Guide for Contractors: Complying with Florida Statute 489.126 on Deposit Monies

Understanding and complying with Florida Statute 489.126 is essential for contractors to maintain legal standards and build trust with clients. This statute outlines how you must handle deposit monies received for residential construction projects. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you meet these legal requirements: Step 1: Initial Payment and Permits Receive Initial Payment: Apply … Read more

Understanding Florida’s New Unlawful Detainer Statute (No More Squatter’s Rights ) (2024)

Florida has introduced new measures to tackle unlawful detainer and squatting issues through Chapter 82 of the Florida Statutes, also known as the “Forcible Entry and Unlawful Detainer” law. This law outlines the legal framework for addressing situations where individuals occupy property without legal right. Here’s an in-depth look at the key elements of Chapter … Read more

Qualifier Questions Answered: Do I need to attend a CILB meeting to qualify an additional business?

If you are a licensed contractor in Florida looking to qualify an additional business organization, you might be wondering whether you need to appear before the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). According to Rule 61G4-15.0021, the answer depends on specific circumstances related to your involvement with the new business. Key Points of Rule 61G4-15.0021: Practical … Read more

Navigating Contractual Force Majeure and Common Law Defenses in Times of Crisis

In the wake of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses and legal professionals are closely examining the interplay between contractual force majeure clauses and common law defenses such as impossibility and frustration of purpose. Understanding how these legal concepts interact is crucial for managing contracts during unforeseen events. Understanding Force Majeure Clauses Force majeure … Read more

Evictions: Residential Tenant Must Provide Supporting Documentation with Motion to Determine Rent

Fla. Stat. § 83.60 requires that “If a motion to determine rent is filed, documentation in support of the allegation that the rent as alleged in the complaint is in error is required. “  From this it is clear, that just a base allegation that the rent as alleged in the complaint is wrong, does not entitle Tenant to a … Read more

DPBR Complaint: You received a Uniform Complaint. What do you do now?

The Division of Professional and Business Responsibility (DBPR) is the Florida agency responsible for regulating many licensed professionals through its multiple divisions including contractors, real estate professionals, architects, engineers, and much more. A member of the public can submit a Uniform Complaint form, or the Department may initiate a investigation. If the Department believes that … Read more

Auto Insurer Cannot Retain Premium Paid to Reinstate After Non-Payment Cancellation and Deny Coverage for Accident Occurring during Cancellation Period

Even if an insurer maintains right to deny coverage or to rescind a policy or its reinstatement, it cannot have its cake and eat it too. When an insured reinstates a policy after cancellation for non-payment, the insurer cannot deny coverage and retain premium paid for the time period covering the loss event. Florida law … Read more

Corporations Need Attorneys to Obtain Writ of Possessions in Foreclosures and Evictions

If your rental property is owned in a corporate name, you may need an attorney to handle any contested eviction to evict a non-paying tenant. Even through Florida’s small claims rules permits representation of a corporate entity by an employee, if you are seeking possession of the rental property (eviction), that is not within the … Read more

Fraud, Fraud in the Inducement, the Independent Tort Doctrine, and the Confusion in Florida Courts

Fraud in the context of contractual relationship brings with it a tricky set of issues that even some Florida Courts fail to fully understand and appreciate. Florida Courts acknowledge the long-standing independent tort doctrine which provides which states in relevant part from Indemnity Ins. Co. of North America v. American Aviation, Inc., 891 So.2d 532, 536-537 … Read more

Financially Responsible Officer Designation Not Available for Electrical Companies

(Need a Qualifier Agreement?, Go to our main qualifier agreement page for more infomation, Click Here!) Florida Statute 489.119 permits Construction Companies to designate a Financially Responsible Officer (FRO). This allows a construction company to bifurcate the construction responsibilities from the financial responsibilities of the company. This is used, generally, when a construction company utilizes … Read more

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