This summer, Governor Ron DeSantis signed several Bills that directly affect condominium, homeowners’, and cooperative associations. On May 17, 2024, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 382 (“SB 382” or the “Bill”), which modifies continuing education requirements for Florida-licensed community association managers (“CAMs”). The Bill is effective July 1, 2024; thus, all CAMs and associations should review and become familiar with its changes. Below is a brief summary of the Bill and how we expect it to affect CAMs moving forward.

A. Distance Learning Satisfies CAM Continuing Education Requirements.

First, the Bill amends Section 455.2123, Florida Statutes, and now provides that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (“DBPR”) must allow CAMs to satisfy their continuing education requirements through distance learning. Previously, the DBPR was allowed, but not required, to approve distance learning as an alternative to classroom learning. Beginning July 1, 2024, however, if a CAM uses a distance learning course to satisfy their requirements, the DBPR must accept it as a valid way to satisfy their education requirements.

Although “distance learning” is not defined by the statute, we anticipate that this change will provide CAMs more freedom in their ability to attend courses to satisfy their continuing education requirements with lessened interference in managing their communities.

B. CAMs Meeting Certain Criteria are Exempt from Continuing Education Requirements.

In addition, the Bill creates a subsection to Section 455.2124, Florida Statutes, which provides that CAMs are exempt from completing continuing education requirements for the duration of a license renewal period if the CAM meets the following criteria: (i) currently has an active CAM license issued by the DBPR; (ii) has continuously held their license for at least ten (10) years; and, (iii) there has been no disciplinary action imposed on the CAM’s license.

Again, these changes appear to “lighten” the continuing education requirements for CAMs and provide more flexibility in their ability to maintain their licenses.

At Haber Law, we have experience navigating the ins-and-outs of new legislation and the challenges that can come with compliance. If you have further questions about SB 382 and how it applies to you and your association, please reach out to our office for a consultation. In addition, we encourage you to review our other blog posts recapping additional bills that were passed this legislative session.

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