A Boca Raton condo owner has been giving pushback against the forced sale of his property for nearly 30 years. Howard Fellman is the last individual owner at Crystal Palms – the rest of the 175 units are owned by real estate construction and property development mogul Scully Company. 

Scully Company has been putting pressure on Fellman to sell despite his long-established history of non-negotiation, and this time the law has been changed to potentially allow property developers to force the sale. 

Palm Beach County Judge Rules Condo Association Is Within the Law 

In 2021, the Crystal Palms voted to make it easier for the dissolution of its designation as a condominium. Once it is no longer a condo, Scully Company can oust Fellman whether or not he agrees. The only caveat is that he must be offered a fair market price for the property. 

Fellman tells the Palm Beach Post that it’s unfair a big company can force private owners like him to give up their homes. He says, “The condo laws were passed to establish procedures for unit owners to peacefully co-exist, not for an investor to confiscate private property. It’s as if Boardwalk is confiscating Park Place.” 

How Other Florida Property Owners May Be Affected By Fellman’s Case 

Other Florida property owners can expect to be impacted by the decisions made in Fellman’s case. Although he’s appealing the judge’s decision that Crystal Palms was allowed to make it easier to dissolve their condo designation, it’s expensive. Fellman says, “This is costing me a bloody fortune. There is no rainbow at the end of the road for me.” 

He’s continuing the fight for the benefit of everyone else who could face the forced sale of their properties if he loses. “My case will be used as a poster child for developers to confiscate property from condo unit owners. It will happen to anybody who doesn’t have the deep pockets to defend themselves, and happen mostly to senior citizens.”

Being Forced to Sell? A Florida Real Estate Litigation Law Firm Can Help 

If you are being pressured to sell property that you own by a corporate interest, take action to protect your investment. Contact Feinstein Real Estate Litigation & Business Law today for a consultation to learn what steps you can take next. Call now by dialing 954-767-9662.