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Can someone tell me what relation a management company has to an
association? IOW, what do they do for us?


In FL, it is generally on a contractural basis and condo associations
contract with them for certain functions. Decision making remains with
condo association/board. It can be anything from complete day to day
management, effecting repairs and maintenance per approved contractors,
acting on complaints, rules violations, assessment arrears. Can even
have a licensed condo manager conduct meetings. If the association is
large enough, it is probably the only way to go. We have a small assn,
only 8 units. Full outside mgt. would be cost prohibitive, so mgt.
company pays bills as authorized, keeps books, files taxes, issues some
of the meeting and budget letters. State law requires letters to owners
at certain intervals prior to board meetings and budget votes. State
law also requires that condo assn. maintain financial reserves for
roofs, parking lots and painting, but allows owners to vote down
reserves - the board cannot vote down reserves AFAIK. FL. statutes are
very clear in stating that board members are responsible for maintaining
property and can be held personally responsible for not doing so. FL
statutes don't define maintenance or any standards, and best answer on
the topic is that they maintain according to local building codes.
Local gov. doesn't enforce building code, so it is basic free-for-all.