A Community Association Manager (CAM) license is required for individuals or management companies that serve community associations with more than 10 units/homes or an annual budget over $100,000 in the State of Florida. The purpose of this license is to ensure that those who manage community associations have the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform their duties effectively.
Key Facts
- Definition: According to Florida Statute §468.431(1), a community association is a residential homeowners’ association that imposes fees and membership as a condition of ownership. When a unit or parcel is purchased in such a community, the purchaser becomes a member of the association, and the association has certain legal requirements and obligations towards its members.
- Licensing Requirement: Individuals or management companies that serve community associations with more than 10 units/homes or an annual budget over $100,000 are required to be licensed in the State of Florida.
- Duties Requiring a CAM License: Several activities related to community association management require a CAM license. These include controlling or disbursing funds, preparing budgets and financial documents, assisting in community association meetings, determining statutory notice periods, collecting amounts due to the association, and more.
- Knowledge and Expertise: CAM license holders and key employees should have a working knowledge of various aspects of community association management. This includes management procedures, governing documents, accounting requirements, employee and HR requirements, maintenance standards, safety practices, local regulations, insurance requirements, and more.
Who Needs a CAM License?
According to Florida Statute §468.431(2), individuals or management companies that engage in any of the following activities for a community association are required to have a CAM license:
- Controlling or disbursing funds of a community association
- Preparing budgets or other financial documents for a community association
- Assisting in the noticing or conduct of community association meetings
- Determining the number of days required for statutory notices
- Determining amounts due to the association
- Collecting amounts due to the association before filing a civil action
- Calculating the votes required for a quorum or to approve a proposition or amendment
- Completing forms related to the management of a community association that have been created by statute or by a state agency
- Drafting meeting notices and agendas
- Calculating and preparing certificates of assessment and estoppel certificates
- Responding to requests for certificates of assessment and estoppel certificates
- Negotiating monetary or performance terms of a contract subject to approval by an association
- Drafting pre-arbitration demands
- Coordinating or performing maintenance for real or personal property and other related routine services involved in the operation of a community association
- Complying with the association’s governing documents and the requirements of law as necessary to perform such practices
Knowledge and Expertise Required for CAM License Holders
CAM license holders and key employees should have a working knowledge of the following areas:
- Management procedures
- Governing documents
- Accounting requirements and bookkeeping procedures
- Records retention and statutory requirements for access
- Daily, monthly, annual calendaring requirements
- Employee and HR requirements
- Documentary and statutory collection processes
- Inventory control and procurement
- Contracts and vendor relations
- Buildings and grounds routine and deferred maintenance
- Maintenance standards and categories
- Safety hazards and practices
- Environmental requirements
- State and local licensing requirements
- Local permitting codes and regulations
- Documentary and statutory insurance requirements
- Taxes (income, sales, employment, and property)
- Disaster preparedness procedures
- Owner communications and relations
Conclusion
The CAM license is an important requirement for individuals and management companies that manage community associations in Florida. By ensuring that those who hold this license have the necessary knowledge and expertise, the state aims to protect the interests of community association members and promote the effective operation of these associations.
References
- Who Needs a CAM License? – FCAP
- CAM License Georgia: 5 Things You Need to Know | Vinteum
- Community Association Manager (CAM) Licensing Course | Bob Hogue School of Real Estate
FAQs
What is a CAM license?
A CAM license, or Community Association Manager license, is a credential required for individuals or management companies that manage community associations with more than 10 units/homes or an annual budget over $100,000 in the State of Florida.
Who needs a CAM license?
Individuals or management companies that engage in specific activities related to community association management, as defined by Florida Statute §468.431(2), are required to have a CAM license.
What activities require a CAM license?
Some activities that require a CAM license include controlling or disbursing funds, preparing budgets and financial documents, assisting in community association meetings, determining statutory notice periods, collecting amounts due to the association, and more.
What knowledge and expertise are required for CAM license holders?
CAM license holders and key employees should have a working knowledge of various aspects of community association management, including management procedures, governing documents, accounting requirements, employee and HR requirements, maintenance standards, safety practices, local regulations, insurance requirements, and more.
What is the purpose of the CAM license?
The purpose of the CAM license is to ensure that those who manage community associations have the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform their duties effectively, thereby protecting the interests of community association members and promoting the effective operation of these associations.
How do I obtain a CAM license?
To obtain a CAM license in Florida, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as being at least 18 years of age, having a high school diploma, and completing an approved 25-hour pre-license course. They must also pass a state licensing exam.
What are the benefits of having a CAM license?
Having a CAM license demonstrates that an individual or management company has met the state’s requirements for community association management and possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise. This can enhance their credibility and professionalism in the field.
How can I renew my CAM license?
CAM licenses in Florida must be renewed every four years. Licensees can renew their licenses online up to 120 days before the due date. To renew, they must complete at least 36 hours of continuing education courses, including 3 hours on license law.