Blogs & Resources

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.

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.

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.

Jacksonville, Fla. – January 16, 2014 – Jimerson & Cobb, P.A., managing partner Charles Jimerson was named to the 2014 board of directors for the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA). This is the third consecutive year that Jimerson has been named to the NEFBA board of directors. Jimerson also serves […]

Jacksonville, Fla. – June 12, 2014 -Jimerson & Cobb, P.A. is proud to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Northeast Florida by the Jacksonville Business Journal. This marks the second year in a row that the firm has received this recognition. “We would most certainly not […]

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.

As counsel for lenders, I’ve been consulted with and required to opine on a wide range of topics throughout my career.  Specific to financial institutions, lawyers working in our banking law practice group have knowledge of not only the legal process for special assets workouts and the regulations governing commercial […]

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.

Jacksonville, Fla. – June 5, 2014 – Jimerson & Cobb, P.A., congratulates associate attorney, Hans C. Wahl, for his recent certification in Georgia after passing the February 2014 Georgia Bar. Wahl is now certified to practice law in the states of Florida and Georgia. “We are very proud of Hans,” […]

For those that missed the earlier parts of this Blog series, as of this post, the series has discussed: what is necessary to prove a delay occurred, combating the most common defenses, varying methods to calculate delay damages—Total Cost Method, Modified Total Cost Method and the Eichleay Formula for calculating overhead damages. Often, because of the delay, the work is performed in a higher wage period than initially planned; similarly, the cost of continuing to rent and possess idle equipment negatively affects the contractor. Part six of this series will discuss the potential recovery related to labor, material and equipment escalation costs directly associated with the delay.