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

Pleading Subject Matter Jurisdiction – Consistency with Exhibits

subject matter jurisdiction florida

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

Failing to Perform Contract Promise is Not Fraudulent Inducement

Florida Law is well settled that a contractual promise not performed is not tantamount to fraud. As a general rule, fraud cannot be predicated upon a mere promise not performed.  Alexander/Davis Properties, Inc. v. Graham, 397 So.2d 699, 706 (Fla. 4th DCA 1981), petition for review denied, 408 So.2d 1093 (Fla. 1981).  Moreover, to cross … Read more

Proving Damages for Substantially Completed Construction Projects

subcontractor unjust enrichment

Where a building contractor has substantially performed a contract between the parties, the contractor is entitled to be paid the full contract price diminished only by damages which the owner has suffered as the result of such breaches of the contract as may be established by competent evidence. See Fleming v. URDL’s Waterfall Creation, Inc., … Read more

Residential Evictions

Andrew Douglas, P.A. now offers residential eviction services from all statutory notices through to obtaining possession and monetary damages. We offer a flat fixed rate for tenant evictions (to obtain a writ of possession), and a reasonable fixed hourly rate to recover unpaid rents and other money damages. Call now to discuss your eviction case.

Calculating Damages for a Partially Completed Construction Project

As a construction attorney the issue of how to calculate damages comes up often. Generally, a contractor has their own idea on how to calculate its damages, but generally they are not correct. In the case where a contract is substantially completed  , the contract price between the parties will likely govern the value of work … Read more

Florida Non-Compete Agreements, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disclosure, and Non-Disparagement Agreements

Florida Non-Compete Agreements, Non-Solicitation, Non-Disclosure, and Non-Disparagement Agreements Non-Compete Agreements are disfavored by the Courts, as against public policy, but are enforced by Courts when they comply with Florida Statute 542.335. Fla. Stat. 542.18 – General Rule Making Restraints Unlawful- Restraint of trade or commerce.—Every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce in … Read more

Quick Answers on Florida Law: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Andrew Douglas, P.A.

Florida Law Quick Answers

This article is a Quick Answer Page on Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, provided by Andrew Douglas, P.A. What is Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress in Florida? How do I prove an Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress claim in Florida? What are the elements of a claim for Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress in Florida? … Read more

Four Bases for Attorney’s Fees Entitlement in Florida

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

Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices ACT (FDUTPA), Fla. Stat. Ch. 501, – Punitve or Consequential Damages Not Recoverable

What type of damanges are recoverable under FDUTPA? Answer: Actual Damages, Florida Statute states specifcally which remedies are available under a FDUTPA claim stating, 501.211 Other individual remedies.— … (2) In any action brought by a person who has suffered a loss as a result of a violation of this part, such person may recover actual damages, … Read more

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