Recent Blog Posts
Florida Condominium Law – “Deadbeat Lists” and the Consumer Collection Practices Act
Does a condominium association violate the law by publicly posting the names of its financially delinquent property owners? Recently, that question was considered by the District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fifth District, in the case of a condominium owner who, according to the condominium association, had been delinquent in paying condominium assessments. In… Read More »
Is Construction an Essential Business in Florida?
As we know, during COVID-19 and before reopening began, businesses that are “non-essential” were forced to close. “Essential” businesses, however, were allowed to continue to operate. Aren’t We Reopening? Why Does This Matter? Whether construction is an essential business might seem unimportant at the moment: after all, most states – including Florida – have… Read More »
Online Tourism Sites and Tourist Development Taxes
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to the normal operations of countless businesses throughout the country and the world. Among the industries that have been particularly affected over the past several months is the tourism industry. Challenges have presented themselves in this industry at every level – globally, nationally, regionally, statewide and locally…. Read More »
Appeals Court Affirms Summary Judgment for Contractor on Common Law Indemnity Cross Claim
When a home renovation project goes wrong and leads to litigation, the lawsuit brought by the homeowner will ultimately seek to determine who among potentially responsible parties – including contractors and various subcontractors – is responsible for any and all of the damage that occurred. In this type of lawsuit, the various contractors and… Read More »
Attorney Brendan Sweeney Featured In PhocusWire – Unraveling COVID-19 hygiene liability issues for short-term rentals
By Mitra Sorrells | June 11, 2020 Just six months ago, the topic of cleanliness and hygiene in the travel industry was largely a given. Save for occasional stories of illnesses on cruise ships or bed bug outbreaks in hotels, in general travelers around the world have been getting on planes, checking into hotels… Read More »
Arbitration Clauses: Who Decides if the Dispute Goes to Arbitration?
Arbitration is one type of alternative dispute resolution process that may be used to resolve conflicts outside of litigation. Many types of contracts contain clauses that provide for arbitration in the event of a contractual dispute. Resolving a dispute by arbitration can have advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages often associated with arbitration is… Read More »
The Hotel Industry: National and Statewide Effects of the Pandemic
The hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit economically in terms of job losses and furloughs that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the national level, Fox Business reported this week that the number of jobs lost in the hospitality and leisure industry is more than seven and a half million. Based on… Read More »
The Rise of Digital Real Estate Closings
The COVID-19 pandemic has effected changes that cut across a wide swath of businesses. As of the middle of March, according to USA Today, among the industries that have been most adversely affected by the pandemic are: Gambling Airlines Hotels movie theaters live sports Cruises Shipping Automakers oil and gas Retail food service. Residential… Read More »
Real Estate Markets and Coronavirus – Some Facts and Current Trends
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has created and continues to create unprecedented changes in and challenges to the ways we live our lives. Along with considerations that affect how we live our lives, the pandemic has affected where we live, especially for those seeking to buy, sell, or rent new homes. While the long-term effects… Read More »
COVID-19 Lawsuits – Liability Concerns
As businesses begin to resume operations in some parts of Florida and in other states across the nation, consumer health and safety concerns in light of COVID-19 are presenting new questions and posing new challenges. Among these questions and challenges is how litigation based on COVID-19 will be handled. According to a report in… Read More »
