The Central Florida Property Manager's Association

Created in 1997, The Central Florida Property Managers Association is the state’s leading unofficial governing body of Property Managers and associate members based in the 4 corners area of Osceola Lake & Polk Counties. Most vacation homeowners live many miles away and have to trust property managing companies to look out for their investments in turns of home upkeep, rentals and claims; however, for the most part the vacation home industry is virtually unregulated. A Property Manager who joins the CFPMA is saying to their clients that they want to be educated about changes in the industry, and The CFPMA is the answer to making sure top tier property managers are highly visible and accessible to the owners.

How They Started

10 years ago, vacation home sales took the state by storm. People from all over the world were investing in Florida real estate. Vacation homes are used either as a second home and or, rented out on a short-term basis to tourists vacationing in Florida as an alternative to a hotel. Osceola and Polk County have the most short-term rental properties in the state. The CFPMA was formed in 1997 because among other issues, local residents tried to stifle this new wave of homes and attempted to pass ordinances to prevent homes being used in this way. Property managers enlisted to manage these homes bore the brunt of this backlash and so the CFPMA was created as a way to protect the homeowners, the property managers, and the Short-term rental industry as a whole by tackling issues that affect them directly.

What They Do

The CFPMA is an association of companies that all have the Short-term rental industry’s best interests at heart. It includes Insurance Agencies, Property Management companies, Pool Maintenance companies, Tourism heavyweights like Disney and Universal and more. According to a report by Webber University, Polk County brings in $1.6 billion in economic revenue from the vacation home industry. They are a force to be reckoned with and they are spreading the word. The association can act as an arbitrator between the homeowner and the Association Members or even between members themselves. Members applications are considered in detail by board members to confirm that companies have addressed outstanding complaints and that they have a history of conflict resolution with their clients. Application are usually approved or denied within 30 days, or the next board meeting. Complaints can be submitted by mail,fax or by e-mail directly to the CFPMA. Although the Association cannot levy any fines, or authorize any kind of disciplinary action against an offending member, the fact that the Management Companies is part of the association shows their willingness to be visible to the Vacation Homeowner Community and take responsibility for their actions.
Members of the Central Florida Property Managers Association meet every third Thursday of the month. Non members are welcome to attend, but membership is limited to industry professionals.
The CFPMA also educates and promotes the Vacation Home industry by way of its committees including Marketing, Social, Membership, Immigration and Public Relations. Members are encouraged to speak at the monthly members meetings to promote their business, products and services or to educate the members on their particular industry. This ongoing push for education improves business relationships and strengthens the Vacation Home industry as a whole.

What it Means to You as a Homeowner

Ask your property Manager if they are a part of the CFPMA. Their membership shows a commitment to the homes that they manage, are better educated on the industry and who have agreed to abide by a code of ethics. By becoming more visible in the political arena, and improving business relations through education, President David Leather says, “We aim to be the Voice of the Vacation Home Industry in Central FLorida”.

How to Get Involved

At present, the CFPMA does not accept homeowners as members. Membership is limited to Industry professionals. Potential members are however; welcome to attend the CFPMA’s monthly meetings to meet the members of the board and the association. Association members are encouraged to attend monthly meetings and join one of the association’s Committees. The CFPMA is looking forward to meeting you at their upcoming tradeshow in May 07. For more information about the CFPMA and for a list of their members visit http://cfpma.clubexpress.com/.

The Central Florida Property Manager's Association

1(800) 486-8302
info@cfpma.org
7862 W.Irlo Bonson Hwy #305
Kissimmee , FL. 34747