Photo: Getty Images North America
Top Three Takeaways – July 1st, 2021
- Happy New Year! For the state of Florida that is... Today kicks off July, but it also kicks off the start of Florida’s 2021-2022 fiscal year. That means it’s also the day with most new laws during the year as well. From Florida’s budget, to sales tax holidays, like the new “Freedom Week” sales tax holiday, a lot happens in our state today. In total, 162 new laws kick in today, over half of what the state legislature passed during the state’s legislative session. One of the first changes you’re bound to realize is the mandated collection of online sales tax. While it was already the law in Florida, and many companies that weren’t already complaint with the collection of online sales tax previously, started before today...as of today – there's no escaping it. You’ll be charged no matter who you order from. This was aimed at not putting Florida-based businesses at a disadvantage when selling within our state. Another biggie, the ban on vaccine passports. Through yesterday, the ban of proof of vaccination to receive services in Florida was in-force through an executive order issued by Governor DeSantis that could have been altered at any time through executive action. No more, now it’s the law in Florida. And while it’s my hope that those who haven’t been vaccinated but are able to do so, choose to do so, it’s also my hope that those who’ve been quick to judge and are inclined to create two classes of Floridians based on vaccination status, begin to let it go as well. And while we’re at it - you may have noticed a lot of us aren’t wearing masks inside stores and yet we’re managing to survive as well. Just saying...because there are times the scared turtles in society have looked my way with the proverbial...”one of those people looks”. Yes, remarkably as a fully vaccinated person I’ve managed to survive maskless visits to numerous businesses. You might try it sometime. It might make you less unhappy. Speaking of which...
- The Pandemic’s Over! Ok, technically it was over last Saturday – the 26th in Florida based on Governor Desantis’s last emergency declaration extension that was signed in April. But yeah, the pandemic’s state of emergency, over in Florida. This while we address a real state-of-emergency in Surfside. Speaking of which, accountability for the tragedy won’t wait.
- It’s just starting... Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle is actively pursuing a grand jury investigation that’s widely supported by local officials. On that note, the Surfside building inspector who followed up the 2018 building inspection report which detailed numerous issues including “major structural damage”, has been placed on leave by Doral, where he’s most recently been building inspector. Obviously, with hindsight no one involved in the process would have allowed this to happen. The problem though, is thinking that it can’t or at least that it won’t. The other thing that's just started is a lot of additional consideration and costs for condo owners across the state of Florida. While it’s going to take time to sort out who was responsible for what at Champlain Towers South, one might imagine that HOA’s nor building managers, are going to error on the side of doing nothing going forward. I’d expect a record year of inspections and special assessments across Florida. Which also serves as a reminder to all who consider condo purchases. Condo prices commonly reflect HOA dues, the age of the building and the history of special assessments. It’s always important to be well aware of all of those factors before you buy.