Category Archives: Uncategorized
Kevin Adorno Memorial Bike Ride
![Helena Adorno (left), mother of bicyclist Kevin Adorno (both of Farmington Connecticut) who was killed in September 1, 2014 in Vero Beach, is helped riding south along A1A from by Charles Sanford, of Vero Beach, during the first day of the Ride to the Finish bike ride from Vero Beach to Miami in memory of her son. Kevin Adorno died after being attacked by a homeless man at a McDonalds in Vero Beach while bicycling from Maryland to Miami. "The first few miles were very humbling because I just related to him [Kevin] totally being on the bike coming down the coast," Helen Adorno said. "I can see why people love biking." (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)](https://i1.wp.com/charlessanfordlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/bikeride_01_1439918026681_22871878_ver1.0_900_675.jpg)
Helena Adorno (left), mother of bicyclist Kevin Adorno (both of Farmington Connecticut) who was killed in September 1, 2014 in Vero Beach, is helped riding south along A1A from by Charles Sanford, of Vero Beach, during the first day of the Ride to the Finish bike ride from Vero Beach to Miami in memory of her son. Kevin Adorno died after being attacked by a homeless man at a McDonalds in Vero Beach while bicycling from Maryland to Miami. “The first few miles were very humbling because I just related to him [Kevin] totally being on the bike coming down the coast,” Helen Adorno said. “I can see why people love biking.” (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)
Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. has been named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business
Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. has been named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM by the League of American Bicyclists:
On April 22, 2015 the League of American Bicyclists recognized Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. with a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFBSM) award, joining more than 950 visionary businesses from across the country.
We also congratulate Malcolm Allen of Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks, 1175 Commerce Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960 on their Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFBSM) award!
With the announcement of 161 new and renewing BFBs today in 46 states and Washington, D.C., Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. joins a cutting-edge group of more than 950 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.
“Visionary business leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of businesses for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their employees.”
Charles Sanford and his wife Rosemary enjoy group rides with Vero Cycling Club in Indian River County, Florida. Many new friendships have been forged while cycling together for recreation and health. Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. also encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as indoor bicycle parking and incentives such as flexible hours for employees so they can join the scheduled Vero Cycling Club rides.
Moving forward, Charles H. Sanford Law Offices, P.L. will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When our employees and clients and friends bike, great things happen: a few examples are decreased carbon footprint, reduced healthcare costs, being connected to the community, and a fun and healthy work culture.
To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses
The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle Corp. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.
Charles H. Sanford Law Offices has made an application to be certified as a “Bicycle Friendly Business”
Charles H. Sanford Law Offices has made an application to The League of American Bicyclists to be certified as a “Bicycle Friendly Business” in Vero Beach, Florida.
As members of the Vero Cycling Club, Rosemary and Charles Sanford invite you to register for the 2015 Hibiscus Ride, in partnership with Main Street Vero Beach on April 18th, 2015. Click the photo of Charles and Rosemary and friends below to learn more.
Charles and Rosemary Sanford and the Vero Cycling Club
Flood Insurance Tip: Get that elevation certificate!
Is the creek rising? The federal government thinks it is and wants to stop subsidizing flood insurance. Sellers and buyers owners of flood prone properties should consider getting an elevation certificate to find out their risks.
Background:
Since 1968 the federal government has been subsidizing the cost of flood insurance for homeowners in flood prone areas. These subsidies proved important in the development of many low-lying properties especially in states with large coastal areas like Florida. However, after the significant flood related losses due to hurricanes such as Katrina and Sandy the cost of providing these subsidies has strapped the federal program. So, in 2012, Congress passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act to phase out subsidies for flood insurance for certain properties. The new law does not change subsidies for year-round residents who already have flood insurance. However, the subsidized insurance for these owners will not be grandfathered for the property itself, so new owners may face higher premiums. The new law however will adversely affect owners of second homes or commercial properties. These owners will see increased rates of up to 25% starting this year. Additionally, FEMA has drawn new flood zone maps with new elevation standards. These new maps will cause some homes not currently in a flood zone to be re-designated to be within flood zones. Insurance rates will be directly linked to the true elevation of the property. As a result, the elevation of properties (elevation certificates) and the cost of flood insurance will take on a greater significance in sales transactions.
Practical Considerations:
1. Homeowners that are contemplating the sale of their home and who are uncertain as to whether their property is in a flood zone, should consider getting an elevation certificate or flood zone determination before they list the property.
2. It is likely that property prices will become depressed for properties located in flood zones. Agents will need to do more inquiry as to the cost of flood insurance for such properties.
3. Read the Flood insurance disclosure provisions in the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar-Contract and pay attention to the termination deadlines for determining flood insurance eligibility.
In August 2013 there were several changes to the standard Florida Realtors/Florida Bar-Contract. One of these changes was found in paragraph 10 (D) which concerns flood zone and elevation certificates. This revision to paragraph 10 (d) inserted a blank line for the parties to designate the number of days the buyer has to the terminate the contract if the property is found to be ineligible for flood insurance through the national flood insurance program (NFIP), or if the lowest floor elevation for flood insurance purposes is below minimum flood elevation. Twenty (20) days after the effective date is now the default provision. Also, this paragraph discloses that flood insurance rates through NFIP may be increasing on non-primary residences and that Buyers may be required to obtain a flood elevation certificate to obtain flood insurance.
