Approved Bylaws
Sweetwater is a premiere waterfront community with 129 homes in the suburb of Rocky Point in Tampa, Florida. The neighborhood is a deed-restricted, gated community. Quiet and secluded, Sweetwater is nestled within the Pam Callahan nature preserve and surrounded by the waters of old Tampa Bay and Sweetwater Creek. Although private and surrounded by nature, Sweetwater is in the heart of the Tampa Bay area ideally located close to major highways, Tampa International Airport, the city's best shopping and restaurants, downtown, and local beaches.
About Sweetwater HOA
Sweetwater is a premiere gated, deed restricted community with 129 homes. Quiet and secluded, Sweetwater is nestled within the Pam Callahan nature preserve and surrounded by the waters of old Tampa Bay and Sweetwater Creek. Although private and surrounded by nature, Sweetwater is in the heart of the Tampa Bay area ideally located close to major highways, Tampa International Airport, the city's best shopping and restaurants, downtown, and local beaches.
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AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS
OF
SWEETWATER CREEK PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
ARTICLE I.
NAME AND LOCATION
The name of the corporation is SWEETWATER CREEK PROPERTY OWNERS
ASSOCIATION, INC. The principal office of the corporation shall be the same as that listed for the
mailing address for the Registered Agent of the corporation on file with the State of Florida, but
meetings of Members and directors may be held at such places within the state of Florida as may be
designated by the Board of Directors from time to time.
ARTICLE II.
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.
"Association" shall mean and refer to Sweetwater Creek Property Owners
Association, Inc., A Florida nonprofit corporation, together with its successors, legal representatives,
and assigns.
Section 2.
"Common Areas" shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Declaration.
Section 3.
"Declaration" shall mean and refer to the Restrictive Covenants for The
Sweetwater Creek Subdivision recorded at Official Records Book 3469, Page 1842 et seq.; as
amended at Official Records Book 3727, Page 1370 et seq.; as amended at Official Records Book
3827, Page 1888 et seq.; as amended at Official Records Book 3827, Page 1893 et seq.; as amended
at Official Records Book 4067, Page 898 et seq.; as amended at Official Records Book 14270, Page
885 et seq.; as amended at Official Records Book 15704, Page 1178 et seq.; as amended at Official
Records Book 19631, Page 1575 et seq.; as amended at Official Records Book 20688, Page 1 et seq.;
and as amended at Official Records Book 22221, Page 1099 et seq. all of the public records of
Hillsborough County, Florida as same has been and may be in the future amended from time to time.
Section 4.
"Lot" shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in the Declaration
and may be used interchangeably with the term "Plot" as that term is defined in the Declaration.
Section 5.
"Member" shall mean and refer to any person entitled to membership in the
Association as provided in the Declaration and further provided herein. For purposes of elections and
service on the Board of Directors only, an individual permanently residing with a record Owner in a
Residence shall be considered a member and qualified to serve on the Board of Directors.
Section 6.
"Owner" shall mean and refer to the Owner as shown by the real estate records
in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County, Florida, whether it be one or more
persons, firms, associations, corporations, or other legal entities, of fee simple title to any Residence.
Owner shall not mean or refer to the holder of a mortgage or security deed, its successors or assigns,
unless and until such holder has acquired title pursuant to foreclosure or a proceeding or deed in lieu
of foreclosure; nor shall the term "Owner" mean or refer to any lessee or tenant of an Owner.
Section 7.
"Residence" shall mean a dwelling located upon a Lot.
Section 8.
"Voting interest" means the voting rights distributed to the Members of the
Association, pursuant to the governing documents. Voting interests shall not include voting rights
which have been suspended.
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Section 9.
All other terms defined in the Declaration shall have the same meaning when
used herein unless the context would require otherwise.
ARTICLE III.
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
Section 1. Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of Members shall be held in the fourth
quarter of each year on a date and time as may be set by the Board of Directors from time to time.
