The Orlando Law Scoop - Small Claims Guide, $450K Raised, and the June 30 HOA Deadline

Rick Brown • May 27, 2025

May Moves with OLG
Q&A Drops, Big Wins, and That June Deadline You

Really Shouldn’t Miss!

As summer starts to sizzle, we’re wrapping up May with major community wins (🍷hello, Wine Quest!), fresh Legal Q&A videos on the way, and one very important certification deadline for HOA and COA boards coming fast.

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Community Corner

29th Annual Wine Quest

This May, we had the honor of sponsoring Quest, Inc.’s 29th Annual Wine Quest — an incredible evening dedicated to raising funds and awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities.


With more than $450,000 raised, the event was a true celebration of inclusion, independence, and the power of community (plus some fantastic wine and good company).


We’re proud to stand with organizations like Quest that help make our community stronger, one meaningful life at a time.


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Need to File a Small Claims Case in Florida? Here’s How.


Sometimes, doing the right thing means standing up for yourself — especially when someone else isn’t holding up their end of a deal.


If you’ve ever:


  • Paid a contractor who ghosted you halfway through the job
  • Been denied a refund for a defective product
  • Lent money that mysteriously vanished with no repayment



You might have a valid small claims case, and you don’t need to hire an attorney to pursue it.


If the amount you’re owed is under $8,000, Florida law gives you the option to file a case yourself in small claims court. And while you can absolutely go it alone, our newest blog and downloadable one-sheeter walk you through what to expect.


You’ll learn:


  • What types of cases qualify
  • How to write a basic demand letter
  • Where to file your claim (hint: it’s not just anywhere)
  • What happens at mediation or trial
  • How to actually collect if you win


💡 Whether it’s $500 or $7,999, you deserve a fair shot at getting your money back. This guide gives you the roadmap, and if you get stuck, we’re always here to help.


📄 Grab the one-sheeter or read the full post Here


Download the Handout

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HOA/COA BOARD MEMBERS!

TIMES ALMOST UP!

Don’t Get Fined. Get Certified.


tarting July 1, 2024, all new HOA and Condominium board directors must complete an approved education course. Existing board members—your deadline is June 30, 2025. No matter the size of your community, this training is essential, and we’re here to help!


🗓 Choose the best time for you from our upcoming course dates.

REGISTER NOW

Legal Q&A: More Videos Coming Soon


Our Legal Q&A video series is just getting started — and your questions are the star of the show.


We’ve already covered everything from HOA headaches to business basics, and we’ve got more answers on the way.


📬 Got something on your mind?

Send us your question — it might be featured in an upcoming video!

Submit Your Question Here!

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Don’t Miss These Must-Read Blogs!

As Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session progresses, several bills could impact how Homeowners and Condominium Associations operate. Notable changes include potential updates to reserve requirements, virtual meeting policies, and investment rules, with the major focus on CS/SB 1742, a comprehensive bill that addresses licensing, public document requirements, and new processes for managing association funds.

Read More

The Ins and

Outs of Contracting

Contracts are a fundamental part of business and personal transactions, from online purchases to business agreements. For a contract to be valid, there must be mutual agreement on terms and an exchange of value. Key elements of a contract include clearly identifying the parties involved, specifying the agreement’s terms, setting dates, and ensuring both parties sign. It’s important to negotiate the terms, clarify responsibilities, and consult a lawyer to ensure the contract protects your interests and meets legal requirements.

Read More

More to Come—Stay Tuned!


There’s always something happening at OLG, and we can’t wait to share more with you soon! If you have any questions, need legal support, or want to join one of our upcoming events, don’t hesitate to reach out. See you next time!

