Category Archives: Contractor Representation
Hurricane Ian Prompts Emergency Orders That Impact Florida Contractors
As Florida continues with recovery efforts after Hurricane Ian blasted through the state, officials are easing some of the requirements that apply to Florida contractors. On October 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued Emergency Order 2022-03 as part of the relief effort. By removing some of the limitations… Read More »
Unlicensed Contractors In Florida: Criminal Charges And Civil Remedies
Florida requires individuals in a wide range of professions to obtain proper licensing before they can legally engage in the activities covered by the license. These regulations exist to promote safety and accountability, so there are numerous provisions related to construction contractors. Violations of the law can lead to revocation or suspension in some… Read More »
Florida Contractor’s Guide To The Federal Prompt Payment Act
You would think that a statute with such a clear-cut name would make it easy for Florida contractors to get paid. Unfortunately, the Federal Prompt Payment Act (PPA) is more complicated than you expect. The point behind the statute is to protect contractors, subcontractors and suppliers by establishing deadlines for payment on projects funded… Read More »
Pay Apps In Florida Construction
Consumers across the globe increasingly rely on their cell phones for financial transactions of all kinds, but the term “pay app” has an entirely different meaning for Florida contractors. Your payment application is how you request funds for the labor and materials you supply, but it is important to remember a key point: You… Read More »
Construction Mediation: Tips For Florida Contractors
Not all legal or contractual disputes go to litigation and, for Florida construction contractors, a lawsuit is probably the last thing you want to encounter. Fortunately, there are alternative dispute resolution options that you can take advantage of to avoid the courtroom, and one effective approach is mediation. As defined by Florida law, mediation… Read More »
Subcontractor Nonpayment: Quick, Effective Remedies Under Florida Law
Unlike larger general contractors that have the resources and infrastructure to take on multiple, large-scale construction projects, many Florida subcontractors are smaller businesses. They dedicate all efforts on a per-project basis and operate on narrow margins, so not getting paid has disastrous, immediate consequences. If your company is facing such a situation, you may… Read More »
Seek Legal Advice Early to Resolve Florida Construction Disputes
A Florida construction project involves numerous steps and requires multiple parties to achieve the end result, including contractors, subcontractors, property owners, and other stakeholders. As a result of these various stages and interconnected relationships, it is possible – and even probable – that disputes will arise over the details. As a contractor, your natural… Read More »
NTSB Blames Engineering Firm for 2018 FIU Bridge Collapse
Construction accidents occur everyday. Few make national headlines. One exception was the March 15, 2018, collapse of a pedestrian bridge at Florida International University in Miami. Known as the FIU Sweetwater UniversityCity pedestrian bridge, it was constructed to connect the FIU campus to nearby student housing. The construction project, which cost over $14 million,… Read More »
Understanding Florida’s New Laws on Construction Fraud
If you do business as a contractor in Florida, you will inevitably get into disagreements with homeowners. Such disputes can easily escalate into legal action if they are not dealt with promptly. And thanks to a recent change in Florida law, contractors need to take seriously the possibility of criminal prosecution if they fail… Read More »
When Can a Contractor Be Sued for “Attractive Nuisance”?
Construction sites are dangerous places for people who lack the proper training. This especially includes children. And conversely, children pose a legal risk for construction companies should they injure themselves at a job site. Under normal circumstances, a property owner or contractor cannot be held liable for injuries sustained by “trespassers.” In other words,… Read More »