Practice Pointer:
Paragraph 10(d) creates an additional escape for buyers where the property is found to be in a flood zone and the finished floor is below flood elevation. However, there’s a temptation to delay the survey work and avoid the expense until after the inspection period has expired. This leaves little time to complete the survey before the expiration of the 20 day period. Agents are advised to use greater diligence to see that survey work and/or elevations certificates are obtained within the flood zone determination deadline (20 days or as per contract).
It should be noted that the language in paragraph 10 (d) puts the burden on the Buyer and agents to determine whether the property under contract is located within or outside a flood zone within the (20 day) deadline. However, agents (especially listing agents) must also realize that paragraph 10 (d) comes under the “Disclosures” section of the contract and that should the Seller or an agent have actual knowledge that the property is located below minimum the flood elevation, they must disclose this fact to the buyer or run the risk of giving Buyer a right to cancel the contract or even a suit for damages after closing.
Note about minimum flood elevations and non-conforming structures: Many local ordinances have adopted building codes containing minimum floor elevation requirements that are .5 to 1.5 feet above flood elevation, so while paragraph 10 (d) can be satisfied where the floor elevation is above the flood elevation, the floor may still be below the minimum elevation as required by ordinance and thus the home may be considered a non-conforming structure and objected to by the buyer. Buyers should obtain an elevation certificate and confirm that the elevation of the home satisfies the minimum height requirements found in local ordinances.
Post Script: The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act has drawn severe criticism especially from Florida lawmakers and Congress is moving to delay implementation of the law. Check out this link for details: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2013/10/28/309383.htm.
Stay tuned for more developments.
Stay dry…
Charles
Why marriage is so great in Florida-Tenancy by the Entireties
Legal News Post # 1
Why marriage is so great in Florida-Tenancy by the Entireties:
Florida has a very old form of property ownership known as tenancy by the entireties (“TBE”). TBE is a joint tenancy that exists only between spouses. TBE only exists if the property is specifically titled to a married couple in a manner as follows: “John Doe and Jane Doe, husband and wife”.
This type of joint ownership has several interesting features:
1. Survivorship: Upon the death of one of the spouses the property goes to the surviving spouse by operation of law. This property will be excluded from probate of the estate of the first spouse to die.
2. Legal fiction: This ownership is deemed to be an ownership by the marriage itself. In other words, it creates the curious legal fiction that there is one entity (the marriage) that owns the property. Each spouse in the marriage is said to own the whole (the entirety). This strange fiction creates the basis for the next two features unique to TBEs.
3. Limited asset protection: A general judgment creditor (think credit card company) of either the husband or wife can not look to the TBE property to satisfy the debt solely owed to creditor by that spouse. Florida’s acceptance of TBE ownership, along with homestead is the reason Florida is considered one of the most debtor friendly states in the US. Note: This protection does not apply if the debt is jointly owed by the husband and wife. Also, this protection does not apply with respect to federal tax liens (pre-emption by federal law). Hint for spouses: Don’t sign husband’s or wife’s credit card application or you both become liable for debt and thus expose otherwise protected property!
4. Severance of TBE upon divorce. Logically, since the marriage “owns” the property, if the marriage no longer exists then TBE ownership can’t exist. So, upon divorce the TBE ownership severd and is converted to a tenancy in common (“TC”), in which each party gets an equal interest (50%) in the whole.
Interestingly, once the TBE is severed by divorce, if the divorced parties remarry, the TBE does not get reinstated. The parties must re-convey the property to each other as husband and wife. Admittedly this scenario does not occur too often, but not re-conveying to create the TBE could cause unitended consequences for a surviving spouse especially in 2nd or 3rd marrages with “blended” families. This is so because in 2nd marriages upon the first spouse’s death his or her TC interest (say 50%) will not go to the husband by operation of law and , assuming there is no will, Florida’s intestacy statutes could cause an interest in such property to go to the first to die spouse’s children and not 100% to the surviving spouse.
Florida Statues Sec.732.102 provides:
The intestate share of the surviving spouse is:
(3) If there are one or more surviving descendants of the decedent who are not lineal descendants of the surviving spouse, one-half of the intestate estate.
(4) If there are one or more surviving descendants of the decedent, all of whom are also descendants of the surviving spouse, and the surviving spouse has one or more descendants who are not descendants of the decedent, one-half of the intestate estate.
Finally, in any matter dealing with the ownership and rights in real property, one must always determine whether the real property is homestead. Homestead rights exist by virtue of the Florida Constitution and are quite broad and very complex. Legal scholars refer to Homestead as a “legal chameleon” because of its complexity and the maze of court rulings interpreting the application of the law to facts. I mention homestead only to point out there are other considerations and options when it comes to asset protection and that homestead can protect real property from creditors regardless of whether the property is owned as a TBE. I’ll discuss homestead in future posts.
Hello to all visitors to my Newsletter
Hello Everyone. This is my new web page and first installment to my Newsletter. I am new to this and welcome all of your suggestions as to how to make the site better. I will be posting various articles about important developments in Florida law which I hope you will find useful and perhaps at times entertaining. Also, from time to time, I will post articles with interesting topics of general interest. Stay tuned for more.