Kentucky Real Estate Business

Posts Tagged ‘Florida’

Most people don’t understand what a Condominium and HOA Document Assessment means when they make a purchase. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. Before obligating yourself to such kind of a legal arrangement such as this, it is good to know all the important points. Whether buying a home in a neighborhood or a condominium, one has to know all the rules regarding the property.

As counsel for numerous Condominium Associations and Homeowners’ Associations, the attorneys at Mattlin & Wyman, PL witness first-hand the outdated Declarations and other documents community associations are utilizing to govern themselves.  Mattlin & Wyman, PL has developed a system to assess their Association clients’ needs to update these governing documents and has packaged this system with valuable advice, materials and information, all for a flat fee disclosed in advance of the evaluation.

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“A majority of associations we assist in Florida are still using the same governing documents instituted decades ago by the developer,” says Fred Mattlin, Managing Member of Mattlin & Wyman, PL.  “Florida’s laws governing condominiums and HOAs change on an almost annual basis.  What’s more, today’s economy challenges the community association to be proactive, efficient and resourceful if it is going to protect its interests and the interests of its constituents; and the laws provide them the tools to succeed.  The problem is that many of these associations are fighting a 21st century battle with stone-age weapons.  How can these associations expect to manage themselves efficiently with outdated documents?  We identified a need and have developed a turnkey system that takes the association client from the initial assessment of their existing documents all the way to the final drafting and recording of the amended documents.  We tailor solutions to the association’s specific problems and needs, and we do this for a flat fee so there are no surprises.”

If you are on the Board of Directors of your Florida community association or are a property manager for a Florida community association, contact Mattlin & Wyman, PL to discuss how their turnkey system can help.

For more info click here: http://www.mattlinwyman.com

http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/florida-condominium-hoa-document-assessment-3746019.html

If you own a condominium on the Florida coast, you are familiar with the challenges caused by the corrosive environment. Our coast has one of the most corrosive environments in the world and maintaining your investment under these extreme conditions takes time and money. Here are 5 tips that will prolong the life span of your building, saving you time and money.

1. Keep the Concrete Dry

Concrete walkways and balconies are a bit like a sponge; soaking in water and chloride ions that cause the steel in the concrete to corrode. If the concrete stays dry, corrosion will be significantly reduced. Concrete balconies and walkways need a waterproof coating to stay dry.

Water, that ponds on an acrylic coating, slowly seeps into the concrete and acrylic coatings do not bridge cracks in the concrete, allowing water and soluble to penetrate into the concrete. Urethane deck coatings are waterproofing coatings that will not allow ponding water to penetrate and have the elasticity to bridge hairline cracks, but they stain easily, so they don’t look good for long. There is a new hybrid coating system that has a true waterproofing urethane base and an attractive acrylic top coat that can be colored and textured to any look; like pavers or flagstone, and is easily cleaned and maintained.

2. Maintain Sealants

Although sealants are a minor cost item, they constitute a major function in a building. Sealants waterproof between different building components, allowing thermal movement while maintaining water-tight integrity. As such, the maintenance of sealants is very important to keeping concrete and the inside of your unit dry. Check the caulk or sealant around your windows, sliding glass doors, sliding glass door track to the balcony, handrail anchors and covering screws and fastener heads.

Sealants harden and loose elasticity with time from exposure to ultra-violet light. As the elasticity decreases, the sealant becomes less effective as a waterproofing sealant. Sealants are serviceable for about five to seven years. If you can separate the sealant from the substrate (i.e; aluminum frame) with your finger nail, the sealant has failed. Look for cracks in the sealant as an indication of embrittlement. If the sealant has become brittle or lost adhesion to the substrate, it should be removed, and the surface should be cleaned and resealed.

3. Clean Aluminum Surfaces

We have inspected hundreds of condominiums on the Florida coast. Within the same condominium, with the same exposure, we have seen sliding glass door thresholds with holes through them from oxidation and then we come across one that is in pristine condition.

When the owner of the unit with the “like new” threshold was asked about why his aluminum doors, windows and rails were in such good condition compared to his neighbors, he said he washed and rinsed them every month. What an incredible difference it made between his handrails, doors and windows and the ones in the Unit right next to his. Simply wiping the surfaces of with a clean wet rag removes the chloride and dirt build-up and reduces the chemical deterioration of the protective coatings.

