Understanding what the law requires of board members as well as some of their general duties will help answer the question of "What do board members do?". Becoming a board member is a very important job with many responsibilities. As a member, you are able to help first-hand with your community issues. Many people like to become members of the board as a way to help and give back to their community as well as a way to help increase or maintain the value of their investment. Becoming a board member is not only beneficial to your community, but also beneficial to yourself!
Florida Statute 617.0830, which governs corporations not for profit including community associations, requires that a board member “shall discharge his or her duties in good faith, with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances, and in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the interests of the association.” According to the Community Associations Institute (CAI), some of the duties of board members include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting open, fair and well-publicized elections
- Encouraging input from residents on issues affecting them personally and the community as a whole
- Making covenants, conditions and restrictions as understandable as possible
- Exercising sound business judgment and following established management practices
- Attending meetings
- Establishing and enforcing community rules and regulations
- Directing your community manager
There is a lot involved in running a community. Free board member educational courses are offered frequently throughout the year in South Florida. Sign up for our newsletter to receive a free, monthly list of board member educational courses.
Are you already a board member for your community association? If so, what are some of the responsibilities you have? Do you enjoy being on the Board? Let us know in the comment section below.