Construction Industry Legal Blog

Florida’s lien law is an especially draconian area of the law. Filing a lien is an invaluable tool to help you as a contractor, sub-contractor or materialman get paid on a construction job. It can also get you into trouble unless the statute is strictly followed. Legislative amendments have softened the blow of fraudulent lien claims, but the statutes still carries heavy penalties

Generally speaking, a “Notice to Owner” is a statutorily required notice which lets Owners of construction projects know who is working on the project.  It is effectively just that….a Notice to the Owner.  The Notice is required by Florida’s Construction Lien Law and must contain certain warning language, the Owner’s […]

By Harry M. Wilson, IV Esq.

Florida lawmakers convened in Tallahassee in early March to begin the state’s annual legislative session, which will run through May 6th. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both the House and the Senate. This session marks the first for Governor Rick Scott who ran on a platform to reduce government, cut taxes and create jobs. Close to 1,800 bills have already been filed but perhaps the biggest challenge lawmakers will face will be balancing the state budget. In follow up to my first post, the following article highlights some of the other big issues facing the legislature this session:

Recently I was reading some old business journals and came across this article detailing How to Choose a General Contractor or Developer. In addition to competitive pricing, the JBJ extols the virtues of vetting the licensing, qualifications, references and workforce of your contractor. Using this article, past experience and client interviews as inspiration, we have created a list of 10 things to consider when selecting a General Contractor.

By Harry M. Wilson, IV Esq.

Florida lawmakers convened in Tallahassee last week to begin the state’s annual legislative session, which will run through May 6th. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both the House and the Senate. This session marks the first for governor Rick Scott who ran on a platform to reduce government, cut taxes and create jobs. To read more click the title….

By: Harry M. Wilson, IV, Esq. and James D. Stone, III

In these tough economic times many construction liens are often erased by superior mortgages, such as when the lender forecloses on the property. In the past this would often lead to the lienor being left without a way to collect if the project owner was insolvent. Florida Statute §713.3471 and a recent ruling in Whitehead v. Tyndall Federal Credit Union has, however, provided another avenue for a lienor to recover costs. To read more click the title. . .

By Harry M. Wilson IV, Esq. and James D. Stone III

The False Claims Act (FCA) dates back to 1863 and was originally intended to fight fraud by defense contractors. The large majority of the cases filed over the past few years have involved medical and pharmaceutical claims. However, with the recent changes in the FCA lowering the standards needed to file suit and the increase in federally funded spending on construction projects there is a strong possibility of increased FCA claims in the construction industry by current and former disgruntled employees. With the increased possibility for these FCA claims the best way to protect your business is to first understand the basics of the FCA and then to establish a good compliance system.

By: Emily C. Williams, Esq.

The theory of recovery known unjust enrichment is often used by attorneys in construction litigation actions as an alternative count to claims for breach of contract or for foreclosure of a construction lien. It is not uncommon, however, for unjust enrichment claims to be improperly pled in the complaint, which will often lead to a misguided legal analysis. This, of course, can negatively affect your client’s case at the earliest stage of the dispute.

Unjust enrichment is often referred to as a contract implied in law; however, it is not a contract at all. The theory of unjust enrichment is a legal fiction defined as “an obligation imposed by law to do justice even though it is clear that no promise was ever made or intended.” Tipper v. Great Lakes Chemical Company, 281 So.2d 10, 13 (Fla. 1973). Unlike quantum meruit, unjust enrichment does not require an assent between the parties. Quantum meruit is premised on the expectation of the parties, while unjust enrichment is supported by the interest of society in the prevention of injustice.

One must prove the following elements to recover under the theory of unjust enrichment: 1) lack of an adequate remedy at law; 2) a benefit conferred upon the defendant by the plaintiff coupled with the defendant’s appreciation of the benefit; and 3) acceptance and retention of the benefit under circumstances that make it inequitable for him or her to do so without paying the value of it. Challenge Air Transport, Inc. v. Tranportes Aeros Nacionales, 520 So.2d 323 (Fla. 3d DCA 1988). As this post will reveal, each of these elements present peculiar issues and analytical challenges for the legal practitioner.

Slander of title occurs when one entity or person falsely alleges an ownership interest in the property of another, or when one entity or person disparages the property interest of another. The elements of slander of title claims are: