Q: What is the Florida Self Storage Association?A: The Florida Self Storage Association is a non-profit organization comprised of individuals and business people who have an interest in the self storage industry in FloridA: The FSSA was created to promote a standard of professionalism and enhance the performance and quality of the services our industry has to offer. Our members include owners, operators, vendors, developers, investors, property managers and suppliers of products and services that are used in self storage. To read more about the History of the FSSA go to "About Us" on the main navigation bar and choose History of the FSSA:” A: “The mission of the Florida Self Storage Association is to ensure the stability and growth of the self-storage industry by providing a forum in which members may increase knowledge through educational opportunities, exchange information and promote an established unified voice.” Q: Why should a self-storage facility owner or industry supplier join the FSSA? A: The benefits of membership in the FSSA are numerous. The FSSA provides networking and educational events, a Standardized Rental Agreement, a quarterly magazine, access to trade publications at a discount, and many other benefits. We are frequently adding new benefits for our members every day! Click on "About Us" for more information about the benefits the FSSA offers its members. The FSSA works to protect and educate owners and managers of self-storage facilities in Florida. To see a list of the Benefits of Membership go to "About Us" and choose “Benefits of Membership.” Q: How do I join?A: Joining the FSSA is simple. For an online application click here, or call (877) 222-9441 to join by phone. Membership is only $275 for a year which includes your first facility. Additional facilities are only $25 each. Q: Where can I get information on the events and educational programs that are provided by the FSSA? A: Simply choose the “Events and Education” tab to view the up coming programs. Q: What is mini storage, and why would I use it?A: Mini storage is another name for self-storage, which refers to a lockable unit in which customers store their goods. Self-storage allows customers who are relocating, selling a home, or simply looking for more space for their possessions a place to store their items. Businesses frequently use self-storage to store inventory or paperwork, rather than having to lease additional expensive commercial space. Unlike portable or door-to-door storage, self-storage facilities allow customers to retain a key to the unit and code to entry gates so that they are not forced to make appointments to access their goods. Q: How can our company advertise to the members of the Florida Self Storage Association? Can we get the membership mailing list?A: The FSSA has a number of ways suppliers and vendors can reach members of the Association. Advertising is available in our newsletter, on our web site, and in the form of sponsorships for our networking and educational programs. ALL members of the FSSA are able to view the membership directory online. A membership mailing list is available in electronic format to members only for $199. We do not provide member information to non members or for those members who choose to keep their information private. Q: I am interested in building or owning a self-storage facility. Where can I find information on acquiring and/or developing a facility with information from how to best use my land to designing unit mixes to managing the finished product? A: Use our advanced search feature on the web site to locate vendors that provide the specific information you need. Each vendor has chosen a category that best explains the products or services that they provide. You can also attend a networking program to meet people that can direct you to your answers. Q: Besides the standardized lease, what other forms are available?A: Call (877) 222-9441 to find out what forms are available. Q: Where can I get legal help?A: The FSSA does not provide legal advice. However, the Self Storage Association provides SSA members exclusive access to the legal hotline services of the Self Storage Legal Network (SSLN). The SSLN is available only to SSA members and is one of the best sources available for obtaining industry related legal information. Attorneys D. Carlos Kaslow, Joseph D. Joiner, and Scott Zucker, whose combined experience in the self storage industry exceeds 50 years, operate the SSLN. For more information visit www.selfstorage.org Q: How do I get the InPrint Magazine?A: InPrint is free to members and interested parties. It is published quarterly by the FSSA: It provides pertinent information on current trends in the self-storage industry, activities of the association and informative articles on legal, management and operational issues. To be added to the FSSA newsletter mailing list click Contact Us fill in your information and indicate that you would like to receive the newsletter. Q: What is the difference between the FSSA and the National Self-Storage Association (SSA)?A: The SSA is a national trade association that covers self storage issues on a national basis. The FSSA provides a more local, grassroots focus and answers the needs and trends of conducting business in the state of FloridA: Many of the issues facing self storage owners and operators are local in nature. Q: How do I find a storage unit to rent in Florida?To find an FSSA Facility Member, please go to Advanced Search by the City, Zip Code or Region that you are looking for storage in. Q: I am interested in becoming more involved in the self storage industry. What should I do?First, join the FSSA, where you can attend education seminars, networking events and other events that address issues within the state of Florida self storage industry. Second, check the events and education tab of the web site or contact the FSSA Managing Director at (877) 222-9441 or one of the FSSA Board Members and ask what other opportunities are available that you may participate in at the present time. Q: I would like to have a company manage my self storage facility and/or have a consulting company analyze my self storage facility. Do you know where I can find information regarding property management and consulting companies?A: Under the Membership tab, locate the Member and Services Search tab to search for specific products and services offered by the FSSA Members. Q: How many storage facilities are there in Florida?A: The FSSA has not compiled current statistical data about the number of self storage facilities in Florida, but it is believed that there are around 3,200 facilities and growing daily! Q: I am storing my belongings at one of the FSSA’s member facilities and I am having trouble resolving an issue with that property, can the FSSA help me?A: All FSSA members are expected to adhere to a level of professionalism as outlined in the Florida Self Storage Association Code of Ethics. Generally the FSSA does not get involved in matters concerning individual facility disputes and complaints. We encourage you to first take up the matter with the owner or management company that operates the facility where you are storing your belongings, and then seek legal assistance if necessary to resolve the issue. Q: I have a legal question about the rights and liabilities of self storage owners/operators and/or self storage tenants.A: The FSSA does not provide legal advice, however, our members who are also members of the national SSA are encouraged to join the Self Storage Legal Network (SSLN). The SSLN is a convenient way to have legal questions answered accurately and quickly by attorneys with substantial experience in the self storage industry. For an annual subscription fee, there is no limit to how many times you may contact the SSLN for legal information. To sign up for this program, please contact the SSA at (703) 575-8000. Q: The lien process is complicated and always changing, where can I find up-to-date information about Florida’s lien laws?A: The Resources page on the FSSA web site contains updated information regarding Florida lien laws. Remember, this is informational only and any questions regarding lien laws should be directed to your attorney. Q: Where can I obtain a current Florida Self storage rental agreement?A: Scott Zucker, a well respected self storage attorney headed up the FSSA's creation of a standardized rental agreement for use in Florida that is now available to all FSSA members for a nominal fee. For just $199 per facility, FSSA members will get a CD of the Standardized Rental Agreement. Each CD is licensed for a single facility and additional facilities are required to purchase their own CD. Our hope is that by offering our members a current and reliable lease we will be able to give Florida operators a degree of protection from unnecessary legal disputes. If you are a member and would like to purchase the CD simply login to the site and click on the Resources tab and choose Florida Lease CD and fill out the order form.
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