Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Florida’s Immigration Law Will Affect Construction
Contractors always need to be aware of changes to state and federal laws and how these laws will affect their businesses. In early July, Florida’s immigration law went into effect. The law states that all private employers with 25 or more employees will be required to use the E-Verify system. The E-Verify system checks… Read More »
Founding Partner Adam C. Linkhorst Lobbies on Behalf of the AGC
Founding partner Adam C. Linkhorst was in Tallahassee the week of 11/13 lobbying on behalf of the AGC (Associated General Contractors). More About the AGC: The AGC Florida East Coast Chapter and the South Florida AGC equally fund, support, and comprise the Florida AGC Council along with our excellent state lobbying team MHD. Leadership… Read More »
OSHA’s Proposed Changes to Authorized Employer Representatives
As a general contractor, you’re probably familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA helps make workplaces safer by performing inspections and investigations. OSHA may come out to inspect a work site if there has been a report of unsafe practices. The agency may also come out and investigate a work environment… Read More »
Benefits of Construction Contracts
Construction projects are often huge undertakings. They can cost five, six, or even seven figures or more. Because there is so much money at risk, it’s a good idea to have a contract in place. Construction contracts outline all the details of a project. These details may include tasks that need to be completed,… Read More »
Common Construction Defects
In an ideal world, a construction project would go as planned and everyone would be happy. While most buildings are erected successfully, sometimes they’re not. A construction defect can happen at any time during the process. When this happens, the contractor may be blamed. Whether or not the contractor is actually at fault, allegations… Read More »
Overview of Materialman’s Liens in Florida
It takes many different players to complete a successful construction project, from architects and design professionals to the general contractor and subcontractors. Also in the mix are those that provide supplies without providing services. These are materialmen as defined by Florida construction law. Whether they furnish supplies to the owner, a GC, or lower… Read More »
Can Florida Contractors Appeal a Default Termination by the Government?
There are many different, unusual laws and regulations that apply when Florida construction contractors do business with the federal, state, or local governments. The rules on terminations for default are certainly among the most complex. Federal regulations on government acquisitions allow the contracting officer from the relevant agency to terminate when a contractor has… Read More »
Are Sobriety Checkpoints Legal in Florida DUI Cases?
The typical scenario for a drunk driving case starts with police suspecting intoxication, pulling the motorist over, and making an arrest. Under Florida’s DUI statute, it is possible to be charged if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds .08 percent, as well as if officers believe that your normal faculties are impaired. As you… Read More »
Steps to File a Bond Claim for a Florida Construction Project
It is public policy in Florida that private contractors cannot have a security interest in public lands, which is why construction liens are not available for government projects. Instead, contractors obtain a payment or performance bond from a surety to secure their interests in getting paid for work or materials. Florida’s statute on obtaining… Read More »
New Law Means Changes are on the Way for Construction Liens in Florida
Laws are constantly changing, being updated, and amended, and frequently there are bills passed by lawmakers that directly affect Florida construction contractors. A Florida bill (HB 331) on construction liens and bonds passed both legislatures and was signed into law on June 12, 2023, by the governor. The measure includes numerous provisions on notices,… Read More »
