Question: I live in a condominium association and there has been discussion concerning who has the authority to direct the association’s contractors and vendors, including the landscapers… We feel that because we pay for these services, these individuals work for us, and we should be able to tell them what to do. The manager told us not to speak to contractors or vendors and said that only she, as the board’s authorized re
presentative, has that authority. This is completely unacceptable since we, the unit owners, are the ones who are having to foot the bill. Who is right? (C.O. by e-mail)
Answer: Your manager is correct. The law specifically states that a unit owner does not have any authority to act for the association simply by reason of being a unit owner. Further, most condominium documents provide that the powers and duties of the association are exercised exclusively by the board or its authorized agents, except where an owner vote is specifically required by the documents or Florida law.