For those ordering new aluminum products, look for a 3 coat fluoropolymer finish, consisting of a corrosion inhibiting primer, with a 70% Kynar color coat and a clear Kynar 500 top coat meeting AAMA 2605 specifications.

Without proper pretreatment, none of the leading coating manufacturers will provide any warranty on coastline projects. With chrome pretreatment, 20 year warranties are available.

4. Exercise Mechanical Equipment

We visited one Florida coast condominium that had no way to exercise the stair pressurization vent and fan. As a result, they had oxidized within the joints and wouldn’t operate. A little WD 40 and cleaning got them going again. Emergency equipment, like generators, ventilation fans and louvered vents need to be exercised monthly or it won’t perform when you need it the most. The seals dry up from lack of lubrication and metal-to-metal parts seize from corrosion.

Set the month of April to perform annual service the emergency generator and clean and lubricate all components of the stair pressurization system. April is early enough to order any parts required and have them installed before hurricane season.

5. Clean the Roof

I have never been on a roof of a Florida coast condominium where I didn’t find a cut metal scrap left by an AC vendor that, if stepped on, wouldn’t puncture the membrane.

Go clean up the screws and metal scraps on your roof. After the AC vendor installs a new condenser on the roof, go up and check that he cleaned up before you sign his work order. Tell them you are going to deduct .00 for every piece of scrap metal or screw that you find after they have told you that they have cleaned up, then give your maintenance man .00 for every piece of scrap metal or screw that he brings you.

Keep the roof access hatch or door locked so no one can get on the roof without your knowledge. Make them sign in and sign out. Require them to have your signature on their work order to close it out for payment and make sure they clean up.

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If you are considering buying a new home there are many realtors and property agents in Florida, those can help by introducing you to some of the top real estate agency and realtors throughout the United States for your chosen. Contact Florida real estate agents to sale or buy homes, lands, commercial property or industrial properties and a free listing service for real estate brokers. Florida real estate agents specialize in commercial real estate, country club, and condos for sale if you are in the market to buy a home in Florida. All you need to do is to contact a Florida real estate agent, and it you will be able to get all the information that you need. Florida real estate agents provide multiple listings for the buy and sell property such as commercial property, business spaces and residential property for their clients.

How to choose property in United States?

If you are looking for the commercial property in United States of America, then always look for the realtors on whom you can trust.
Real estate agents in Fl, helps you to search for the dream land for your needs. Florida real estate brokers and investment advisors specialize in commercial real estate property lending. You may contact top realtors and brokers for the commercial property in Florida.

“Know where to buy a house in Florida” we listed best property listings and get our customers to use them, and watch them turn their campaigns into sales then they come back to us.

Palm Beach Florida real estate advisors offers a consultative approach to clients rather than a transaction driven methodology investors and companies involved in a site selection decision. Florida real estate agents because choosing the right Florida real estate agent is the most important decision you will make when buying or a selling a home top agents biz has partnered with the top Florida. 

Summary; Florida’s professional commercial real estate agents or brokerage companies provides you access to the best commercial real estate and property listings.

 The FHA/HUD Section 234(c) of the National Housing Act provides authority to insure any Florida mortgage covering a one-family unit in a project coupled with an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities which serve the project. The project may include Florida condo units in detached, semidetached, row, garden-type, low- or high-rise structures.  Generally these types of Florida homes are referred to as Condominiums.

Florida Condominium buyers should know the many advantages of the FHA mortgage loan programs. FHA loans were created to help increase home ownership. For the Florida Condo buyer the FHA program can simplify the purchase of a Florida Condominium, making the p financing easier and less expensive than a conventional mortgage loan product. Some highlights of the Florida FHA condominium loan program include:

Minimal Down Payment and Closing costs.

Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price Gifts are allowed Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards closing and prepaid costs. 100% Financing available No reserves required. FHA regulated closing costs.

Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as:

  No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements. FHA will allow a home purchase 1 year after a Bankruptcy. FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.

Visit http://www.fhamortgageprograms.com/florida/ to apply for a Florida FHA mortgage.

FHA/HUD will insures mortgagees against losses on mortgage loans used for buying a Florida condo or to refinance individual Florida condom mum units in eligible FHA approved condominium projects provided that they meet certain guidelines.

