Florida Owner Watch | October 19–25, 2026

What does a partial condo lawsuit dismissal mean?

On October 24, Miami Beach Journal reported that a judge dismissed 2 of 5 claims in a former tenant's lawsuit against the Continuum South Tower condominium association in Miami Beach. The remaining 3 claims were left to proceed. A partial dismissal is not a final decision on the entire dispute, and surviving allegations are not proven findings. For owners tracking association litigation, the precise court order matters more than an abbreviated headline.

Can your HOA pay a contractor before voting?

An October 20 WKMG investigation describes an Orange County HOA lawsuit over a proposed $2,105,237.34 roof project. Owners at Vistas at Phillips Commons allege association records show a $232,000 contractor deposit check issued June 10, before a June 22 public board meeting. They dispute how the work and special assessment were approved. These are litigation allegations, not adjudicated findings of wrongdoing. Dated meeting notices, minutes, contractor agreements and payment records can help owners understand the sequence.

When does your mailed timeshare cancellation notice count?

Standing guidance, based on Florida's 2025 statute archive: a mailed timeshare cancellation notice is considered given on its postmark date, provided the developer or escrow agent actually receives it. Written notices delivered by other methods have different timing rules. The usual cancellation window runs until midnight of the 10th calendar day after the later of signing or receiving the final required documents. This follows last week's deadline reminder by focusing specifically on proof of notice, not a newly enacted rule.

Can you scan your co-op records yourself?

Standing guidance from the 2025 Florida co-op statute archive permits members and their authorized representatives to use a phone, tablet or scanner to copy records that are open for inspection. The association cannot charge members for using their own device. That right does not expose every file: legally protected materials, specified personal information and other excluded categories remain restricted. This differs from last week's reserve-study story by focusing on how owners can make their own copies.

Is the seller of your home warranty licensed?

Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation announced on October 21 that it ordered First Premier Home Warranty Corp. to stop unlicensed activity. The regulator says its market-conduct examination found the company sold home warranties to Florida consumers without the required authority. This describes an administrative enforcement action, not a ruling about any particular buyer's contract. Before paying for a warranty or service agreement, check the seller's status in the state's official licensing database.

What do new Isaias reporting deadlines mean for owners?

Santa Rosa and Escambia counties accounted for many of Florida's initial Hurricane Isaias insurance claims, according to October 19 reporting based on state figures. On October 23, Florida's insurance regulator required insurers to submit catastrophe information by noon Eastern on October 27. That is a deadline for insurers, not a new deadline for residents to report losses. Homeowners and associations should rely on their own policies, adjusters and documented correspondence for claim requirements.

Where can you vote early before November 3?

November 3, 2026

Florida's statewide required early-voting period runs October 24 through October 31 ahead of the November 3 general election. Counties can offer extra dates, so locations and hours differ; Miami-Dade and Broward, for example, began earlier. The October 22 deadline to request a mailed ballot, noted in last week's issue, has already passed. This week's action is to verify the location and hours published by your own county election supervisor before traveling.