Florida Owner Watch | October 26–November 1, 2026

What did the Buckley Towers appeal actually decide?

On October 29, Florida's Third District Court of Appeal affirmed a nonfinal order involving Buckley Towers Condominium in Miami-Dade County. The short decision cited an earlier Villars appeal concerning unpaid assessments, a missing responsive pleading and procedural notice. It did not announce a new statewide assessment rule or decide every dispute an owner might have. For owners facing association collection proceedings, the actual court order and the dates of notices and responsive filings matter.

Can a court undo an HOA foreclosure sale without notice?

A follow-up on an October 23 appellate opinion omitted from last week's issue: Florida's Second District Court of Appeal reversed an order that vacated a Hillsborough County HOA-related foreclosure sale without notifying the third-party purchaser. The buyer had a legally protected interest and was entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard. The court remanded for further proceedings; it did not finally determine every party's right to the property. The decision is about due process, not an absolute prohibition on setting aside a foreclosure sale.

When must a developer refund a canceled timeshare?

Standing guidance from Florida's 2025 statute archive, not a new November rule: following a valid and timely preclosing timeshare cancellation under section 721.10, the developer generally refunds the purchaser's payments, reduced proportionately for contract benefits actually received. The refund deadline is the later of 20 days after the purchaser demands a refund or 5 days after the developer receives the funds from the purchaser's cleared check. The countdown is not simply 20 days from mailing a cancellation notice. Last week's issue covered the separate question of when the notice counts.

When does a co-op board adopt its next budget?

Standing guidance from the 2025 Florida cooperative statute archive, not new legislation: section 719.106 requires a co-op board to adopt its annual budget at least 14 days before the association's fiscal year begins. The proposed budget must detail expenses by account and classification. If the board fails to adopt an annual budget on time for a second time, the statute describes a minor violation and keeps the prior budget in effect until a replacement is adopted. This budget timetable is different from last week's advice about owners copying cooperative records.

Will your Florida home insurance renewal get cheaper?

On October 29, Florida's chief financial officer and insurance regulator reported that more than 824,300 homeowners would receive rate decreases in new policies or renewals effective in October, including reductions of up to 12.1%. These changes are insurer- and policy-specific; they do not guarantee lower premiums for every household or condominium association. The state also described additional rate-reduction requests awaiting review, which are not yet approved savings. Compare your own renewal premium, coverages and deductible before concluding what changed.

What did Boynton Beach's condo flooding expose?

On October 27, WPTV reported king-tide flooding at Coastal Towers Condominium Apartments in Boynton Beach. Roads, parking areas and pedestrian routes were affected, according to residents and on-site reporting. The city said crews were monitoring conditions and coordinating with the association and Florida's transportation department, which planned a site visit. The report did not announce a permanent drainage or seawall repair schedule. Residents' concerns merit investigation but are not themselves proof of which public or private system caused the flooding.

Where do you vote on November 3?

November 3, 2026

Florida's November 3 general election is tomorrow. The Florida Department of State's October 26 election-readiness announcement says polls will open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. local time, with voters already in line by closing allowed to vote. Election Day voters must use their assigned polling place, not necessarily the location used during early voting. The October 22 deadline to request a mailed ballot has passed. Check your county Supervisor of Elections for the latest precinct location and acceptable photo-and-signature identification before traveling.