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Boswell & Dunlap LLP, founded in 1900, is proud to partner with Swan City Soccer Club. For the past 124 years, the firm has represented its clients throughout Florida with the expertise and knowledge that can only be gained from many years of providing high quality legal counsel. Swan City Soccer Club, with its innovative […]
There have been many changes to the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act (Chapter 720, Florida Statutes) in 2023. Directors, officers and owners should review the new laws: Chapter 2023-228 and Chapter 2023-64. Here is a brief summary of some of the amendments: § 720.3042(2) – Two “official” flags, respectfully displayed, are now allowed instead of one; […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP, Polk County’s oldest law firm, is pleased to announce that Jillian T. Spangler has become its newest partner. Jillian has a robust transactional and litigation practice including the areas of guardianship, estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Jillian takes pride in skillfully advocating for her clients in the courtroom and thoughtfully […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is proud to announce that Donald H. Wilson, Jr. has been awarded the 2022 Medal of Merit by the Bartow Rotary Club. This award is given in recognition of one’s outstanding community service within their profession. Don is a fifth-generation Polk County citizen, residing on the same street where his great, […]
In 2021, several amendments were enacted to the laws governing community associations (condominiums, homeowners’ associations and co-operatives). While most took effect on July 1, 2021, a couple came into force earlier in the year. What follows is a summary of the most significant statutory updates. I have also included links to each amendment. Senate Bill […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP, Polk County’s oldest law firm, is happy to announce that Kevin M. Kohl was on December 18, 2020 appointed by Governor DeSantis as Judge on the Polk County Court. Kevin joined the firm in 2015 and has served his clients with diligence and distinction, focusing on civil litigation, criminal defense and […]
As a Florida community association lawyer, I am often asked about the legal differences between the various types of community associations: Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), Condominium Associations (Condos) and Cooperative Associations (Co-ops). Sometimes, the differences seem apparent. A standard planned neighborhood of single-family homes is nothing like a high-rise condominium. Other times, it is hard to […]
When most people get a Last Will and Testament, they tend to believe that that document is the end-all, be-all of inheritance, but that is not always the case. How certain assets are titled greatly impacts how that asset is inherited once a person passes away. For ease of understanding, let’s play out a scenario. […]
I’ve lost track of the number of times I have heard someone say, “Oh, we don’t need to do a probate. Mom had a Will.” Somehow, this notion has become very commonplace, and it is just so wrong. I blame the movies. The rich relative dies, usually under mysterious circumstances, and all the family gathers […]
In these precarious times, attending a meeting of your cooperative, condominium or homeowners’ association (HOA) may be the last thing on your “to do” list. However, your community is important to you, and on some issues, your vote needs to be heard. The most common method of participating at a meeting, without actually being there, […]
As an essential services provider in our community for over 120 years, we are proud to remain open for the transaction of our clients’ legal business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During this time, the safety and health of our clients, our staff and our attorneys is of foremost importance to us. To prevent unintentional […]
It is a difficult time. Concerns about the coronavirus and COVID-19 are especially acute in the context of HOAs, condominiums and cooperative associations. For members, officers and directors contemplating upcoming meetings and events, guidance is needed. The statutes governing community associations generally require public meetings, open to all and noticed in advance, and broadly proscribe […]
In representing condominiums (condos) and homeowners’ associations (HOAs), I am often asked whether the resignation of a board member or officer is valid. Invariably, the person in question has either announced “I quit” at an open meeting, or simply told another officer of the fact. Is a verbal resignation from the board of a non-profit […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP was thrilled to continue its sponsorship of the 2020 Polk County Public Schools Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year Program. Congratulations to Dr. Vincent Miller, Kay Llewellyn, and each of this year’s finalists. The firm is proud to be associated with this annual event honoring those who make the difference […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is pleased to announce that Sean R. Parker has been appointed president of the Polk Area Real Estate Council. The council connects real estate attorneys and professionals throughout Polk County and beyond to provide education, information and resources to consumers and our real estate community, to enhance the practices of real […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is pleased to announce that Attorney Jillian T. Spangler has been appointed Alternate Special Magistrate by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. As Alternate Special Magistrate, Ms. Spangler will preside over Code Enforcement Public Hearings. She will have the authority to determine, based upon the evidence and testimony presented, if […]
We here at Boswell & Dunlap help all manner of clients in litigation. We have represented individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, co-ops, HOAs, you name it. Sometimes our clients are the ones bringing suit, and sometimes they’re the ones defending it. Either way, the most common question asked of us is this: what’s going […]
On January 24, 2020, Robert Chilton will host a free HOA seminar at the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton. The event, which begins at 3:00 p.m., will focus on legal issues facing Florida homeowners’ associations and include topics such as meeting procedures, estoppel requests, covenant enforcement and statutory updates. Mr. Chilton has been certified […]