Applicant Eligibility. Eighty percent of the HUD-insured mortgages in a Florida condominium project must be the principal residence of the owners (owner-occupants). Maximum Insurable Mortgage: Same as Section 203(b) (except that the mortgage amount must be in multiples of ). Check Florida FHA loan limits. Minimum Investment: Same as the FHA loan Section 203(b). Mortgage Term: Same as FHA loan Section 203(b). Mortgage Insurance Premium  Monthly .55 +Upfront MI of 1.75% Refinancing: Same as Section 203(b).

If the Florida Condominium is not approved then the Lender may go through the “Spot Approval” process.

The following requirements must be satisfied before a spot loan is endorsed:

Florida FHA Spot Loan Condo Questionair:

Answer “yes” or “no” to all questions. Please read each question carefully, questions are phrased so “yes” answers are always indicative of acceptable project.

____ [1] The legal documents of the homeowners association do not contain a right of first refusal of restrictive covenant.

____ [2] The unit is part of the condominium regime that provides for common and individual ownership of common areas by unit owners.

____ [3] The project, including the common elements and those of any Master Association, are complete and the project is not subject to

additional phasing of annexation.

____ [4] a. There are no special assessments pending. (a “yes” answer means NO special assessments are pending)

b. No legal action is pending against the condominium association, or its officers or directors. (“yes” means NO action pending)

____ [5] The common areas have been under the control of the homeowners association for at least one year.

____ [6] At least 90% of the total units in the project have been sold. Verified by:______________________________________________

____ [7] At least 51% of the total units in the project are owner-occupied. Verified by:___________________________________________

____ [8] There are no adverse environmental factors affecting the project as a whole or individual units. (“yes” means no adverse factors)

____ [9] No single entity owns more than 10% of the total units in the project. Verified by:________________________________________

____ [10] The units in the project are owned in fee simple or the units are held under a leasehold acceptable to FHA.

Leasehold on file ____________.

____ [11] The owners’ association has adequate common area insurance coverage. General liability, replacement coverage, etc., reflects

the character, amenities and risks of the particular development. Flood and other insurances carried, when applicable.

____ [12] General maintenance level of common elements is acceptable and there is no deferred maintenance, based on the comments by

the appraiser and/or the photos.

____ [13] The owner association has a reserve fund, separate from the operating account, that is adequate to prevent deferred maintenance.

The amount of the fund is $ _____________ as of ______________.

____ [14] a. For projects consisting of over 30 units, no more than 10% of the total units are encumbered by FHA-insured mortgages.

b. For projects consisting of 30 units or less, no more than 20% of the total units are encumbered by FHA-insured mortgages.

Are you thinking of selling your house in Orlando on your own for sale by owner?

If so, you probably know that trying to sell your Orlando, FL house on your own can be a costly, verifiable nightmare, especially in today’s highly competitive buyer’s market and troubled economy. You probably know what it’s like to have to keep your home cleaned up, month after month, ready to show it at any given time to perfect strangers who probably aren’t qualified to buy your house anyway. In the meantime, you have to continue to make your mortgage payments, pay your taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, home owner dues and other costs while you wait and wait and wait to sell your Orlando house. If you do find a buyer who is interested in purchasing your home, don’t forget that it takes another 45 to 60 days on average for them to get financed. And what if their financing falls through? After all, many buyers in Orlando can no longer get financed, especially in today’s tough economic times and troubled mortgage marketplace. If this happens, you’ll have to start the whole process all over again which is not uncommon.

Are you thinking of hiring a real estate agent to sell your Orlando home quickly?

Selling a house is usually a expensive and complicated process. That’s why real estate agents make such big commissions (often thousands and sometimes tens of thousands of dollars) on a single home sale. And most successful agents in Orlando, FL usually have 5, 20 or 20 houses listed at any given time knowing that these houses will probably sell within the next 3 to 6 months or longer. Since most of the good agents have so many listings, it’s rare that they will spend the time, money and personal attention needed to sell your house quickly. If you don’t have much equity in your home, your home selling options are even more limited. You may have to write a big check at closing in order to sell your Orlando house and cover any negative equity, closing costs, taxes, etc in addition to your agent’s large commission check.