The election of Directors, to the extent an election is necessary, shall be held in conjunction with the
annual meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of Members may be called at any time by the
President or by a majority of the Board of Directors, or on written request of Members who are entitled
to vote one-fourth (25%) of all the voting interests of the Association. Such request shall state the
purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting and business conducted shall be limited to the purposes
described in the notice.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings. Written notice of each meeting of the Members shall be given
by, or at the direction of, the Secretary or person authorized to call the meeting. Such notice shall
specify the place, day and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose(s)
of the meeting.
(a)
Notice of all meetings shall be given at least fourteen (14) days in advance to
each Member, either by mailing or hand delivering a copy of such notice, postage prepaid, addressed
to the Member's address last appearing on the books of the Association. In lieu of mailing or hand
delivering a copy of such notice, notice may be provided electronically, in accordance with the Florida
Statutes, to those Members who agree in writing to receive notice in this form.
(b)
Delivery of notice pursuant to subsection (a) to any co-owner of a Lot shall be
effective upon all such co-owners of such Lot, unless a co-owner has requested the Secretary in
writing that notice is given such co-owner and furnished the Secretary with the address to which such
notice may be sent or delivered.
Section 4. Quorum. The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of Members entitled
to cast at least thirty percent (30%) of the votes of the total voting interests of the Association shall
constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present at any meeting or if the need to continue the meeting
for any reason should arise, the Members entitled to vote thereat shall have power to adjourn the
meeting to a later date, time, and/or place without notice other than announcement of the later date,
time, and place at the meeting prior to adjourning same by a majority vote. If a new record date is
fixed for purposes of determining those persons entitled to vote, then notice of the new date, time, and
place of the continued meeting shall be given to persons who are entitled to vote and are Members as
of the new record date but were not Members as of the previous record date.
Section 5. Proxies. At all meetings of Members, each Member may vote in person or by proxy
unless such Member's voting rights have been suspended. All proxies shall be in writing and filed with
the Secretary. The proxy shall state the date, time, and place of the meeting for which it was given
and must be signed by the authorized voter and dated. The proxy is only valid for the meeting for
which it was given and any lawful continuation(s) of that meeting. Proxies shall be revocable by the
person who executed same, and the proxy of any owner shall automatically terminate on conveyance
by him or her of his or her Lot or ninety (90) days after the date of the meeting for which it was originally
given, whichever shall occur first.
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Section 6. Voting Members. If a Lot is owned by one person, his or her right to vote shall be
established by the record title to the Lot. If a Lot is owned by a corporation or other entity, the officer,
agent or employee thereof entitled to cast the vote of the corporation or other entity therefore shall be
designated in a certificate for this purpose signed by the President or a Vice President of a corporation
or manager or other authorized agent of the entity, and filed with the Secretary of the Association.
With regard to a Lot owned by more than one (1) person, any of the joint owners may vote on behalf
of such Lot, but in no event shall more than one (1) vote be cast for a particular Lot. When a quorum
is present at any meeting, a majority of the votes cast, in person or by proxy, shall decide any question
brought before the meeting, unless the question is one which, by express provision of the Florida
Statutes, the Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws requires a different vote, in
which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
Section 7.
Waiver of Notice. Any Member may waive notice of any annual or special
meeting of Members by a writing signed before, at, or after such meeting. Attendance by a Member,
or his or her designated proxy, at a meeting shall also constitute a waiver of notice of the time, place
and purpose of the meeting.
ARTICLE IV. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TERM OF OFFICE; REMOVAL; AND COMPENSATION
Section 1. Number. The affairs of the Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors of
either five (5) or seven (7) Directors who shall be Members of the Association. Where a Member
ceases to be a Member during his or her term, his or her seat shall automatically be vacated and may
be filled for the remainder of the term by a majority vote of the remaining directors. The number of
Directors, either five (5) or seven (7), shall be established by the Board of Directors at a duly noticed
board meeting prior to the first notice of the annual election being mailed. If no such meeting is held
prior to the first notice of the annual election being mailed, the number of Directors shall remain at the
same number last established at a duly noticed board meeting.
Section 2. Term of Office. Directors shall serve two (2) year terms on a staggered basis with
the term expiring at the applicable annual meeting. The Board of Directors shall consist of seven (7)
members for the first annual election taking place after the adoption of these amended and restated
By-Laws. At the first annual meeting following the adoption of these amended and restated By-Laws,
three (3) seats shall be open for election for two (2) year terms and four (4) seats shall be open for
election for one (1) year terms to implement the staggered terms. Thereafter, all Directors will be
elected for two (2) year terms, except that where there has been a reduction from seven (7) to five (5)
board members or an increase from five (5) to seven (7) board members, the term, for any of the seats
coming vacant due to the expiration of the term, may be set at one (1) year or two (2) years, whichever
is necessary, in order to maintain two-year staggered terms consistent with the intent of this provision
Section 3. Removal. Any Director may be removed from the Board, with or without cause, by
a majority vote of the total voting interests of the Association and his or her replacement shall be
elected or appointed pursuant to Section 720.303(10) of the Florida Statutes and rules adopted by the
Division governing recall and the filling of vacancies caused by recall, as same may be amended from
time to time.
Section 4. Filling Vacancies. In the event of death, resignation, or removal of a Director, other
than by recall, his or her successor shall be selected by the remaining members of the Board of
Directors, even if less than a quorum or a single Director, and he or she shall serve for the unexpired
term of his predecessor.
Section 5. Compensation. No Director shall receive compensation for any service he may
render to the Association. However, any Director may be reimbursed for his actual expenses incurred
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in the performance of his duties.
Section 6. Ineligibility to Serve. Any Member who is more than ninety (90) days delinquent in
the payment of any fee, fine, or other monetary obligation due to the Association, as well as any person
who has been convicted of any felony in this state or in a United States District or Territorial Court, or
has been convicted of any offense in another jurisdiction which would be considered a felony if
committed in this state, unless such individual's civil rights have been restored for at least five years
as of the date on which such person seeks election, shall not be eligible to serve on the Board of
Directors and if currently serving on the Board, shall be removed from the Board of Directors. Co-
owners or co-residents of a single Lot may not serve simultaneously on the Board of Directors and to
the extent Co-owners or co-residents are elected, the one receiving the lowest number of votes shall
be disqualified and the individual receiving the next highest number of votes who was not elected shall
serve in his or her place. To the extent an election was not necessary, one shall resign, failing which,
the Board of Directors shall stipulate which shall be disqualified. The Board of Directors may fill the
vacancy caused thereby.
ARTICLE V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NOMINATION AND ELECTION
Section 1. Nomination. Any Member may nominate himself or herself in advance of the annual
meeting by submitting a timely Notice of Intent and any Member is eligible to run, except as otherwise
provided herein. Only a Member may serve on the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Election Procedure. Nominations for election to the Board of Directors shall be
made by submitting a Notice of Intent to run for the Board, which is to be submitted by any interested
candidate. A letter will be mailed, delivered, or electronically transmitted to all Members at least forty-
five (45) days prior to the election, along with a Notice of Intent form, providing the date of the annual
election, the number of seats to be filled, and a statement that a Notice of Intent must be received by
the Association no less than thirty (30) days in advance of the date of the annual meeting in order to
be placed on the proxy. The Notice of Intent to run must be received by the Board of Directors no less
than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the annual election in order to be included on the proxy. No
less than fourteen (14) days prior to the annual election, but no more than twenty (20) days prior to
the annual election, a second notice shall be sent to the members which shall include a limited proxy
listing the candidates who timely submitted a Notice of Intent in alphabetical order by last name. Given
that the election procedures provide for candidates to be nominated in advance of the meeting, the
Association is not required to allow nominations at the meeting.
(a)
Upon request of a candidate who is nominated, the Association shall also
include in the second mailing to the owners an information sheet, no larger than 8-1/2" x 11", with
wording on only one side of the page, setting forth any information that the candidate wishes for the
membership to be aware of. This information sheet must be furnished to the Association at least
twenty-five (25) days prior to the date of the election in order to be included in the mailing for the
election. The Association will have no liability or responsibility with regard to the contents of any
information sheets prepared by the candidates.
