In response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis, the Supreme Court of Florida established a statewide mandatory mediation program for residential mortgage foreclosures. Due to the mandatory mediation program being largely unsuccessful, the Supreme Court of Florida terminated the program on December 19, 2011. However, lenders should be aware that judges […]
The Florida Supreme Court has published the proper form to use when seeking a final judgment of foreclosure: Form 1.996(a), Final Judgment of Foreclosure (8-18-20). Form 1.996(a) is incorporated in the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure under Rule 1.900. Pursuant to Rule 1.900(b), the Form may be varied to meet […]
In 2010, the Florida Supreme Court approved an amendment to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure regarding mortgage foreclosures and enacted new forms, such as Form 1.996(b), Motion to Cancel and Reschedule Foreclosure Sale. In 2014, the Florida Supreme Court renumbered this form to the current Form 1.996(c) (2019). If […]
A residential mortgage foreclosure action is initiated in Florida by filing a verified complaint with the appropriate court. All named defendants will need to be notified of the lawsuit by being served process with a copy of the complaint and a summons. The defendants may be served by personal service […]
Since 2013, residential foreclosure actions in Florida have been significantly shortened—from over two (2) years to possibly less than six (6) months—because of the new “fast-track” process provided in section 702.10, Florida Statutes. This fast-track foreclosure process starts with the filing of a “verified” foreclosure complaint that sufficiently alleges standing, […]
Within the last six months an inspector from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) visited your premises and you just received a “Citation and Notification of Penalty” for violations allegedly identified during the OSHA inspection. Now what? OSHA citations can be confusing, frustrating, carry heavy penalties, and must be […]
In 2013, the Legislature enacted Section 702.015, Florida Statutes, which sets forth new pleading requirements for residential foreclosure actions. At that time, the Legislature requested the Florida Supreme Court to amend the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure to provide expedited foreclosure proceedings in conformity with Section 702.015. As such, the […]
In 2010, the Florida Supreme Court amended Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.110(b) to include a verification provision in foreclosure complaints. Subsequently and in an effort to expediate the residential foreclosure process in Florida, the Legislature enacted Section 702.015, Florida Statutes, which sets forth additional pleading requirements for foreclosure complaints. […]
Winding up a construction project and transitioning occupancy to the building owner (i.e. project closeout) can be a harrowing ordeal for an owner with little to no construction experience. Even for experienced owners, Project closeout can be a challenge and is often mishandled, leading to eleventh-hour emergencies, cost overruns, and […]
This blog is part of a series covering a critical component of a Florida construction lien—recording the claim of lien within 90 days’ of “final furnishing.” Failing to record a claim of lien within the 90-day final-furnishing deadline renders the lien completely invalid and useless. The trick is knowing when […]