Recent Blog Posts
CONSTRUCTION LIENS AGAINST CONDOMINIUM PROPERTIES IN FLORIDA
One of the most peculiar but import aspects of practicing construction law in Florida is familiarization with the state’s lien laws. Florida Lien Law, Fla. Stat. § 713 with Fla. Stat. § 718.121(2), specifies that a construction lien based on labor performed on or materials furnished to common elements, when such contract work was… Read More »
Attorney Brendan Sweeney featured in the October edition of the Broward County Bar Barrister
After the most recent Florida Legislative session roughly 200 bills were passed to seek the Governor’s approval. Allow this to be a highlight for a few of particular significance. The House passed HB1253 to allow Attorney General Ashley Moody access to a database of patients’ opioid prescriptions so that she—on behalf of the State,… Read More »
Legal Tips for a Successful Construction Project
Contractors who take on projects have a huge responsibility to ensure that all aspects comport with federal, state and local laws. In addition, contractors and their attorneys must remain apprised of laws and other legalities that will affect the project during all stages. Contractors must also know how certain legal decisions will affect the… Read More »
THE APEX DOCTRINE THAT REALLY DOES NOT YET EXIST IN FLORIDA
Most large companies assume that their highest-ranking executives will not be required to comply with deposition subpoenas related to regular business matters. For instance, the Chairman of a large Japanese company should not need to worry about giving a deposition in a personal injury case involving basic allegations of product liability. This thought would… Read More »
Latent Construction Defects and Florida’s Statute of Repose
Generally, there is a 4 year statute of limitation period to file a complaint for defects where it concerns the construction of real property. This statute of limitation applies to defects that are discoverable. However, Florida Statute 95.11 provides a statute of repose period for latent defects actions. These are defects that are not… Read More »
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T PREPARE A CONSTRUCTION CLAIM OF LIEN YOURSELF IN FLORIDA
Payment problems are an unfortunate truth in the construction industry, and nearly every contractor or supplier has faced a payment issue in some form or another. Several look to construction liens to protect themselves. And why not? Construction liens are an effective tool to safeguard one’s right to payment. The problem, though, is that… Read More »
Attorney Brendan Sweeney featured in the September edition of the Broward County Bar Barrister
HURRICANE RELATED FRAUD What do hurricanes and general contractors have in common? Bad ones can put Florida homeowners in a really tough spot. And, combined with a bad contractor, it can leave a homeowner in a disastrous situation. Florida is a hotbed for destructive hurricanes and unscrupulous contractors. Often, such contractors exploit homeowners who… Read More »
Construction Work and Environmental Law Concerns
Individuals in the construction industry have many obligations that is external to the work they are performing. The construction industry must work diligently to minimize the externalities that they pass on to the general public. For example, before starting a project that requires underground digging, a contractor is mandated to perform an investigation to… Read More »
“Slip and Fall” Tort Litigation Guidance for Business Owners
Business owners have a large amount of responsibility to secure their premises from dangerous conditions that may be hazardous to their patrons. That is part of the cost of operating a business. However, when a claim is filed, the business owner must make assertive decisions to ensure that the litigation is proper and that… Read More »
EMPLOYEES VS. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS IN FLORIDA
Though there are many distinctions between employees and independent contractors, possibly the most apparent one is that an employer of an independent contractor does not have the right to control or direct the means or method of completing the work results, only the result of the work itself. Put differently, the right to control… Read More »