(b)
All elections to the Board of Directors shall be made on a limited proxy, which
is to be completed by the eligible voter. In order to be valid and counted, the limited proxy must be
completed and signed by an authorized voter and the designated proxy holder must be present at the
meeting.
(c)
The Members may cast as many votes as they are entitled to under the
Declaration with respect to each vacancy. Cumulative voting shall not be permitted. The candidates
receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected.
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(d)
If there are fewer candidates than vacancies to be filled, the candidates who
have been nominated shall be automatically elected to fill vacancies, and the remaining vacancies
shall be filled by appointment by the newly constituted Board of Directors, including the new board
members who have automatically assumed a position on the Board.
(e)
In the event of a tie vote, unless one of the candidates withdraws his or her
candidacy, a runoff election shall be held with fourteen (14) days' notice to the Members and the
provision of a limited proxy listing only those candidates who received a tie vote.
ARTICLE VI.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held with
forty-eight (48) hours posted notice (except in the event of an emergency), at such place, date and
hour as may be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board.
Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held when
called by the President of the Association, or by any two Directors, after not less than three days'
notice to each Director and no less than forty-eight (48) hours posted notice, except in the event of an
emergency. Written notice of any meeting at which an assessment will be levied or rules and
regulations affecting Lot use will be adopted shall include a statement that assessments will be
considered and the nature of the assessments or that rules and regulations affecting Lot use will be
considered and shall be mailed, delivered, or electronically transmitted to the members at their
addresses as they appear in the membership roll book and posted at least fourteen (14) days before
the meeting. Electronic notice may only be given in lieu of mailed or delivered notice where the
member has consented in writing to receiving electronic notice.
Section 3. Quorum. A majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business. Every act performed or decision made by a majority of Directors present at a duly held
meeting for which a quorum is present shall constitute the act or decision of the Board. If a quorum
shall not be present at the meeting, the Directors then present may adjourn the meeting until such
time as a quorum is present.
Section 4. Open to Members. All board meetings shall be open to the members, with the
exception of meetings between the Board and an attorney representing the Association to discuss
proposed or pending litigation or board meetings held to discuss personnel matters, either of which
may be closed to the members.
ARTICLE VII. GENERAL TO BOARD MEETINGS
AND MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
The Board of Directors may make such rules and regulations, as deemed advisable in the sole
and absolute discretion of the Board of Directors, to govern the conduct of Board of Director and
membership meetings, including but not limited to the videotaping of meetings and speaking at
meetings.
Section 1. Taping of Meetings. Any member of the Association may audio or video record
any regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors with a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours'
notice to the President of the Association. Set up of all equipment must occur at least one half hour
prior to the beginning of said meeting. The President, Secretary, and the Property Manager are the
only persons permitted to be seen on camera. Video and audio taping may occur as long as there is
no interruption to the meeting. No taping of meetings may be broadcast in any form at any time.
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Section 2. Members Speaking at Meetings. A member of the Association may speak at a
Board meeting or membership meeting regarding any item on the agenda for a total of no more than
three minutes.
ARTICLE VIII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
POWERS AND DUTIES
Section 1. Powers. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to exercise all corporate
powers not specifically prohibited by the Florida Statutes, the Articles of Incorporation or the
Declaration. The powers of the Board of Directors shall specifically include, but not be limited to, the
following:
(a)
To propose and collect assessments and to use and expend the assessments
collected to acquire, maintain, operate, lease, care for, repair, restore and preserve the Properties, to
operate the Association, and to carry out its powers and duties;
(b)
To purchase the necessary equipment required in the maintenance, care and
preservation referred to above;
(c)
To enter into and upon the Lots when necessary, with as little inconvenience to the
Owners as possible, in connection with said maintenance, care and preservation;
(d)
Adopt and publish rules and regulations governing the use of the Common Areas
and facilities and the individual Lots including the personal conduct of the members and their guests
thereon; and to establish remedies for infractions of such rules and regulations; provided, however,
that the membership shall have the right to revoke or amend same in the following fashion: One tenth
(1/10) of the membership may execute a petition indicating the changes desired. Upon submission of
same, the Board shall call a special meeting of the membership upon not less than forty-five (45) days
nor more than sixty (60) day notice to allow the members to revoke or modify the rule. An affirmative
vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the members present, in person or by proxy, shall be required for such
revocation or modification.