On December 5, 2019, the firm was pleased to join with the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce in hosting, once again, a Very Merry Holiday Celebration. Many thanks to the chamber, the Grove in the Swamp BBQ Team, all of the elves at Terrie Lobb Catering and, of course, to Mr. Clause for making the […]
September 13, 2019 – Boswell & Dunlap LLP was elated to help sponsor the Polk State College Foundation’s Tenth Annual Wine for Wisdom fundraiser! The sumptuous California-themed event, which took place on September 12, 2019 at Polk State’s Winter Haven campus, was a smashing, sold-out success. Since its inception in 2010, Wine for Wisdom has […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP congratulates the nominees and winners of the 2019 Polk Emerging Leader Awards. The firm is proud to support the annual event, held in Bartow, and put on by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce in coordination with Endeavor Winter Haven, Emerge Lakeland and Engage Bartow. This event annually recognizes five emerging […]
For unwary homeowners’ associations, a danger is lurking beneath the water’s surface. If one is not careful, it will strike, swallowing whole a community’s restrictive covenants. I speak, of course, of MRTA, which was enacted to simply real estate transactions. Before MRTA, a Florida parcel’s title history would theoretically need to be researched back to […]
On August 30, 2019, Robert Chilton will host a free HOA seminar at the Bartow Public Library. The event, which begins at 2:45 p.m., will focus on legal issues facing Florida homeowners’ associations and include topics such as meeting procedures, estoppel requests, covenant enforcement and statutory updates. Mr. Chilton has been certified to provide HOA […]
Do you live in a deed restricted community? If so, you are probably somewhat familiar with the covenants and conditions encumbering your home. You may sleep soundly in the knowledge that those restrictions cannot generally be changed without a well-publicized vote of the homeowners. What then, does one make of that pesky “cease and desist” […]
People often feel that they do not need a written lease if they are renting a home from a friend, close acquaintance or family member. This is wrong, wrong, WRONG! If you are leasing from anyone, you need a clear, written lease that outlines the obligations and rights of the tenant and the landlord. Always. […]
According to FloridaRentals.com, as reported by The Ledger, the Davenport/Four Corners area of Polk County is one of the top 10 vacation rental locations in Florida. This news will be received with trepidation by area HOAs, condominiums and other community associations. It is not that HOAs and similar communities dislike tourists or visitors. Rather, problems arise […]
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners have given community associations a new tool to fight parking congestion. Emergency vehicles can have trouble navigating a neighborhood’s narrow streets when residents and guests park on both sides of a road. If those roadways are maintained by the county, homeowners’ associations and cooperatives may be powerless to […]
- All
- Business Law
- Civil Litigation
- Community Associations
- Criminal Defense
- Divorce
- Estate Planning
- Family Law
- Firm Updates
- News
- Personal Injury
- Real Estate Law
- Uncategorized
Boswell & Dunlap LLP, founded in 1900, is proud to partner with Swan City Soccer Club. For the past 124 years, the firm has represented its clients throughout Florida with the expertise and knowledge that can only be gained from many years of providing high quality legal counsel. Swan City Soccer Club, with its innovative […]
There have been many changes to the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act (Chapter 720, Florida Statutes) in 2023. Directors, officers and owners should review the new laws: Chapter 2023-228 and Chapter 2023-64. Here is a brief summary of some of the amendments: § 720.3042(2) – Two “official” flags, respectfully displayed, are now allowed instead of one; […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP, Polk County’s oldest law firm, is pleased to announce that Jillian T. Spangler has become its newest partner. Jillian has a robust transactional and litigation practice including the areas of guardianship, estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Jillian takes pride in skillfully advocating for her clients in the courtroom and thoughtfully […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is proud to announce that Donald H. Wilson, Jr. has been awarded the 2022 Medal of Merit by the Bartow Rotary Club. This award is given in recognition of one’s outstanding community service within their profession. Don is a fifth-generation Polk County citizen, residing on the same street where his great, […]
In 2021, several amendments were enacted to the laws governing community associations (condominiums, homeowners’ associations and co-operatives). While most took effect on July 1, 2021, a couple came into force earlier in the year. What follows is a summary of the most significant statutory updates. I have also included links to each amendment. Senate Bill […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP, Polk County’s oldest law firm, is happy to announce that Kevin M. Kohl was on December 18, 2020 appointed by Governor DeSantis as Judge on the Polk County Court. Kevin joined the firm in 2015 and has served his clients with diligence and distinction, focusing on civil litigation, criminal defense and […]
As a Florida community association lawyer, I am often asked about the legal differences between the various types of community associations: Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs), Condominium Associations (Condos) and Cooperative Associations (Co-ops). Sometimes, the differences seem apparent. A standard planned neighborhood of single-family homes is nothing like a high-rise condominium. Other times, it is hard to […]
When most people get a Last Will and Testament, they tend to believe that that document is the end-all, be-all of inheritance, but that is not always the case. How certain assets are titled greatly impacts how that asset is inherited once a person passes away. For ease of understanding, let’s play out a scenario. […]
I’ve lost track of the number of times I have heard someone say, “Oh, we don’t need to do a probate. Mom had a Will.” Somehow, this notion has become very commonplace, and it is just so wrong. I blame the movies. The rich relative dies, usually under mysterious circumstances, and all the family gathers […]
In these precarious times, attending a meeting of your cooperative, condominium or homeowners’ association (HOA) may be the last thing on your “to do” list. However, your community is important to you, and on some issues, your vote needs to be heard. The most common method of participating at a meeting, without actually being there, […]
As an essential services provider in our community for over 120 years, we are proud to remain open for the transaction of our clients’ legal business during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During this time, the safety and health of our clients, our staff and our attorneys is of foremost importance to us. To prevent unintentional […]
It is a difficult time. Concerns about the coronavirus and COVID-19 are especially acute in the context of HOAs, condominiums and cooperative associations. For members, officers and directors contemplating upcoming meetings and events, guidance is needed. The statutes governing community associations generally require public meetings, open to all and noticed in advance, and broadly proscribe […]
In representing condominiums (condos) and homeowners’ associations (HOAs), I am often asked whether the resignation of a board member or officer is valid. Invariably, the person in question has either announced “I quit” at an open meeting, or simply told another officer of the fact. Is a verbal resignation from the board of a non-profit […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP was thrilled to continue its sponsorship of the 2020 Polk County Public Schools Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year Program. Congratulations to Dr. Vincent Miller, Kay Llewellyn, and each of this year’s finalists. The firm is proud to be associated with this annual event honoring those who make the difference […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is pleased to announce that Sean R. Parker has been appointed president of the Polk Area Real Estate Council. The council connects real estate attorneys and professionals throughout Polk County and beyond to provide education, information and resources to consumers and our real estate community, to enhance the practices of real […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP is pleased to announce that Attorney Jillian T. Spangler has been appointed Alternate Special Magistrate by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. As Alternate Special Magistrate, Ms. Spangler will preside over Code Enforcement Public Hearings. She will have the authority to determine, based upon the evidence and testimony presented, if […]
We here at Boswell & Dunlap help all manner of clients in litigation. We have represented individuals, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, co-ops, HOAs, you name it. Sometimes our clients are the ones bringing suit, and sometimes they’re the ones defending it. Either way, the most common question asked of us is this: what’s going […]
On January 24, 2020, Robert Chilton will host a free HOA seminar at the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton. The event, which begins at 3:00 p.m., will focus on legal issues facing Florida homeowners’ associations and include topics such as meeting procedures, estoppel requests, covenant enforcement and statutory updates. Mr. Chilton has been certified […]
On December 5, 2019, the firm was pleased to join with the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce in hosting, once again, a Very Merry Holiday Celebration. Many thanks to the chamber, the Grove in the Swamp BBQ Team, all of the elves at Terrie Lobb Catering and, of course, to Mr. Clause for making the […]
September 13, 2019 – Boswell & Dunlap LLP was elated to help sponsor the Polk State College Foundation’s Tenth Annual Wine for Wisdom fundraiser! The sumptuous California-themed event, which took place on September 12, 2019 at Polk State’s Winter Haven campus, was a smashing, sold-out success. Since its inception in 2010, Wine for Wisdom has […]
Boswell & Dunlap LLP congratulates the nominees and winners of the 2019 Polk Emerging Leader Awards. The firm is proud to support the annual event, held in Bartow, and put on by the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce in coordination with Endeavor Winter Haven, Emerge Lakeland and Engage Bartow. This event annually recognizes five emerging […]
For unwary homeowners’ associations, a danger is lurking beneath the water’s surface. If one is not careful, it will strike, swallowing whole a community’s restrictive covenants. I speak, of course, of MRTA, which was enacted to simply real estate transactions. Before MRTA, a Florida parcel’s title history would theoretically need to be researched back to […]
On August 30, 2019, Robert Chilton will host a free HOA seminar at the Bartow Public Library. The event, which begins at 2:45 p.m., will focus on legal issues facing Florida homeowners’ associations and include topics such as meeting procedures, estoppel requests, covenant enforcement and statutory updates. Mr. Chilton has been certified to provide HOA […]
Do you live in a deed restricted community? If so, you are probably somewhat familiar with the covenants and conditions encumbering your home. You may sleep soundly in the knowledge that those restrictions cannot generally be changed without a well-publicized vote of the homeowners. What then, does one make of that pesky “cease and desist” […]
People often feel that they do not need a written lease if they are renting a home from a friend, close acquaintance or family member. This is wrong, wrong, WRONG! If you are leasing from anyone, you need a clear, written lease that outlines the obligations and rights of the tenant and the landlord. Always. […]
According to FloridaRentals.com, as reported by The Ledger, the Davenport/Four Corners area of Polk County is one of the top 10 vacation rental locations in Florida. This news will be received with trepidation by area HOAs, condominiums and other community associations. It is not that HOAs and similar communities dislike tourists or visitors. Rather, problems arise […]
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners have given community associations a new tool to fight parking congestion. Emergency vehicles can have trouble navigating a neighborhood’s narrow streets when residents and guests park on both sides of a road. If those roadways are maintained by the county, homeowners’ associations and cooperatives may be powerless to […]