Are Exculpatory Clauses Enforceable?
Community association boards and managers often ask their lawyers to create a document which will protect them if owners or other users of the association’s facilities are injured. The communities often intend to require users of the facilities to sign these documents as a condition of allowing them to use the facilities in the hope of minimizing the association’s exposure to liability. Many times, there are issues of whether owners and others have legal rights to use the facilities which preclude the association imposing such conditions, but, for purposes of this article, let us assume we get past those issues so we may consider whether such agreements are enforceable at all.
Marty Kiar Explains Two Homestead Exemption Renewals
In his latest newsletter, our Property Appraiser Marty Kiar explains an increase in the exemption amount for Widows, Widowers, Blind Persons and Persons Totally and Permanently Disabled from $500 to $5,000 per year.
Marty’s newsletter also details the Automatic Senior Exemption Renewals for 2023 and how to ensure your exemption is renewed. This exemption is based on adjusted household income.
News for Our Galt Mile Neighbors
The December 2022 issue of On The Galt Mile has information important to all residents and businesses. Topics help update residents and businesses about issues impacting them, as well as community activities and items of general interest. Read and enjoy this issue – and be looking for the next issue. The current issue contains the following stories.
Meet our new local elected officials: Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner John Herbst; Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher; and Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca.
Fort Lauderdale is listed in the top of the real estate market for commercial growth and development.
Track what is happening in Fort Lauderdale by going to several key websites.
Mayor Fisher Update on 911 Call Center
In his latest newsletter, Mayor Lamar Fisher updates us on the issues surrounding the 911 call center. On December 6, the County Commission discussed the issues with the Regional 911 system. During the discussions we confirmed that we are committed to make the necessary adaptations as recommended by the draft FITCH report. My colleagues, administration and I are fully committed to working with BSO to enhance the regional system and enhance public safety.
The newsletter also discusses travel information and tips for those using the Fort Lauderdale airport. The Port Everglades cargo volumes fell one day short of breaking its own annual record by just 919 containers. The Port was recently awarded a $19 million federal grant to modernize several cargo docks and ensure efficient operations over the next 75 years. Broward County Cultural Division presents the third annual art and light festival, IGNITE Broward, January 26-29, 2023. For more information and a list of special events, visit IgniteBroward.com.
To read Mayor Fisher’s full newsletter, click here.
Understanding Homestead Exemptions
In his latest newsletter, Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar discusses many aspects of the homestead exemption. Important information includes the question: do I have to renew my homestead exemption in 2023?
After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property. Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties. If your name is not printed above the mailing address section on this card, it means you are not protected by Homestead Exemption at this property. You may be on title to the property, but you are not receiving Homestead Exemption.
The newsletter also discusses homestead portability and where did the savings go.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
Mayor Lamar Fisher is our New Broward County Mayor
In his first newsletter as Mayor, Lamar Fisher shares with us many important items affecting county residents. We congratulate Lamar on his selection as Mayor and look forward to working with him in 2023. Mayor Fisher stated, “I’m honored to take on this role and I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues and County Administration to move the County forward. The mayor’s functions include serving as presiding officer, and as the County’s official representative. Although, I’m taking on this role, I will continue to represent residents of District 4.”
The outgoing Mayor (Mayor Michael Udine) made the annual State of the County presentation. Our County is currently at a very strong point with all our economic engines regaining momentum as we come out of the pandemic. Tourism is at an all-time high, our unemployment rate is below the national average, and businesses continue to move to Broward County for all the greatness we have to offer.
Other issues covered include Manatee Season started November 15 and runs through March 31. U.S. Flag Disposal Program – Broward County participates in the national campaign to support flag etiquette with the U.S. flag disposal program. Climate Summit Broward County is excited to host the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Summit, a major regional event. County. Coastal Dune Grant Program is now accepting applications for new dune restoration and enhancement projects, visit CoastalDunes.Broward.org. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2023.
October News for Our Galt Mile Neighbors
The October 2022 issue of On The Galt Mile has information important to all residents and businesses on the Galt Mile. Topics discussed in this issue help update residents and businesses about issues impacting them, as well as community activities and items of general interest. Read and enjoy this issue – and be looking for the next issue. The current issue contains the following stories.
Light Up the Galt – November 17 from 6-9 pm – tree lighting at 7 pm
Retirement of Our City Commissioner Heather Moraitis
Smoking and Vaping Ban on Fort Lauderdale Beach
Video of the Galt Mile and Its Beauty
Tracking Progress on Commission Priorities
Property Appraiser Marty Kiar Discusses 2023 Homestead Exemptions
In his latest newsletter, Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar discusses the qualifications for homestead exemptions and urges residents who have not done so, to apply for their 2023 exemption now. The deadline to file is March 1, 2023. If you are already homesteaded, there is no need to reapply, as you will get a renewal card next year.