2 Cases, Interpreting Virtually the Same Language, 4 Months Apart, 2 Different Results (and with 1 Concurring Judge in Common) Under Florida Law, there are two statutes (at least) that require document service on opposing parties without filing with the Clerk, a Safe-Harbour letter pursuant to Fla. Stat. 57.105(4), and a Proposal for Settlement pursuant … Read more
The circuit courts of Florida have subject matter jurisdiction over actions at law in which the matter in controversy exceeds $ 15,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees. See Art. V, § 20(c)(3), Fla. Const.; §§ 26.012(2)(a), 34.01(1)(c)4., Fla. Stat. (2003). In determining whether the trial court’s jurisdiction was properly invoked, the controlling standard … Read more
Significant Issues Test Applicable to Determine Attorney’s Fees Entitlement Under 713.29, Florida Statute for Lien Foreclosure Actions FRANK J. TRYTEK, et al., Petitioners, vs. GALE INDUSTRIES, INC., etc., Respondent. No. SC07-1641 SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA 3 So. 3d 1194; 2009 Fla. LEXIS 257; 34 Fla. L. Weekly S 247 ” Trial courts are required to … Read more
In Florida there are generally 4 bases to obtain attorney’s fees as damages in a lawsuit. The general rule also known as the “American Rule” is that each party bears its attorneys fees in litigation, it is the default rule in Florida. However, here are the exceptions to that rule. 1. Statutory Basis for Attorney … Read more
Joint accounts are common but most people do not understand the rights of each named account owner. While the titling of joint accounts will determine who may access such accounts from the bank’s perspective (with the use of an “and” or “or” designation, requiring both or just one owner to access, respectively), ownership is not … Read more
Florida’s Civil Theft Statute is a powerful tool to recover damages for theft and theft related civil actions which enables the Plaintiffs to seek attorney’s fees and treble (triple) damages. However, there are some nuances in Florida Law which should be reviewed before filing an action for Civil Theft. First, the economic loss doctrine is generally a … Read more
The Federal Civil RICO statute is a very powerful tool that can provide a litigant Federal Question Jurisdiction and the ability to recover treble damages and attorneys’ fees when otherwise unavailable. However, a major hurdle to successfully pleading and prosecuting a civil RICO claim is making sure that the facts support a showing of the … Read more