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Donna D. Berger, Esq.
 Katzman Garfinkel & Berger
5297 West Copans Road
Margate, Florida 33063
Tel: (954) 486-7774
Fax: (954) 486-7782 Donna D. Berger has counseled condominium, cooperative, timeshare, mobile home and homeowner associations throughout Florida for the past fifteen years. Her work with these communities includes covenant enforcement, covenant amendment, contract review and drafting, collections and foreclosures as well as advising these associations about the statutory and documentary guidelines for the daily administration of their communities. In addition, Ms. Berger has testified before the Florida Legislature regarding community association law and has frequently appeared on radio talk shows and in print media discussing these issues. Ms. Berger is also a registered lobbyist. Ms. Berger formerly served as the Executive Director of CALL, the Community Association Leadership Lobby. Ms. Berger now serves as the Executive Director of the Community Advocacy Network (CAN), an advocacy initiative for those who live, serve and work in common interest ownership communities. Florida Trend Magazine recognized Ms. Berger in 2006 among its "Legal Elite" in the area of Community Association Law. This designation was based upon a poll of Florida attorneys, who selected peers in the top 2% of their respective practice areas. You can view her full bio on the firm's website. Donna has contributed her expert opinion and experience to the HOAleader.com articles below.
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HOA Violence--Part 2: Common HOA Violence, and Your HOA's Duties
July 2011
HOAs aren't immune to violence, and your board has a duty to prevent it. In part one of this two-part series, we explained how to work with local first responders to minimize the risk of workplace and domestic violence at your HOA. Here, in part two, we discuss more common types of violence at HOAs and offer tips for preventing them from exploding. . . . keep reading
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Homeowner Associations and Aging Owners: What HOA Boards Should Know
June 2011
As the population ages, your home owner association will likely face new challenges. What should your HOA board know about maintaining elderly owners' rights and privacy if they begin suffering from dementia, physical incapacitation, or inadequate support while preserving the rights of those owners' neighbors? Here, we provide guidance to help you begin addressing the age-old questions you'll face. . . . keep reading
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HOA Management Companies: A Practical Guide for Homeowners Association Boards
In this exclusive HOA management special report, we offer insight and guidance on finding a good HOA manager and determining whether you need an onsite manager, must-have and must-not-have contract language, and tips for responding when your management company isn't doing its job, including guidance on when to cut ties or work toward a better relationship. We also educate going-it-alone boards on best practices for self-managed homeowners associations, and much, much more. . . . keep reading
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What Should Your HOA Board Do After An Accident?
October 2010
In the middle of the night on Aug. 31, bricks began falling off the Carol Shire Commons condominium complex, according to the Carol Stream Press. By the time the fire department arrived, six decorative exterior balconies had collapsed. No injuries were reported, but 10 families were displaced. . . . keep reading
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HOA Rules and Free Speech: When Do Rules Restricting Speech Go Too Far?
October 2009
Could your homeowners association prohibit a resident from placing seven Marine Corps decals on his vehicle? That's what The Woodlands II on The Creek, an HOA in Dallas, has done, insisting that the Marine Corps decals on Frank Larison's car are advertisements that are prohibited by the association's governing documents. Here's advice on how far your HOA can go in restricting residents' free speech. . . . keep reading
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HOA Communications: How to Keep Your HOA Message Board Civil
October 2009
It seemed like such a great idea. Set up an online message board for your association residents, and they'll discuss community events and issues, and you'll build a sense of belonging. Then, some goofus started posting links to inappropriate videos as a joke. On top of that, members who run their own businesses started trying to generate business with posts that chat up their wares and services. The worst part is that some of your most controversial topics are generating heat, and tempers have flared. What's a board to do? Here's some guidance. . . . keep reading
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HOA Board Members: How to Avoid Being On Call 24-7
September 2009
Living in the same place that you volunteer as a board member means you're always visible and available through a simple knock on your door. And there's no question some owners take advantage of that accessibility. But being a board member doesn't have to be that way. Here are tips for setting boundaries so that members know that you and your fellow board members aren't your association's 24-hour resident managers. . . . keep reading
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Whispering Pines West HOA
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