There is a better way to sell your Orlando house faster, easier and more conveniently than ever before!

If you don’t want to sell your Orlando house for sale by owner or through a real estate agent, there is a much better solution… Sell your home to us in 7 days or less! We buy houses in Orlando Florida in 7 days or less and we want to buy your house! We are not real estate agents who want to list and sell your house for a commission. We are local professional home buyers who want to buy your Orlando house and can do so quickly, often in 7 days or less with no commissions to pay. We buy houses from people just like you, in neighborhoods just like yours, in any area, condition or price range in Orlando, Florida and the surrounding areas. We buy houses in other towns and cities across Florida such as Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Ft Myers, Gainsville, Panama City, etc. We buy newer houses, older houses, pretty houses and even ugly houses that need major repairs. We specialize in finding creative solutions to ugly real estate problems and situations that real estate agents and other traditional and professional home buyers just won’t touch. We can pay you all cash, take over your monthly mortgage payments or lease-option your house immediately! We’ll handle all of the paperwork, make all the arrangements and can close within a few days if necessary. You’ll get a quick sale with no hassles so you can put your home selling worries behind you once and for all.

Do you want to sell your Orlando, Florida home in 7 days or less?

We buy houses in Orlando Florida in 7 days or less and we want to buy your house fast! To find out if your Orlando home qualifies for one of our fast home purchase programs, please take a moment to complete our Online Seller Questionnaire at WeBuyHousesOrlandoFL.com. Tell us all about your Orlando house for sale and we will get back to you about buying your house ASAP. If your Orlando home qualifies for one of our fast home purchase programs, one of our local professional home buyers will schedule an appointment to come out and inspect your property, take some photos and make you one or more offers to purchase your home on the spot! Selling your Orlando, FL home has never been faster, easier or more convenient!

Today, Florida condominiumss are available at incredible prices. If you are relocating to Florida, even if it won’t be for a number of years, now is an excellent time to consider making an investment in one of the many condos for sale in Fl. In fact, foreigners are taking advantage of the weakened dollar and the depressed economy and are buying condos for sale in Fl and other parts of the country in record numbers.  When the economy and the real estate market rebound, as they eventually will, those who invested during these times will have instant equity in their new condos.

If you are relocating to Florida and will be buying one of the numerous Forida condominiums, you need to understand what is involved in owning a condo. First, the Florida statute defines a condominium as a unit that is owned by an individual but where common elements of the site are jointly owned. This common ownership means that all the land and shared areas (hallways, roof, walls, pools, lobbies, laundry facilities, etc), are jointly owned by everyone in the building. Decisions about these areas will be made by the condominium association, a group of elected representatives who are also unit owners. You will be taxed annually for property taxes, just like if you buy a single-family home. But insurance will be handled slightly differently. Your condominium association will purchase fire and extended liability insurance, but you will need to get liability insurance for your own unit as well as insurance for your belongings. 

When you move into a condo in Florida, it’s as if you are moving into a building with its own mini-government. The condominium association rules will govern a great deal of what you can and cannot do in your unit or on the grounds. For example, if you have pets, or if you want to have your grandchildren come to visit you and be able to swim in the condominium pool, you will not be allowed to do either if the condominium rules prohibit it. Before you buy a condo in Florida, make sure you are fully aware of any rules regarding:

Condominium dues or fees, payment terms, any caps on the rates, and what is and is not included.  Any restrictions on visitors, times of day facilities can be used, pets, subleasing, renting, or selling your condo. Parking  spots, number of cars you can have, visitor parking, and, if applicable, whether or not you can park your boat, motorcycle or any other recreational vehicle on the premises. What is required of you in terms of maintenance of your unit vs. what the condominium association will pay. What changes you can make to the condo in terms of flooring, window coverings, or changing open porches to screened or glassed-in porches.

In most condos, you will also have to get advance approval of the buyer from the condominium association before you can complete a sale.  Once you decide what it is important to you, you can begin the search of Florida condominiums to find the one that is right for you.

Putting up your own business in Florida is never an easy task. Aside from checking the various location that will maximize your business potential, you have to take care of all .the permits, licenses, legalities, business operations and so on to ensure to have smooth operation of your business.

An additional to these details, you need to purchase a commercial property that will serve as the foundation and location of your venture in Florida.

