City of Sunny Isles Beach Official Website
At the January 2020 Commission Meeting, the City Commission voted to petition the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to have a representative of the Office of the Condominium Ombudsman provide services within our city. The Ombudsman is available to meet with residents upon request. To request a meeting, or reach out for more information, contact his office at 954.202.3234 or e-mail ombudsman@myfloridalicense.com.
Approximately 97% of residents live in one of more than 100 condominium buildings in Sunny Isles Beach, and we have received many requests to assist in condominium complaints and disputes. Though condominiums may be within our city limits, Florida law (chapter 718 FSS) and Florida rules (chapter 61B FAC) govern the operation of condominium associations. We recognize that complaints and disputes within condominiums is an ongoing concern for many residents and we want to help facilitate your access to the State Ombudsman to help solve these issues.
About the Office of the Condominium Ombudsman
Our state legislature created the Condominium Ombudsman Office in 2004 as a means to avoid and ameliorate problems in condominiums before they escalate to an unreasonable level. The mission of the Office of the Condominium Ombudsman is to improve the quality of life for Florida condominium owners through prompt, professional and courteous service as a neutral, informative and accessible resource. The Office, which is part of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has three overarching functions: to investigate complaints, report findings, and work toward equitable settlements. In addition, they also monitor condominium elections, as misconduct during elections leads to significant complaints and costly disputes among unit owners.
Among other duties, the State Ombudsman office facilitates voluntary meetings between affected parties when the meetings may assist in resolving a dispute within a community association before the person submits a dispute for formal or administrative remedy; develops policies and procedures to assist unit owners; and acts as a resource for both the rights and responsibilities of unit owners, board members, and associations. Ultimately, the Ombudsman is a resource to provide a neutral and balanced perspective to address the competing interests in condominium law and regulation.