D.B. from Brevard County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Our dock was damaged in Hurricane Matthew. All owners were assessed to rebuild. Non-boat/lift owners feel that boat/lift owners should pay more for the dock repair because they use the dock more. Can boat owners be asked to pay more for repair and dock maintenance than other owners?
Mister Condo replies:
D.B., Hurricane Matthew certainly wreaked plenty of havoc in Florida. I am sorry that your community was also damaged. The docks, while specifically designed for the use of boat owners are likely assets of the association. As such, the association as a whole is likely responsible for their repair and upkeep. Unless your documents say otherwise, these association assets are handled the same way a roof or clubhouse or tennis court are handled. The funds for the repair and upkeep come out of the association’s general funds which are funded by common fee contributions. It would be uncommon for boat/lift owners to be identified as a separate class of owner with a separate class of fee specific to the upkeep of the dock. You can check you documents to see if they say otherwise but it is very likely a common expense that is shared by all unit owners. All the best!