The truth is you do not have to do all of these things alone. But if you really want to avoid hassles in buying property in Florida commercial real estate, you can hire the service of the services of the real estate agent to help you out in searching for the right property.

Real Estate Agent for Commercial Property Acquisition

If you are thinking that real estate agent is just an additional cost for you when setting up your business, well you are definitely wrong. The real estate agent is worth hiring and worth for every amount that you dish out. Here are some of the things that the real estate agent can do for you.

-Real estate agent are known to be connected with one or more real estate companies in Florida, with this you can be sure that they can provide you with different commercial properties that will perfectly fit with your business specification. As a matter of fact the real estate agent can do the search in a shorter period of time.

-Budget is one of the important concerns in every business around the world. If you are planning to purchase a Florida commercial real estate property you have to make sure that you have enough budget. You may consult the real estate agent about your budget. You have to give your budget range so that they will be able to narrow down their search.

-The real estate agent is knowledgeable about the legal requirements, such as paper works, permits and licenses, purchase agreements and so on. Aside from these, they will also provide you some updates regarding the acquisition and they will also inform you about the other requirement that you need to produce in order to complete the entire process of investing.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

When searching for the right real estate agent for your Florida commercial real estate property acquisition, it is always important to settle with quality services and nothing less. You have to ensure that you are hiring a licensed real estate agent. You might as well do some background check in order to ensure that you are hiring the right one. You have to now their experience in real estate market, buying and selling real estate achievements and more in order to guarantee that they will be giving you only the quality results.

Ella Ayson
Florida Commercial Real Estate

Economy is declining. Analysts are even speaking of a recession. In this period of the economy, most people are afraid and reducing their expenses, which is quite smart. But, when talking about expenses, you must distinguish between what is really throwing the money through the window and what is really an investment. If you have some money in the bank, you should consider having better investments tools than bonds and funds. The later tools offer nearly nothing nowadays.

In this period of time, one of the best investments is real estate. Price are now decreasing and when recession ends, some people will start to look back to invest in properties that are good for holidays or for when they retire. In the field of real estate, Florida is one of the hottest states in which to buy a property. The state of Florida offers beautiful tropical weather, incredible scenery, with lakes, beaches and sea and lots of fun attractions.

Depending of the market you’re targeting, you will choose in which area of Florida to invest. If you’re targeting young people, or families with young children, who are more seeking for fun and attractions, you can consider buying real estate in Orlando. The city of Orlando offers three extremely popular theme parks — Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Therefore, this is an ideal location in which to own a luxury condo. As a condo owner, you’ll be able use the property when you want to and rent it out to vacationers the rest of the time. In this area, you’ll also can be assured that the property you purchase will increase in value over the years.

Miami is another good place if you’re looking for property to rent to young people. Many vacationers, including the rich and famous, visit Miami’s beautiful South Beach every year. Therefore, very luxurious properties can easily find a buyer or renter.

For investment in property ideal for retired people, who want to live in Florida and don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of noise and chaos, there are smaller towns which are close enough to the big cities but far away enough to be peaceful places to live. Counties like Polk and Suwannee are great places, quiet and warm. Lakeland and Pembroke Pines are also nice medium-sized towns. Live Oak is a very small town that offers a real down-home environment reminescent of days gone by.

As a conclusion, don’t waste your money in foolish expenses in this particularly period of time. You must look for ways of better invest your money, as good offers are arising. Florida is a nice place for real estate as it enables you to target young people looking for fun as well as adult who are looking for a place where to live when they retire. Don’t miss it. Invest in Florida Real Estate!