October 28, 2025
There’s this moment before the demolition starts—before the hammer swings, before the contractor texts you “running late”—where it all feels possible. You’ve got your Pinterest board, maybe a sketch on a napkin, some color swatches you’re already half-committed to. And then, pretty quick, it turns into noise. Timelines slip. Dust finds its way into your underwear drawer. People stop showing up when they said they would. And suddenly you’re Googling “is it normal to cry during a remodel.” So here’s the deal. This isn’t a blueprint. It’s a gut-check. Planning Isn’t Optional Winging it will eat your lunch. If you’re thinking “we’ll just figure it out as we go,” go ahead and budget double. You’ve got to define your renovation scope before you do anything. Write it down; get specific. What’s staying. What’s getting ripped out. Where can you flex if costs balloon. People will ask “what’s the plan?” and you’ll think you have one, but unless it’s down on paper? You don’t. This isn’t HGTV. This is your house. Clarity protects you. Don’t Hire the Vibe — Hire the Plan The smooth-talking guy might not show up after deposit day. You need receipts, not vibes. When you’re talking to contractors, don’t get hypnotized by jargon or charisma. Push for structure. Get everything in writing. Start date, payment schedule, who’s responsible for hauling out the mess — all of it. If they squirm, that’s your cue. Be direct. Ask for clear contractor commitments and make sure they don’t treat it like a weird request. It’s not personal. It’s your sanity on the line. Your Docs Will Get Out of Hand. Tame Them. Permits. Receipts. Contracts. Mood boards. Estimates. You’ll think, “Oh, I’ll remember where that is.” You won’t. They’ll be in six different inboxes and three cloud folders. And right when you need that signed plumbing quote, it’ll be buried under something labeled “Final FINAL v3.” Merge your PDFs. All of them. Stick ‘em in one place. Bookmark it. Reference it. It’ll save you mid-panic. If you need a no-hassle way to do that, just take a look and pull your renovation paperwork together before it unravels. Your Budget is Lying to You Whatever your estimate is, add 20%. Just do it. Even if everything feels locked. Even if your spreadsheet color codes make you feel safe. You will discover something behind a wall or under a floor that makes your electrician say “uhh, we’ve got a problem.” And then you’ll either panic or pull from the padding you had the foresight to set aside. The smart move is to budget with a contingency buffer . It’s much better to have leftover money than an unfinished bathroom and maxed card. Your House Will Not Be Livable. Accept That Now. There’s no such thing as a dust-free renovation. It will get in your socks. It will float into your cereal. Your door might be off the hinges for days. Water might be shut off. One night you’ll try to find your toothbrush and discover it under a tarp next to a pile of grout. Even if your contractor promises otherwise, lead times can extend project delays and suddenly you’re eating takeout on an upside-down laundry basket. Make peace with chaos early. It’s coming, either way. The Curveballs Hit Hardest When You’re Tired You’ll make your worst decisions on day 32 when you're over it and just want it to end. That’s when you say yes to the wrong tile or skip a final inspection. Don’t. Force yourself to stay sharp when everything’s blurry. Renovations don’t fall apart all at once — they drift. You skip a walkthrough. You ignore a bad gut feeling. You rush because you’re done emotionally. Don’t do that. Prepare for what most homeowners miss entirely : the fatigue. It’s the invisible enemy, and it wrecks more projects than bad tile ever could. It’s Not Done When It’s “Done” The crew might pack up. The floors might look shiny. But you’re not out of the woods yet. There will be fixes, touch-ups, little weird quirks you don’t notice until week two. Make a punch list. Schedule a walkthrough. Don’t ghost the finish. That last 5%? It’s everything. Set yourself up to follow a simple renovation checklist that keeps you honest when all you want to do is collapse on your new couch and pretend it’s over. Finish strong. Or live with regrets. Renovating your home will test you. You will second-guess your choices. You’ll hate paint colors you once loved. You’ll wonder if the crew is ever coming back. And then, weirdly, one day — it’ll be done. The house will be quieter. The walls smoother. You’ll notice you stop holding your breath when you walk into the kitchen. That’s when it hits you. It was never just about the tile or the lights. It was about holding the line when everything wanted to slide. And you did.
August 6, 2025
JUNETEENTH HISTORY: Juneteenth commemorates the June 19, 1866, announcement in Texas that enslaved people there were finally free, marking the end of slavery in the United States. It is celebrated to remember the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reaching Texas over two years after it was initially issued. Initially celebrated with prayer meetings and spirituals, it has evolved into a nationwide celebration, recognized as a federal holiday
August 6, 2025
As we approach Independence Day, we’re filled with gratitude—for freedom, for community, and for the place we all call home. 🏡✨ This season reminds us of the importance of unity, resilience, and celebrating life’s meaningful moments with the ones we love. Whether you're lighting up the sky with fireworks, sharing a meal with neighbors, or simply relaxing under the summer sun, we hope your Fourth is filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From our family to yours, Happy Independence Day! Here's to the red, white, and blue—and to finding your perfect place to call home. ❤️🤍💙 With warmest wishes, – The Brown Home Group
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February 17, 2025
Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!
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