after it is signed, must be returned to the Division by the candidates no fewer than 35 days prior to the election.

"If I were a board member, I'd want to take these courses to be educated," said Bill Raphan, head of the ombudsman's satellite office in Fort Lauderdale.

Raphan and his wife, Susan, began teaching classes three years ago and hope to clarify any condo laws and regulations for unit owners considering running for office.

These courses are specific, comprehensive classes that have mock meetings and elections and have a graded quiz at the end.

"I feel it's helpful to [board members] to have someone who knows the law and can explain it to them," said Colleen Donahue, interim state condo ombudsman, about the classes.

Rep. Julio Robaina, who sponsored and passed the Condominium Act, said this particular section of the bill insures condo boards are fair and lawful.

"If you elect someone, you know they will understand the laws and know their responsibilities," Robaina said.