(e)
Suspend the voting rights of any member who is more than ninety (90) days
delinquent in the payment of any monetary obligation due the Association. Any voting interest which
has been suspended by the Association shall not be counted towards the total number of voting
interests for any purpose, including, but not limited to, the number of voting interests necessary to
constitute a quorum, the number of voting interests required to conduct an election, or the number of
voting interests required to approve any action under Florida law or the Declaration, the Articles of
Incorporation, or these Bylaws. Any action to suspend voting rights shall be taken at a duly noticed
board meeting and the member shall be notified in writing of the suspension of his or her voting rights.
The suspension ends upon full payment of all obligations currently due or overdue to the association;
(f)
Suspend the rights of any member, or the member's tenant, guest, or invitee, to use
Common Areas and facilities where the member is more than ninety (90) days delinquent in the
payment of any monetary obligation due the Association. Suspension of use rights shall not interfere
with vehicular ingress and egress of a member or a member's tenant or his or her ability to park. Any
action to suspend use rights shall be taken at a duly noticed board meeting and the member and, if
applicable, the member's tenant, guest, or invitee, shall be notified in writing of the suspension of his
or her use rights. The suspension ends upon full payment of all obligations currently due or overdue
to the association;
(g)
To suspend, for a period of sixty (60) days, the rights of any member, or the
member's tenant, guest, or invitee, to use Common Areas and facilities for the failure of the member
or the member's occupant, licensee, or invitee to comply with any provision of the Declaration, these
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Bylaws, or reasonable rules and regulations of the Association. Suspension of use rights shall not
interfere with vehicular ingress and egress of a member or a member's tenant or his or her ability to
park. Any action to suspend use rights for a violation of the Declaration, these Bylaws, or reasonable
rules and regulations of the Association shall be exercised only after giving at least fourteen (14) days'
notice to the person sought to be suspended and an opportunity for a hearing before a committee of
at least three members appointed by the Board of Directors who are not officers, directors, or
employees of the Association, or the spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister of an officer, director, or
employee. If the person sought to be suspended does not exercise his or her right to be heard, the
Board of Directors may proceed with suspension without a vote of the committee. If the person sought
to be suspended does exercise his or her right to be heard and the committee, by majority vote, does
not approve the proposed suspension, it may not be imposed. If the Board of Directors imposes a
suspension, written notice of such suspension shall be provided by mail or hand delivery to the
member and, if applicable, to any tenant, licensee, or invitee of the member;
(h)
To levy a fine upon an owner for failure of the owner or the owner's family member,
tenant, guest, invitee, or employee, to comply with any provisions of the Declaration, Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws, or reasonable rules and regulations of the Association, provided that the
following procedures are followed:
i.)
The Board of Directors or its agent shall notify the owner and any others
involved of the conflict, infraction or infractions asking that the issue be resolved and that compliance
occur.
ii.)
Should the issue continue, the Board of Directors or its agent shall notify the
owner and any other applicable party of the continued infraction(s). The notice shall include the date
and time of the next Board of Directors meeting, that is at least fourteen (14) days from the date of the
notice, at which the owner shall have the right to present testimony to the Board of Directors and an
independent fining committee as to why a fine should not be imposed. The independent fining
committee shall be comprised of at least three members appointed by the Board of Directors who are
not officers, directors, or employees of the Association, or a spouse, parent, child, brother, or sister of
an officer, director, or employee of the Association.
iii.)
If the owner or a representative of the owner fails to appear to exercise the
owner's right to a hearing, the Board may impose a fine so long as same has been consented to by
the independent fining committee either in advance of the Board meeting or at the meeting at which
the fine is imposed. If the owner or a representative of the owner attends the scheduled meeting,
testimony and evidence of the noncompliance may be presented and the independent fining
committee shall then determine if a fine should be levied and shall make a recommendation to the
Board. A written notice of the decision of the Board to impose a fine shall be mailed or hand delivered
to the owner and may be mailed or hand delivered to any other involved party no later than twenty-
one (21) days after the hearing.
iv.)