Economy is declining. Analysts are even speaking of a recession. In this period of the economy, most people are afraid and reducing their expenses, which is quite smart. But, when talking about expenses, you must distinguish between what is really throwing the money through the window and what is really an investment. If you have some money in the bank, you should consider having better investments tools than bonds and funds. The later tools offer nearly nothing nowadays.In this period of time, one of the best investments is real estate. Price are now decreasing and when recession ends, some people will start to look back to invest in properties that are good for holidays or for when they retire. In the field of real estate, Florida is one of the hottest states in which to buy a property. The state of Florida offers beautiful tropical weather, incredible scenery, with lakes, beaches and sea and lots of fun attractions. Depending of the market you’re targeting, you will choose in which area of Florida to invest. If you’re targeting young people, or families with young children, who are more seeking for fun and attractions, you can consider buying real estate in Orlando. The city of Orlando offers three extremely popular theme parks — Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Therefore, this is an ideal location in which to own a luxury condo. As a condo owner, you’ll be able use the property when you want to and rent it out to vacationers the rest of the time. In this area, you’ll also can be assured that the property you purchase will increase in value over the years.Miami is another good place if you’re looking for property to rent to young people. Many vacationers, including the rich and famous, visit Miami’s beautiful South Beach every year. Therefore, very luxurious properties can easily find a buyer or renter.For investment in property ideal for retired people, who want to live in Florida and don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of noise and chaos, there are smaller towns which are close enough to the big cities but far away enough to be peaceful places to live. Counties like Polk and Suwannee are great places, quiet and warm. Lakeland and Pembroke Pines are also nice medium-sized towns. Live Oak is a very small town that offers a real down-home environment reminescent of days gone by.As a conclusion, don’t waste your money in foolish expenses in this particularly period of time. You must look for ways of better invest your money, as good offers are arising. Florida is a nice place for real estate as it enables you to target young people looking for fun as well as adult who are looking for a place where to live when they retire. Don’t miss it. Invest in Florida Real Estate!

Hialeah, Fl, the “City of Progress” is located upon a larger prairie between Biscayne Bay and the Everglades. The name Hialeah is translated as “pretty prairie” or “Upland Parries”. The Seminole interpretation of its name, “High Prairie” the area is home to the Seminole Indian tribe. The area was discovered by Missouri cattleman James Bright and Glenn Curtiss who was a pioneer aviator.

The culture of today’s Seminole Tribe of Florida can be traced back at least 12,000 years. In the early day of its existence, the US government carried out a policy of displacement and extermination against the American Indians in the east US systematically removing them from the path of “white “settlement. Two legendary leaders Osceola and Abaca. Osceola masterminded successful battles against five baffled general. Murdered the US Indian agent, took punitive action against any who cooperated with the white man and stood as a national manifestation of the Seminole’s strong reputation for non surrender… though his exploits were not so well published Seminole medicine man Abiaka may have been more important to the internal Seminole war machine. He was a powerful spiritual leader who used his medicine to stir warriors into frenzy. For all of the resistance the Seminoles began the 20th centaury where they had been left at the conclusion of the Seminole Wars, in abject poverty and hiding out in remote camps in the wet wilderness areas of South Florida. The tribe has matured both politically and financially and the challenge of maintaining the unique Seminole culture while operating in the mainstream economy is the priority for them today. Until 1821 Florida was under the control of the government of Spain.

Entertainment was plentiful in Hialeah during the decade known as the “Roaring 20′s” The Spanish sport of jai-alai and greyhound racing drew visitors from far and near. Even the 1926 hurricane that nearly destroyed the city those who believed in the future of Hialeah could not be deterred.

Hialeah Park racetrack opened in 1925 and is one of the oldest existing recreational facilities in southern Florida. Racing drew spectators and competing stables from all around. When the facility was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1926. Philadelphia horseman Joseph Widener and Kentucky horseman Col Edward Bradley hired architect Lester Deisler to design a complete new grandstand and a clubhouse in the Renaissance Revival style. Beautiful landscaped gardens with native plants and a lake in the infield stocked with flamingos. When is opened again in 1932 it was considered one of the most beautiful in the world and became so famous for the flamingos that is has been officially designate d a sanctuary for them by the Audubon society. The track is gone but the flamingoes remain in this park which was once considered one of the world’s most beautiful racetracks.

The flamingo Stakes race was an important stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby for 3 year old horses. The well known cult classic horse racing movie “Let it Ride” with Richard Dreyfuss, Terri Garr, JenniferTilly had most of its principal outdoor scenes at Hialeah Park.

The Hialeah Park Racetrack was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and was determined to be eligible as a National Historic Landmark. The park closed to the public in 2001 but the facilities remain intact except for the stables. Since the closing citizens to Save Hialeah Park Race Track have worked to preserve it. They offer this quote ” the Park was once the most beautiful rack track in the world, it marks the beginnings of the city of Hialeah and its founders, features a unique central park area, and is a symbolic resting place for the horses that raced there and the millions of people who once cheered from the clubhouse and grandstand. Hialeah Park is the city’s most evident and only historical link with the rest of the nation. It deserves nothing less than to be completely restored and preserved” What the fans will miss the most is the ritual after the seventh race, the flight of the flamingos. The quality of racing in general in the area was adversely affected when Hialeah did not open up the backside to accommodate 1,000 to 1,300 horses from all around the country who were normally stabled there. This reduced the number of horses coming into the area to race.

