Jan 29 2025 33 mins 2
Our last episode of Take It To The Board involved a discussion with an owner in a luxury high-rise who had become disenchanted with some of the governance issues in his community. Today's episode takes us further on that path as host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Spencer Hennings, who brings firsthand knowledge as Florida’s former Condominium Ombudsman about the types of owner complaints he saw time and again while serving in that role. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020, Spencer served in this critical role until 2023, resolving thousands of condominium disputes, acting as the state’s liaison during the Miami-Dade Surfside condo collapse, and helping to draft impactful condominium legislation at both local and state levels.
During their conversation, Spencer shares how he transformed the ombudsman’s office into a more accessible resource for Floridians and reflects on his crucial involvement during and after the Surfside tragedy. Together, Donna and Spencer explore the potential establishment of a state ombudsman for Homeowners Associations (HOAs), discussing the potential complexities of such a role and the importance of fair and balanced representation.
Spencer also addresses the common misconception that the ombudsman’s office exclusively advocates for unit owners, emphasizing the critical need for impartiality. The discussion further examines the evolving challenges in community association management, particularly in the wake of disasters, outdated processes, and the increasing trend of condo terminations in vulnerable areas like Florida.
As they wrap up, Spencer reflects on the emotional toll of working in the Ombudsman's Office and offers candid advice for those who may follow in his footsteps, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of this vital oversight role.
This episode covers everything from legislative hurdles to the personal journey of navigating public service in Florida’s complex association landscape, and is one you don’t want to miss!.
Conversation Highlights Include:
- What inspired Spencer to pursue the role of Condominium Ombudsman
- The most common complaints from condo owners
- Balancing the interests of owners, board members and other stakeholders
- Common misconceptions about the role of the Condominium Ombudsman
- Spencer’s advice to every condo owner and every board member
- Do Florida HOAs need their own Ombudsman?
Related Links:
- Online Class: Dealing with Difficult People
- Article: Implementing Condominium Restrictions
- Podcast: Alternative Dispute Resolution with Jeffrey Streitfeld, Mediator