The Board of Directors may impose a fine up to the maximum allowed by law
as same may be amended from time to time, which is currently up to $100.00 per violation or $100.00
per day for a continuing violation up to $5,000.00.
v.)
A fine as provided for herein shall be due and owing no later than thirty (30)
days after the date the written decision is mailed or otherwise delivered to the owner. If payment is not
made timely, loss of privileges may be implemented and/or action may be taken to enforce and collect
the outstanding fine and the prevailing party in any action to recover a fine shall be entitled to
reasonable attorney's fees and costs from the non-prevailing party;
(i)
To exercise on behalf of the Association all powers, duties and authority vested in
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or delegated to the Association and not specifically reserved to the membership by the Declaration,
Articles of Incorporation, or by other provisions of these Bylaws or Chapters 617 and 720 of the Florida
Statutes;
(j)
To remove a director for cause and declare the office of a member of the Board of
Directors to be vacant in the event that such member fails to attend three consecutive regularly
scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors;
(k)
To employ a manager, independent contractors, legal counsel, accountants, and
such other employees or independent contractors as they may deem necessary, and to prescribe their
duties;
(l)
To carry out the obligations of the Association under any easements, restrictions or
covenants running with any land subject to the Declaration.
Section 2. Duties. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to:
(a)
Cause to be kept a complete record of all its acts and corporate affairs and to
present a statement thereof to the members at each annual meeting, or at any special meeting at
which such a statement is requested in writing by one-fourth (25%) of the voting interests;
(b)
Supervise all officers, agents, and employees of the Association and see to it that
their duties are properly performed;
(c)
As more fully provided in the Declaration, to:
i.)
Fix the amount of the annual assessment against each lot at least
thirty days in advance of each annual assessment period;
ii.)
Send written notice of each assessment to every owner subject
thereto at least thirty (30) days in advance of each annual assessment period; however, failure to do
so shall not be a defense to the obligation to pay same in a timely manner; and
iii.)
Foreclose the lien against any property for which assessments are
not paid within thirty (30) days after the due date, or to bring an action at law against the owner
personally obligated to pay the same.
(d)
Issue, or cause an appropriate officer to issue, on demand to any person, a
certificate setting forth whether or not any assessment has been paid. A statement in a certificate to
the effect that an assessment has been paid shall constitute conclusive evidence of such payment.
The Board may impose a reasonable charge for the issuance of these certificates;
(e)
Procure and maintain adequate liability and hazard insurance on all property
owned by the Association;
(f)
Cause all officers or employees having fiscal responsibilities to be bonded, as it
may deem appropriate; and
(g)
Cause the Common Areas to be maintained.
(h)
To enforce by legal means the provisions of the subdivision's restrictions, Articles
of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Association.
(i)
To pay taxes and assessments which are liens against any part of the common
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area other than individual homes and appurtenances thereto.
(j) To carry insurance for the protection of homeowners and the Association against
casualty and liabilities as to the common areas, and property owned by the Association as well as
carry liability insurance covering the members of the Board of Directors.
(k) To pay the cost of all power, water, sewer and other utility services rendered to
the common area and not billed to owners of individual homes.
ARTICLE IX.
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES.
Section 1. Enumeration of Offices. The Officers of the Association shall be a President and
Vice President, who shall at all times be members of the Board of Directors, and a Secretary,
Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board may from time to time by resolution create.
Section 2. Election of Officers. The election of Officers shall take place at the first meeting of
the Board of Directors, following each annual meeting of members.
Section 3. Term. The Officers of the Association shall be elected annually by the Board. Each
shall hold office for a term of one (1) year unless he or she shall sooner resign, or shall be removed
or otherwise be disqualified to serve.
Section 4. Special Appointments. The Board may elect such other Officers as the affairs in
the Association may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and
perform such duties as the Board may, from time to time, determine.
