Michael E. Rehr: The Attorney Who Helps Create Florida’s Condominium Communities
For more than four decades, Michael E. Rehr has helped shape the legal foundation of Florida’s condominium communities. While many attorneys are called upon after disputes arise, Rehr has spent much of his career helping create the legal structures that allow condominium communities to operate successfully from the very beginning. From drafting governing documents for new developments to advising associations and representing unit owners, his work has influenced communities throughout South Florida.
Helping Create Strong Legal Foundations for Florida Condominium Communities
Most people think of condominium attorneys when lawsuits, assessment disputes, election challenges, or conflicts between owners and associations arise. Michael E. Rehr has built a distinguished career from a different perspective.
For more than 45 years, he has represented condominium associations, homeowners’ associations, unit owners, homeowners, and developers throughout South Florida. A significant portion of his practice focuses on helping developers legally create condominium communities before the first resident ever moves in.
His work begins long before construction is complete. It starts with drafting the legal framework that governs how a community will operate for decades to come.
That perspective gives him a comprehensive understanding of Florida condominium law—from the initial creation of a condominium through its long-term governance and operation.
A Career Dedicated to One Area of Law
Unlike attorneys whose practices span multiple legal disciplines, Michael E. Rehr has devoted virtually his entire professional career to condominium and homeowners’ association law.
His practice includes representing:
- Condominium Associations
- Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
- Unit Owners
- Homeowners
- Condominium Developers
By concentrating on this highly specialized area for decades, he has developed extensive experience in one of Florida’s most technical and highly regulated fields of law.
Creating Communities Before the First Unit Is Sold
One of the lesser-known aspects of condominium law is that every condominium begins as a legal structure long before it becomes a physical community.
During a recent presentation to South Florida business professionals, Rehr explained that condominiums exist because Florida law establishes the legal framework governing ownership, common areas, maintenance responsibilities, voting rights, and community operations.
Developers cannot simply construct a building and begin selling units. They must first establish the legal documents that define how the community will function for years to come.
That process often includes preparing:
- Declaration of Condominium
- Articles of Incorporation
- Association Bylaws
- Rules and Regulations
- Easement Agreements
- Shared Facility Agreements
- Master Association Documents
- Developer Turnover Documents
For many residential condominium developments, these documents must also comply with Florida’s statutory requirements before units may be offered for sale.
Designing Communities That Work
Throughout his career, Michael Rehr has worked on numerous condominium developments across South Florida.
His experience includes:
- Luxury waterfront condominiums
- Mixed-use developments
- Boutique residential projects
- Townhome communities
- Condominium conversions
- Master-planned residential communities
Every project presents unique legal challenges.
Some combine residential and commercial ownership.
Others include multiple condominium associations operating under a master association.
Many require carefully allocating responsibility for shared amenities such as:
- Swimming pools
- Clubhouses
- Fitness centers
- Parks
- Private roads
- Recreational facilities
- Landscaping
- Parking areas
Rather than applying a standard template, Rehr develops governing documents designed around each community’s unique ownership structure and operational needs.
Practical Problem Solving
One of the themes that consistently emerged during his presentation was his practical approach to solving legal issues.
Creating a condominium is far more than preparing legal documents.
Every decision made during the drafting process can affect owners, associations, and developers for decades.
Questions often include:
- Who maintains the roof?
- Who pays for shared amenities?
- Which association owns common property?
- How are maintenance costs allocated?
- How is governance structured?
- What happens when the developer transfers control to the association?
Addressing these questions early helps establish clear expectations and provides a solid legal framework for the future.
Experience That Benefits Every Client
Because Michael Rehr has represented developers, associations, and individual owners throughout his career, he understands condominium law from multiple perspectives.
For Condominium Associations
He assists associations with matters including:
- Enforcement of covenants and restrictions
- Collection of assessments
- Recording condominium liens
- Foreclosure actions
- Contract review
- Governing document amendments
- Election procedures
- Special assessments
- General legal counsel
- Arbitration and litigation
For Unit Owners
He represents owners in matters involving:
- Arbitration
- Litigation
- Recall petitions
- Defense of lien foreclosure actions
- Selective enforcement claims
- Disputes involving board authority
- Excessive fines and collection disputes
- Efforts to resolve disputes with associations
For Developers
His work for developers includes:
- Drafting Declarations of Condominium
- Preparing governing documents
- Creating new condominiums
- Condominium conversions
- Developer turnover
- Condominium terminations
- Structuring master associations
- Mixed-use developments
Condominium Law Never Stands Still
Florida condominium law continues to evolve.
Legislative updates, judicial decisions, and regulatory changes regularly affect associations, owners, and developers.
During his presentation, Rehr noted that just when attorneys become familiar with the latest statutory revisions, new legislative changes often follow.
That reality underscores the importance of working with legal counsel who remains current with the ongoing evolution of Florida condominium law.
Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law
Michael E. Rehr is Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law by The Florida Bar.
Board Certification is awarded to attorneys who satisfy rigorous standards involving substantial experience, professionalism, peer review, continuing legal education, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination in their specialty area.
For clients seeking legal counsel in condominium law, Board Certification reflects a recognized commitment to specialized knowledge and professional excellence.
A Personal Side
Outside the office, Michael and his wife, Lori, enjoy spending time with their three grandsons.
During his presentation, he also shared one lighthearted family story. Smiling, he admitted that he loves the family’s dog just as much as his grandsons—then jokingly asked the audience not to tell any of their kids.
Moments like these offered a glimpse into the approachable personality behind a highly technical legal practice.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s condominium communities are among the most sophisticated forms of real estate ownership in the country. Their long-term success depends not only on quality construction but also on carefully designed legal documents that establish how those communities will operate for generations.
For more than four decades, Michael E. Rehr has dedicated his practice to creating, interpreting, and protecting those legal foundations. Whether helping developers establish new condominium communities, advising condominium and homeowners’ associations, or representing individual unit owners, his work reflects a practical understanding of Florida condominium law and a commitment to helping communities function effectively.
Build Your Community on a Strong Legal Foundation
Whether you’re creating a new condominium, serving a condominium or homeowners’ association, or navigating a complex community association matter, experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.
Schedule a consultation with Michael E. Rehr to discuss your condominium or homeowners’ association legal needs.
Law Office of Michael E. Rehr, P.A.
9990 SW 77 Avenue, PH-4
Miami, FL 33156
Phone: (305) 670-8993
Email: mrehr@rehrlaw.com
About Michael E. Rehr
Michael E. Rehr is the founder of the Law Office of Michael E. Rehr, P.A. Since 1980, he has concentrated his practice in condominium and homeowners’ association law, representing condominium associations, homeowners’ associations, unit owners, homeowners, and condominium developers throughout South Florida. He is Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law by The Florida Bar.
Attorney Advertising Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with Michael E. Rehr or the Law Office of Michael E. Rehr, P.A. Every legal matter is unique, and individuals should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
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