Spouses Serving Together (Florida)

Started by PeterB1 • 3 replies • 2022 views

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PeterB1 (Florida)
Posts: 257

Posted:

One of our residents has been appointed (by the President) to Chair the Architectural Review Board. The Board of Directors then selected the other (3) members of the ARB - including the spouse of the Chairperson. This is all in accordance with our Bylaws.

There is nothing in our governing documents that makes this illegal. I have not seen anything in FL 700-20 which suggests that a husband and wife can't serve on the same committee. So, my question is - Is it illegal, inappropriate, or bad judgment? Or is it perfectly OK?

What do you think?

peter

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Hi Peter:

The ACC and all other committees ultimately answer to the BOD.

It is not illegal … in my personal opinion as committees do not have ultimate control/vote over the HOA then there is no ethical issue with individuals from same household serving on committees.

It is great that you appear to have many willing to participate in your HOA.

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Peter,

It is done often and it is not illegal according to Statutes 720. There are so many associations that getting members to serve is a real chore. If a spouse wants to serve on a committee, I say more power to them. As Janet has posted, the Board makes the final decisions on any commitee actions. A Board member with a spouse serving on a committee certainly excuse themselves from a vote if there would be a conflict of a decision.

WilliamS1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 113

Posted:

I ran into a situation like this and it took me back a bit also. I have seen it both ways.

First if the ARB Chair votes, its not appropriate because it is out of balance. If they don't and the spouces vote is independant then its fine, one spouce being oversight and the other rendering an opinion.

I think you have to observe and judge the intention. If it seem exclusionary or a power grab, I think you need to cry foul, but if like the others have suggested true volunteerism, GREAT.

In our situation it was exclusionary. The past President and Treasurer had both their husbands (2) working the ARB (3 members) which created a loop of power. They never announced board or ARB openings yet "cried" for volunteers when challanged on it.

If it is a power grab and you see a tendancy in this area, keep an eye out because its not just the ARB they are wanting to control. Some people are built that way.

Take Care

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