Section 5. Resignation and Removal. Any Officer may be removed from office as an Officer,
but not as a Director, by the Board at any time with or without cause. Any Officer may resign at any
time by giving written notice to the Board, the President or the Secretary. Such resignation shall take
effect on the date of receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein, and unless otherwise
specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 6. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office may be filled by appointment of the Board. The
officer appointed to such vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of the officer he or she replaces.
Section 7. Multiple Offices. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same
person. No person may simultaneously hold more than one of any of the other offices, except in the
case of special offices created pursuant to Section 4 of this Article.
Section 8. Duties. The duties of the officers are as follows:
(a)
President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors;
shall see that orders and resolutions of the Board are carried out; shall sign all leases, mortgages,
deeds, and other instruments, and shall co-sign all checks and promissory notes.
(b)
Vice President. The Vice President shall act in the place of the President in the
event of his or her absence, inability, or refusal to act, and shall exercise and discharge such other
duties as may be required of him or her by the Board.
(c)
Secretary. The Secretary shall record the votes and keep the minutes of all
meetings and proceedings of the Board and of the members; serve notice of meetings of the Board
and of members; keep appropriate current records showing the members of the Association together
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with their addresses; and perform such other duties as may be required by the Board or by law.
(d)
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall receive and deposit in appropriate bank accounts
all funds of the Association, and shall disburse such funds as directed by resolution of the Board of
Directors; shall sign all checks and promissory notes of the Association; shall keep proper books of
account; shall cause financial reporting to be prepared at the completion of each fiscal year to comply
with Florida Statute; and shall prepare an annual budget and statement of income and expenditures,
a copy of which documents shall be delivered to each member, and a report on which shall be given
at the regular annual meeting of members.
(e)
Any of the above duties may be delegated to another individual by action of the
Board of Directors.
ARTICLE X.
COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors may appoint committees as it may deem appropriate in the
performance of its duties.
ARTICLE XI.
ASSESSMENTS
Section 1. Assessments. As more fully provided in the Declaration, each member is obligated
to pay to the Association annual and special assessments which are secured by a continuing lien on
the property against which such assessments are made. Any assessments not paid when due are
considered delinquent. If an assessment is not paid within thirty (30) days after the due date, the
assessment bears interest from the date of delinquency (February 1 of the applicable year) at the rate
established by the Board of Directors from time to time or at the maximum rate allowed by law from
time to time, which is currently eighteen percent (18%) per annum, plus an administrative late fee at
the maximum allowed by law from time to time, which is currently the greater of $25.00 or 5% of the
installment due, and the Association may bring an action at law against the owner personally obligated
to pay the same, or may foreclose the lien against his or her property. Interest, administrative late fees,
and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of any such action shall be added to the amount of any
assessment due. No owner may waive or otherwise escape liability for assessments by nonuse of the
Common Areas or abandonment of his or her Lot. The Board of Directors has specific authority to
waive interest, administrative late fees, or attorneys' fees and costs for good cause in the Board's sole
and absolute discretion.
Section 2. Collection of Rental. If a Lot is occupied by a tenant and the Owner is delinquent
in paying any monetary obligation due to the Association, the Association may demand that the tenant
pay to the Association the future monetary obligations related to the Lot, including but not limited to
the rent, pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 720.3085, Florida Statutes, as amended from
time to time.
(a)
The demand is continuing in nature, and upon demand, the tenant must
continue to pay the monetary obligations until the Association releases the tenant or the tenant
discontinues tenancy of the Lot.
(b)
The Association may sue for eviction as if the Association were a landlord
under Part II of Chapter 83, Florida Statutes if the tenant fails to pay a monetary obligation. However,
the Association is not otherwise considered a landlord under Chapter 83.
(c)
The tenant does not, by virtue of payment of monetary obligations, have any
of the rights of an Owner to vote in any election or to examine the books and records of the Association.
EXHIBIT "B"
Page 11 of 12
ARTICLE XII.
BOOKS AND RECORDS; INSPECTION.
