Florida Decision Reveals 12 Key Points for Evaluation of a Request for Accommodation re Disability

Florida District Court decision (March 13, 2014).

This case involves a dispute between a homeowners association and members over the members’ ability to keep a service dog (Sorenson) in their condominium as a “reasonable accommodation” under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”). One of the members, Deborah, has multiple sclerosis and is confined to a wheelchair. The accommodation was requested because the association had a pet policy that said residents could not have a pet, other than one cat or fish, without the consent of the board of directors – but no pet will be permitted that weights more than 20 pounds at maturity.