Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

condominium laws

my homeowners association wants me to replace my mailbox. The mailbox they choose is far too expensive for me at $300.00. I am a single mother living paycheck to paycheck and simply cannot afford this. They have threatened me with a lawsuit and they tell me I am incurring their lawyer fees daily. I had heard that the association cannot ''force'' me into something that I cannot afford. I am not going into debt over a mailbox and if I have to change my mailbox then shouldn't everyone else have to change their mailboxes too? Their lawyer told me that since mine was in the worst shape, that only those deemed as bad as mine had to be changed. For all I know, someone on board owns the mailbox place that they want me to buy from. I also don't remember signing anything allowing them to dictate what I had to buy. Any suggestions?


Asked on 11/30/06, 7:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: condominium laws

Homeowner association cases are nightmares. It always amazes me what people think up to fight about. You need to read the HOA rules (you probably didn't sign them, but they were part of the closing papers when you bought the house. As the lawyer for a copy. Ask him to point out the provision that allows the HOA to require you to replace your mailbox. If there is such a provision, I would shop around to see what the alternatives are. Go speak to the HOA president and explain your problem. Hopefully you can work it out. Good luck.

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Answered on 11/30/06, 10:07 pm


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