The books, records and papers of the Association shall be subject to inspection by any
member during ordinary business hours within ten (10) business days of receipt of a written request
to review same. The Declaration, Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and any rules and regulations of
the Association shall be available for inspection by any member at the principal office of the
Association or such other location as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time, where
copies shall be made available for sale at a reasonable price. The Board of Directors may adopt
reasonable written rules governing the frequency, time, location, notice, records to be inspected, and
manner of inspections, but may not require a Member to demonstrate any proper purpose for the
inspection, state any reason for the inspection, or limit a Member's right to inspect records to less than
one 8-hour business day per month. The Association may impose fees to cover the costs of providing
copies of the official records, including, without limitation, the costs of copying as may be allowed by
Florida Statute Section 720.303(5) as same may be amended from time to time.
ARTICLE XIII.
FINANCES
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.
Section 2. Checks. All checks or demands for money and notes of the Association shall be
signed by any two (2) of the following officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer, or
by such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may from time to
time designate. The Board of Directors, by resolution, may require less than two (2) signatures.
Section 3. Fidelity Bonds for Officers. The Treasurer and all officers who are authorized to
sign checks, and all officers and employees of the Association, and any contractor handling or
responsible for Association funds shall be bonded in such amount as may be determined by the Board
of Directors. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the Association. The bond shall be in an
amount sufficient to equal the monies an individual handles or in which he has control via a signatory
or a bank account or other depository account; however, notwithstanding the foregoing, the
management firm, if any, under the terms of a management agreement, as to funds in its possession
and/or control, shall determine, in its sole discretion, the amount of the bond and who is to be bonded,
if any, among its employees.
ARTICLE XIV.
NOTICES
Section 1. Definition. Whenever, under the provisions of the Florida Statutes, the Declaration,
the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, notice is required to be given to any Director, officer or
Member, it shall not be construed to mean only personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing
by mail by depositing the same in a post office or letter box in a postpaid, sealed envelope, addressed
as appears on the books of the Association or, for those persons who have consented to receiving
electronic notice, by electronic transmission. Any such notice and any notice of any meeting of the
Members, annual or special, need not be sent by certified mail, except as otherwise provided by
statute, the Articles of Incorporation, these By-Laws or the Declaration.
Section 2. Service of Notice - Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the
provisions of the Florida Statutes, the Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation or these By-Laws, a
waiver thereof, in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or
after the time stated therein, shall be deemed the equivalent thereof.
EXHIBIT "B"
Page 12 of 12
Section 3. Address. The address for notice to the Association is the address listed as the
mailing address for the Association with the State of Florida, or at such other place as may be
subsequently designated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XV.
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended, at a regular or special meeting of members, by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the voting interests present, in person or by proxy, and voting at a duly
called meeting of the members called for such purpose.
ARTICLE XVI.
CONFLICTS.
In the case of any conflict between the Declaration, the Articles of Incorporation, these
Bylaws, or any rules and regulations, including but not limited to any architectural or landscaping
guidelines which cannot be reconciled; the Declaration shall control over the Articles, these Bylaws,
and any rules and regulations, including but not limited to any architectural or landscaping guidelines;
the Articles shall control over these Bylaws and any rules and regulations, including but not limited to
any architectural or landscaping guidelines; and these Bylaws shall control over any rules and
regulations, including but not limited to any architectural or landscaping guidelines. In the event of a
conflict between the governing documents of the Association recited herein and the Florida Statutes,
the Florida Statutes shall control on any procedural matter.
ARTICLE XVII.
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Every Director and Officer for the Association shall be indemnified by the Association against
all expenses and liabilities, including counsel fees reasonably incurred by or imposed upon him in
connection with any proceeding or settlement thereof in which he may become involved, by reason of
his being or having been a Director or Officer of the Association. This indemnification shall apply
whether or not he is a Director or Officer at the time such liabilities or expenses are incurred, except
in cases wherein the Director of Officer is adjudged guilty of willful misfeasance or malfeasance in the
performance of his duties. In the event of a settlement, the indemnification established herein shall
apply only when the Board approves such settlement and reimbursement as being for the best interest
of the Association. The foregoing right of indemnification shall be in addition to and not exclusive of all
other rights to which such Director of Officer may be entitled. The Board of Directors of the Association
shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance to cover such indemnification.
[END OF AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS]