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Yearly Archives: 2014

Legal Actions the Seller of Real Property can Bring When a Buyer Breaches a Real Estate Sales Contract

June 24, 2014 Real Estate Development, Sales and Leasing Industry Legal Blog

It is not a situation that sellers of real property want to find themselves in, but it is a situation that could easily happen to anyone. After months of hard work getting a property in pristine condition to lure prospective purchasers, and then finally procuring a buyer, the entire transaction suddenly unravels. Despite signing the real estate sales contract, the buyer decides to walk away or, worse yet, fails to show at closing. What is the seller to do? This Blog post will discuss that very scenario and describe the legal actions that sellers of real estate can bring against a buyer when the buyer breaches the real estate sales contract.

Judicial Dissolution of LLC’s in Florida – What Does it Take to Kick Out Your Partner?

June 19, 2014 Professional Services Industry Legal Blog

Statutory guidance for judicial dissolution under Florida’s Revised Limited Liability Company Act is found within Florida Statutes, § 605.0702.  Notably the section was revised in June of 2013 and became effective as of January 1, 2014.  The revised LLC act, commonly referred to as the “New LLC Act,” significantly modified […]

The Enforceability of Liquidated Damages Clauses in Real Estate Sales Contracts

June 18, 2014 Real Estate Development, Sales and Leasing Industry Legal Blog

Real estate sales transactions, and the underlying contracts precipitating those transactions, are constantly the source of litigation. Usually, the real estate sales contract will attempt to either limit the remedies available to the parties involved or specifically provide a predetermined amount for any monetary damages awarded through litigation. When a contract contains a provision for a predetermined monetary award for damages, that provision is called a “liquidated damages clause.” This Blog post will discuss the enforceability of liquidated damages clauses as they pertain to real estate sales contracts.

Measuring Delay Damages: Jury Verdict Method

June 17, 2014 Construction Industry Legal Blog

This is Part VII in a series of Blog posts dedicated to explaining delay damages. Previous posts in the series have discussed proving that a delay occurred, addressed the most applicable and common defenses and varying methods to calculate delay damages—the Total Cost Method, the Modified Total Cost Method, the Eichleay Formula and damages for an increase in labor, material and equipment costs. Another method used to calculate delay damages is the Jury Verdict Method, which is a combination of a few methods previously discussed.

Basic Considerations for Residential Roofing in Florida Part 3 of 3

June 16, 2014 Construction Industry Legal Blog

Roofing systems are an integral part of any new construction. There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these considerations. This is a three part blog that will discuss basic residential roofing considerations in Florida. Part I discussed the basic components and types of roofs. Part II discussed the “Enemies” of your roofing system. This Part III will discuss various factors and considerations in selecting a roofing contractor.

Real Estate Contracts, the Statute of Frauds, and Exceptions to the Statute of Frauds

June 11, 2014 Real Estate Development, Sales and Leasing Industry Legal Blog

The “statutes of frauds” is a doctrine of law that requires certain contracts to be in writing and signed by the person to be charged in order to be enforced. One such contract that falls under the statute of frauds is a contract for the sale of real property. Fla. Stat. § 725.01. Case law has placed additional requirements on contracts for the sale of real property, requiring them to be specific as to the parties involved, the subject matter, the parties’ obligations and the consideration. Minsky’s Follies of Fla., Inc. v. Sennes, 206 F.2d 1, 3 (5th Cir. 1953). If the underlying real estate sales contract is not certain and clear as to all of those items then it is unenforceable. The reasoning for this was articulated by the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals: “In order that there be a contract [for the sale of real property], the parties must have a definite and distinct understanding, common to both, and without doubt of difference.” Id.

Legislative Update: Florida’s 2014 Legislative Session’s Impact on the Construction Industry

June 9, 2014 Construction Industry Legal Blog

The 2014 Florida Legislative session came to an end on May 2, 2014. With a $1.2 billion surplus and elections looming in the fall, cuts in state taxes and fees were a priority for Governor Scott and for legislative leaders. Early in the session, the Legislature passed a $395 million roll-back in vehicle and vessel registration fees which may help the construction industry – fees that were increased in 2009 under the watch of former Governor Charlie Crist.

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