Floridians living in condominium associations and cooperatives can now register for free courses to better understand the nature and governance of their communities.
The program is the result of a contract awarded by the state of Florida to Community Associations Institute (CAI), a national organization dedicated to fostering vibrant, responsive, competent community associations. The 16,000-member organization includes 55 regional, state and local chapters—seven in Florida.
The courses target unit owners as well as Floridians who serve on the boards of condominium associations and cooperatives.
There are more than 24,000 registered condominium associations and cooperatives in Florida that house an estimated 4.5 million residents. Nationally, more than 50 million Americans live in some 260,000 association-governed communities.
The courses address:
- Regulation of Residential Condominium Associations in Florida.
- Condominium Association Operations.
- Cooperative Association Operations.
- Financial Management of Condominium Associations.
- Conflict Resolution.
More than 80 courses—including 10 in Spanish—will be offered throughout the state during the next 12 months. While free to attendees, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes funds these courses through a $4 assessment paid by all unit owners in registered condominium and cooperative associations in Florida.
The contract was awarded by state agency after an open-bid process. CAI has earned the contract for three consecutive years.
Almost 8,000 Floridians have attended 188 CAI courses since the program was launched in 2002. The courses have been well received, earning an average 4.16 rating on a 1-5 scale.
CAI represents professional managers, community association volunteer leaders (homeowners), management companies and businesses and professionals who provide products and services to association-governed communities. Member services include educational resources, advocacy, professional designations, books and periodicals, conferences and seminars.
Floridians can register for a class by writing FLeducation(at)caionline.org or calling Laura Hagan at 727-525-0962. To see a complete list of classes, visit www.caionline.org/events/boardmembers/florida/.