From a population of 1500 in 1925 Hialeah has grown at a rate faster than most of the ten largest cities in Florida. Predominantly Hispanic, Hialeah resident s has assimilated their cultural heritage and traditions into a hard working diverse community. Citizens are proud of their ethnic background and strive to keep neighborhoods family oriented.

Nearly 92% of the populations are Spanish speakers The city was once proposed to be a playground for the rich but in 1959 Cuban exiles flooded in a finished building this working class community. Several waves of Cuban exiles streamed in after Castor’s takeover in Cuba in 1959. There were even more in the Freedom Flights, the boat lifts and the desperate boat people who in the late 1990′s set out in any possible conveyance to try to reach our shores. They have created a very successful economy and industry that has seen continued growth.

The city’s first slogan was “All Ways Lead to Hialeah”. From the beginning Glenn Curtiss and James Bright knew of the potential of the area but could not have imagined how important Hialeah’s location would be for transportation. Hialeah has access to every major means of transportation. The I-75 and the Palmetto Pwky direct economical access to the Opa Locka and Miami International Airports. There is Amtrak, Tri Rail and Metro Road station conveniently located with the city.

The Miami-Dade Public School System serves the city with 3 high schools, 4 middle schools, and 17 elementary schools. The Dade Christian School (Baptist) is the largest private school in the area and is a ministry of new Testament Baptist church.

Monsignor Edward Pace Hitch School, St John the Apostle School and Immaculate Conception School serve the primacy and secondary private school students.

Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus opened in 1980. In addition to academics there are many cultural and community events sponsored by the college.

The larges Santero Community outside of Cuba is in Hialeah, the Santeria World Headquarters. In a lawsuit between the Church of lukumi Babalu Aye v. city of Hialeah, the Santeria practice of animal sacrifice was ruled unconstitutional.

Telemoundo is the second largest Spanish language network. It is headquartered in Hialeah. There are several studios working taping programming, talk shows, news programs and telenovelas.

Hialeah is the densest city in the United State without a skyscraper. The city’s tallest building is 14 floors and is only considered a mid rise.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy Major League Baseball. The Florida marlins and Minor League Baseball, the Jupiter hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals play and hour and a half north in Jupiter, Florida. The hammerheads are a Class A Advanced affiliate of the Florida Marlins, and the cardinals are a Class A Advanced affiliate of the St Louis Cardinals.

The National basketball League Miamian Heat, The National football League Miami Dolphins and the national Hockey League Florida Panthers are all within a small driving distance of Hialeah. The United soccer League is represented by the First Division Miami FC and fans of college football will enjoy the fact that nearby Miami is the home of the Orange Bowl

Hialeah restaurants and bars are a mix of traditional Cuban and international fusion food. Asturias features a unique menu that combines traditional Spanish menu items like tapas which are small plates of different appetizers that are eaten as a meal, with an American influence. Cantina Okeechobee is known for their delicious margaritas and fajitas. At Caf?aul on Palm Avenue the Cuban coffee, sandwiches and pastries are extremely popular amount the locals.

Shopping centers and malls abound in and around Hialeah. Westland Mall, just off the Palmetto Expressway, is a popular shopping destination. Anchored by Macy’s JCPenny and Sears, Westland Mall features nearly 100 stores. There are also cafes and restaurants like Crepe’s Land and Havana Madrid Restaurant, Just up the street from Westland Mall is the Miracle Mille Shopping Center, whose stores include Ross, TJ Maxx and Lane Bryant. Across the street there is Burlington coat Factory and Marshall’s. Other nearby shopping malls includes mall of the Americas, Dolphin mall and Miami International Mall.

On the southeastern section of Hialeah is the historic district called Deer park. This tiny section of Hialeah is unique because its street names were probably borrowed from the natives who lived in the area. Per-na-na and To-to-loche are but a few of the interesting names.