Category Archives: Real Estate Law
THE DECEMBER CLOSING TRAPS MOST BUYERS AND SELLERS MISS
December real estate transactions often look straightforward on paper, but year-end deals carry a unique risk that rarely gets discussed: decisions made for timing reasons can quietly override long-term strategy. While the desire to “close the books” before the new year is understandable, the rushed timeline can create legal and financial complications that persist… Read More »
FLORIDA HOUSE UNVEILS BROAD PROPERTY TAX REFORM PROPOSALS
Legislative & Policy Update On October 16, 2025, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez issued a memorandum outlining seven proposed constitutional amendments that could reshape Florida’s property tax system. The proposals collectively aim to reduce or restructure property taxes on homestead properties, modify assessment limits, and expand portability of existing tax benefits. Speaker Perez noted… Read More »
CONDOMINIUM COVENANTS & CREEPY CLAUSES: HOA RULES THAT HAUNT BUYERS
You may think buying a new condo is a treat — but hidden in the fine print of your HOA documents, there could be a few tricks waiting to surprise you. Before you fall under the spell of granite countertops and resort-style pools, beware of what lurks in the Declaration of Condominium, Covenants, Bylaws,… Read More »
Locked Out for Love: When Condo Boards Go Too Far – Understanding Florida Tenant Rights and Condominium Board Overreach
Our office recently represented a tenant in a Miami condominium who ran into an increasingly common—but legally questionable—problem: his access fob to the parking garage and common areas was deactivated by the condo association. The reason? His girlfriend had moved in with him. No warning. No violation hearing. No due process. Just an abrupt… Read More »
Keys, Coins, & Closings: Fannie & Freddie Say “Yes” to Crypto
In a landmark shift that could reshape mortgage underwriting, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has taken a major step into the digital age. On June 27, 2025, the FHFA announced that it would begin allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider cryptocurrency holdings as verifiable assets when assessing mortgage applications—provided the digital… Read More »
Understanding Short-Term Rentals in Florida: A Legal Guide for Miami Property Owners
As a property owner in Miami, the short-term rental market, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, presents a compelling opportunity to generate significant income. However, Florida’s complex and evolving regulatory framework demands strict compliance to avoid costly penalties and legal challenges. At Miami Legal, P.A., we guide property owners through the intricacies of… Read More »
Closing the Deal: Florida’s 2025 Real Estate Market – Current Landscape for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties
Florida’s real estate market in 2025 is a complex landscape of opportunity and challenge, particularly in the vibrant counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. As inventory rises, financing evolves, and rental demand persists, buyers, sellers, renters, and investors must navigate with precision. At Miami Legal, P.A., we empower clients to seize opportunities while… Read More »
South Florida Condos on Fannie Mae’s “Secret” Blacklist: What It Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Associations
In South Florida’s competitive real estate market, condominiums in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are facing a hidden obstacle: a “blacklist” maintained by Fannie Mae. As of March 2025, approximately 696 condo buildings in the region are flagged as ineligible for Fannie Mae-backed financing, creating significant challenges for buyers, sellers, and condo associations…. Read More »
Brink’s Armored Vehicles Hit with $50 Million Penalty for Violations of Anti-Money Laundering Legislation
On February 6, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a groundbreaking settlement and non-prosecution agreement, imposing a civil monetary penalty of $50 million against Brink’s Global Services USA, Inc. The company, which owns and operates armored vehicles used to safely transport paper currency, was found… Read More »
Rising Costs and New Regulations: The Future of Florida Condominiums
In 2025, Florida condominiums face significant financial and regulatory changes as a result of safety legislation enacted in 2022. This law, spurred by the tragic Champlain Towers South collapse in 2021—which claimed the lives of 98 individuals—aims to overhaul safety standards statewide. Investigators linked the collapse to lapses in routine inspections and maintenance, prompting… Read More »