Q. I live in a large condominium association
and play poker every week with the same group of people. Sometimes
we meet in our condo and other times we meet and play in the card
room on the first floor of the condominium. When we play, we usually
bet between 50 cents or $1 for a hand. One of the residents told us
that we are technically violating the law by gambling and can
jeopardize the condominium association. Can you tell me whether we
are violating any laws?
A. Under Florida law, whether you are playing poker, bridge,
pinochle, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes or mah-jongg, gambling
for money is legal if you meet the following requirements:
The winnings of any player in a single
hand, round or game do not exceed $10 in value.
Such game is played in a residential premises owned or rented by one
of the participants or in the common areas or common elements of a
condominium, co-op or residential subdivision.
A person may not receive any consideration or commission for
allowing the game to occur in his or her premises.
A person may not charge admission or any other fee to participate.
A person may not solicit participants by means of advertising.
All people playing the game must be older than 18.
If a debt is created or owed as a consequence of the game, such debt
is not enforceable.
Furthermore, under Florida law, the conduct of any such game stated
above that occurs within the common elements or common areas of a
condominium, cooperative or residential subdivision shall not create
any civil liability for damages arising from the game for the
association.
Q. I am a divorced father of two children. When we divorced, my wife
and I had equal rights to the children but the kids would live with
her. One of my children, who is age 15, has not been performing well
at the local public high school. I contacted the school and
requested my child's records from the school. The secretary, who
works in the school office, is a friend of my ex-wife and told me
that only my ex-wife is entitled to the child's records. Is this
true?
A. No. Under Florida law, the parent of any student younger than 18
has a right, upon request, to be shown any record or report relating
to such student. You need to contact the school and tell officials
that the school secretary is violating Florida law and your rights. |
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