As homeowners associations face increasing reforms, FIU Business has launched a training certificate program designed for newly elected condominium board members and condo owners.
A part of FIU Business Executive Education, the fully online Condominium Board Member Training Certificate Program focuses on leadership and governance. Areas of coverage include reserve studies, leading major repairs and renovations, as well as managing attorneys, finance and insurance professionals.
This certificate program comes at a time when many of Florida’s condominium associations are facing condominium-safety reform laws resulting from the 2021 Surfside building collapse. By January 2025, most will have to complete a Structural Integrity Reserve Study to determine how much money must be set aside to complete structural repairs on the buildings.
“Owners, condominium board members and condominium managers all play roles to effectively oversee and manage a condominium project,” said William Hardin, dean of FIU Business. “The professional education provided by FIU Business allows each party to know their duties, understand the operations of the properties for which they have fiduciary and legal responsibilities and create the quality of life expected by all.”
FIU is the first major university in Florida to provide comprehensive education related to the ownership and management of condominiums, he said. The State of Florida approved the program as part of its training requirements for condominium board members.
The self-paced program is taught by veteran condominium board president and professional condominium association manager Patrick Hohman, who authored “Condos, Townhomes and Homeowner Associations: How to Make Your Investment Safer.”
“All condominium associations and homeowner associations are non-profit corporations. In my experience, as corporations, condominium associations, especially over 30 years old, are often financially stressed, under-reserved, and with heavy board turnover,” said Hohman, who noted that there are 9,000 condominium associations in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and in many states associations are poorly regulated. “The best way to correct these deficiencies is through the educational process.”
The program is divided into three sections:
- Proactive, Hands-On and Well-Organized Management
- Financial Strength: Now and Into the Future
- Leading People and Understanding Property Owners