Member Benefits: Multihousing Members
Government Affairs
Florida's Legislative Committee and Government Affairs staff stays abreast of local, state, and national regulations and laws that affect the multihousing industry in Florida. FAA provides a clear, consistent voice for the multihousing industry before the Florida Legislature, the Governor, and the Department of Business & Professional Regulation and other State Agencies. With the help of a full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee and a full-time Government Affairs Director, FAA ensures that multihousing firms and owners are able to participate in policy decisions affecting their ability to provide quality, affordable housing to the 4.5 million Floridians who choose the rental lifestyle. FAA promotes the safe, equitable, and profitable operation of multihousing in Florida.
Industry Mobilization
FAA holds periodic Leadership Summits on topical issues, such as commercial property insurance and ADA accessibility. These programs bring together top executives from major management companies and apartment owners and, in some cases, representatives of allied organizations, to discuss special conditions of pressing concern.
FAA also works with other business, real estate, and consumer advocacy organizations to craft or oppose legislation, such as its efforts to oppose the state constitutional amendment that would have virtually halt development in Florida.
Education Conference
FAA's Annual Education Conference & Trade Show provides educational and networking opportunities that are not available through the local associations. This is one of the premier state multihousing industry events in the United States, bringing in top-notch national and state speakers. Attendees consistently rate it highly as an educational and networking event. From the trade show to fundraisers, motivational speakers to Maintenance Mania, prize giveaways to recognition of volunteer leaders, the FAA Education Conference is always a dazzling event.
Florida State Lease
To simplify and standardize the apartment lease in Florida, FAA and NAA have developed a standard lease for the use of Florida multihousing owners and managers. Only member communities may purchase the community lease software site license. This web-based lease is now available in 47 states! The lease language varies from state to state depending on state landlord/tenant law.
The lease site license can be purchased from Austin, Texas-based Blue Moon Software.
Information and Publications
FAA also produces a full-color quarterly magazine, Multifamily Florida, which includes in-depth articles on management, leasing, and finance, legislative activity, and updates on property sales and transactions. It is written and edited in-house using contributions from members. Members can access a digital version on the FAA website. An online monthly e-newsletter, e-Connect, offers timely news, bulletins, and updates. MyRentComps, which has agreements with the state and several local associations, provides up-to-date data comparing rental prices and occupancy for any region or type of apartment.
Leadership Opportunities
Your regional executives and on-site personnel have a powerful opportunity to affect the multihousing industry in Florida and make a name for themselves among their peers by taking part in FAA's Board of Directors and committees. FAA exists to serve the best interests of the industry, and competitors come together in that spirit to protect members from the vagaries of regulation and legislation. Together, they accomplish things individual companies cannot achieve, or can achieve only at very high cost. The Executive Committee and Board of Directors bring together delegates from all over the state to share information, manage finances, and develop policies for the benefit of multihousing owners and managers. They gain greater understanding and proficiency in legal and legislative affairs, managing budgets, and working in teams, while gaining tremendously in leadership skills.
The FAA Leadership Lyceum gives participants an intensive education in the association's structure, management, and goals. Leadership Lyceum includes three modules on governance, advocacy, and education and professional development. Lyceum candidates are also required to attend the Education Conference and FAA Legislative Days. Graduates are recognized at the Annual Conference. Members may also take part in NAA's Lyceum program for similar education at the national level.
Networking
Multihousing industry professionals come together at local, state, and national events to share information and best practices, work on projects that benefit the industry, establish and deepen business relationships, and just to enjoy themselves. Multihousing executives get to meet new talent in an informal environment, while property professionals make contacts that may lead to a new job during a downturn or an opportunity for professional advancement. And apartment associations participate in a large number of charitable events, benefiting domestic violence shelters, halfway houses, orphaned or sick children, the mentally challenged, disaster victims, military veterans, and many more people in need. By taking part in these activities, your company and your industry gain invaluable public goodwill.
Connection to a National Network of Industry Professionals
Membership in the local association also connects members to FAA and NAA, which provide legislative, educational, and informational services. The NAA Education Institute (NAAEI) provides all certification programs for the multihousing industry through the local affiliated associations. Staff education in management, budgets, Fair Housing, and many other topics is a critical benefit of membership in the association.
Florida's statewide leaders and staff take part in the NAA's Assembly of Delegates, the Education Conference, the Capitol Conference, and other special housing conferences (such as Student and Military Housing). Members serve on committees that foster excellent communication and coordination between the state and national association to ensure that members' voices are heard.
NAA partners with the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC) www.nmhc.org to provide a wealth of industry data and joint legislative representation.
