Package theft — “porch piracy” — is no longer a seasonal annoyance; it’s become a year-round, nationwide headache that affects how communities, property managers and homeowners accept deliveries. South Florida’s built environment shapes both the risk and the practical options: multifamily buildings (condos/ apartments) such as those common in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach can adopt centralized package-room or locker solutions, while single-family homes (SFH) in places like P

Florida’s housing market now includes two distinct flavors of new-development housing: institutional build-to-rent (BTR)  communities (single-owner rental neighborhoods often operated by a professional landlord/operator) and master-planned communities  (MPAs) where single-family homes are sold to owners inside HOA governance. If you’re choosing where to rent or buy — or you manage one of these places — the practical differences around warranties, construction/noise rules, and

Construction & renovation disturbances — what notice you’re owed Areas covered:  Mizner Park area (Boca Raton / Palm Beach County), A1A corridor (Deerfield Beach / Broward County), and new-build streets (Palm Coast / Flagler County) Construction is noisy and disruptive — but it’s not lawless. Between city noise/construction rules, Florida’s construction-law paperwork, and condo/HOA governance, residents are owed certain kinds of notice and protections. Below I summarize what

Parking, towing & guest passes: condo rules east of US-1 in Boca/Deerfield vs. driveway/HOA rules in Palm Coast letter sections Parking, Towing & Guest Passes: Condo Rules East of US-1 vs. HOA Driveway Policies in Palm Coast A. Quick Synopsis — What Differs, in One Line: Condominiums east of US-1 in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach typically treat parking as a common-element management function  (decals, assigned stalls, guest passes, posted tow notices, and board enforcement),

Artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic screening tools are increasingly used by landlords and property managers to evaluate prospective tenants. While these tools promise efficiency, they also carry risks of error, bias, and non-transparency—especially when used for tenant selection in rental housing. For managers and brokers in Boca/Deerfield and Palm Coast, understanding these risks and how to respond to disputes is important. 1. What is happening: AI screening tools

Living with pets in Florida means juggling three rulebooks at once: (1) the association’s covenants, conditions & restrictions (CC&Rs) if you’re in an HOA or condo, (2) municipal animal-control laws, and (3) federal/state disability rules that protect service and assistance animals. Below is a practical, region-focused guide comparing what you’re likely to run into in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach associations versus what single-family homeowners in Palm Coast normally face.

Ending a lease early can get expensive—but the how much  depends heavily on location and property type. In Florida, the difference between a Boca Raton condo, a Deerfield Beach townhouse under an HOA, and a Palm Coast single-family home can mean hundreds of dollars in variance once the fine print kicks in. Boca Raton Condo: Association Rules Add Layers In Boca Raton, most condominium rentals operate under the oversight of active condo associations—entities that can significan

When renewal season rolls around, tenants and landlords often face a familiar standoff: how to manage rent increases fairly while keeping flexibility. One practical middle ground is a rate cap without a multi-year lock-in —an agreement that limits future rent hikes but keeps the lease term itself at one year (or even month-to-month). This approach is especially useful in markets where vacancy rates fluctuate differently across cities . Below are negotiation strategies tailore

When property managers, boards, or homeowners ask how utility costs get passed to residents in South Florida, the answer depends less on state law (which generally permits both sub-metering and RUBS) and more on building type, local utility practice, and whether an HOA or association controls the master meter. Below is a clear comparison focused on mid-rise multifamily/condo buildings in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach versus predominantly single-family neighborhoods and HOAs

When moving into a Florida home—whether in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, or Palm Coast—setting up utilities is one of the first practical steps to ensure a smooth transition. While electric service in all three areas is handled by Florida Power & Light (FPL), water and sewer services differ depending on the city. 1. Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL) Florida Power & Light (FPL) is the primary electricity provider for a large portion of Florida, including cities such as B

When it comes to Florida’s storm season, the difference between coastal South Florida and the quieter northeast coast often shows up in the fine print of leases and condominium documents — especially in hurricane  and force-majeure  clauses. These provisions determine who is responsible for installing shutters, securing property, and handling delays or damage caused by major storms. 1. Understanding Force-Majeure Clauses A force-majeure   clause is a key provision in Florida

Why landlords request proof of insurance Landlords routinely require tenants (especially long-term tenants, vacation rental tenants, or those leasing whole properties) to provide proof of insurance coverage or name the landlord as an additional insured. The reasons include: Ensuring the unit/house is insured in case of damage (fire, windstorm, vandalism) which could otherwise expose the landlord’s investment. Protecting against liability claims (guest injuries, property damag

Living near Florida water — whether it’s the Atlantic surf in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach or the quieter canals of Palm Coast — changes what you should expect from renter’s insurance. Standard renters policies are useful and inexpensive, but they have important gaps that matter more the closer you live to the water. Below I explain what typical policies do and don’t cover, how coastal geography (oceanfront vs. canal) changes your risk and your premium, and exactly what to

Rethinking the Traditional Security Deposit in Florida For many years, landlords have relied on security deposits as a financial safeguard against unpaid rent, property damage, or lease defaults. But in recent years, evolving tenant expectations, increased competition for quality renters, and changes in state law have encouraged landlords to explore alternatives  that reduce move-in cost burdens while still protecting the property owner. For landlords in Palm Beach, Broward,

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