Bennett Legal Group

07/19/2024

Why You Should Never Hire An Unlicensed Contractor In Florida

The construction industry is tightly regulated in Florida, mainly to protect the safety and well-being of the public and the integrity and reputation of the industry.

Professional construction licenses help maintain control and standards. The requirement for contractors to have the necessary qualifications, experience, insurance, and licenses is a basic rule to protect the industry and ensure that legitimate licensed contractors who have followed the rules are not disadvantaged.

The construction industry is tightly regulated in Florida, mainly to protect the safety and well-being of the public and the integrity and reputation of the industry. Professional construction licenses help maintain control and standards. The requirement for contractors to have the necessary qualifi...

07/19/2024

What Is Notice of Commencement in Florida?

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a legal document that signals the start of a construction project in Florida.

This document is a mandatory legal requirement for any constriction project valued at $2,500 or more in Florida.

A Notice of Commencement (NOC) is a legal document that signals the start of a construction project in Florida. This document is a mandatory legal requirement for any constriction project valued at $2,500 or more in Florida. The Notice of Commencement must: Inform all relevant participants about the...

05/10/2024

What is the Function of a Lien Waiver in Florida Construction Law?

Lien waivers are a reality of just about every Florida construction project. As such, it is critical to protect your rights and best interests by consulting with an experienced Florida liens lawyer before signing any type of lien waiver.

Construction lien waivers are legal documents that are typically used in construction projects to release the right to file a construction lien against a property in exchange for payment or other considerations. In Florida, any party to a construction contract can waive lien rights for services, mat...

05/08/2024

Understanding the Operation and Enforcement of the Florida Construction Lien Law

The Construction Lien Law in Florida authorizes parties who provide labor and materials for construction contracts, and professional service providers, such as architects, landscapers, engineers, interior designers, and land surveyors to file a lien as security for payment.

The law also protects the property owner from paying a general contractor over the original agreed price.

For owners, contractors or suppliers regularly involved in construction projects, it is important to understand this law clearly so that you can assert your rights and meet your responsibilities as required.

The Construction Lien Law in Florida authorizes parties who provide labor and materials for construction contracts, and professional service providers, such as architects, landscapers, engineers, interior designers, and land surveyors to file a lien as security for payment. The law also protects the...

05/06/2024

Filing a Complaint Against a Contractor in Florida

Whether you’re the owner of a home or commercial building, there are several avenues for filing a complaint and seeking restitution—both with state government and non-government organizations—and these are explored below.

Construction contracts in Florida should clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of each party during a building project. Generally, most eventualities are covered by a well-drafted contract but contractor disputes do sometimes arise. A property owner may be unsatisfied with a contractor’s...

05/03/2024

What You Need to Know About Residential Construction Claims in Florida

Whether you are a potential claimant or defendant, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations by consulting with a construction lawyer who is familiar with Florida’s complex construction laws. This can help outline your legal options before addressing the claim.

During residential construction projects in Florida, disputes of many types may arise. If these are not settled during initial discussions, homeowner claims against construction contractors can be imitated. The claim is usually due to the party seeking compensation (or other relief) because of work....

04/29/2024

What are Some Common Disputes in Commercial Construction?

When a commercial construction contract is signed, everybody hopes that the project will be completed as planned — on time and within budget. But the inherent complexities in construction projects mean that few proceed without some hiccups — and, in the worst cases, full-blown disputes arise.

Contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, developers and property owners often have conflicting interests so it’s not too surprising that issues between them arise.

But what are the most common disputes in commercial construction? What causes the disagreements, stoppages and missed deadlines that can be so damaging to these projects?
https://www.bennettlegalgroup.com/what-are-some-common-disputes-in-commercial-construction/

04/25/2024

Types of Construction Contracts Recognized in Florida

Florida construction contractors have been busy in recent years, which is great news for profits.

However, with many contractors accepting numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects, it can become confusing when having to manage different contract types. Understanding what the legal rights and obligations specific to each type of contract are can be a challenge.

Meticulously prepared written construction contracts are the foundations of successful building projects, where the stakes are high and mistakes or omissions can be costly.

While it helps to work closely with a Florida construction contracts attorney on major projects, understanding the main types of construction contracts is a good start if you’re embarking on a busy period of upcoming work.

Florida construction contractors have been busy in recent years, which is great news for profits. However, with many contractors accepting numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects, it can become confusing when having to manage different contract types. Understanding what the legal r...

04/24/2024

Remedies for Breach of Contract in Construction Law

The signing of contracts is a basic element of construction projects, and contract breaches occur when one of the parties partly or wholly fails to fulfill the obligation(s) described in the contract.

With construction projects, the stakes are generally high and contracts can be lengthy and complex, so a breach of contract can have serious consequences.

Here’s what you need to know about breaches of contract, the main reasons why they happen, and the potential legal remedies available to affected parties.
https://www.bennettlegalgroup.com/remedies-for-breach-of-contract-in-construction-law-florida/

04/22/2024

Common Causes of Commercial Real Estate Disputes in Florida

Preventing real estate disputes should be a priority in every commercial construction project but even the most professionally drafted contracts can run into issues.

Legal disputes can be tough for both budgets and timescales of construction projects. Disagreements should be dealt with promptly and workable solutions found, with litigation generally considered a last resort.

Understanding the main causes of commercial real estate disputes can help prevent issues from arising in the first place.
https://www.bennettlegalgroup.com/common-causes-of-commercial-real-estate-disputes-in-florida/

04/19/2024

What is Substantial Compliance in Florida?

“Substantial compliance” is a term frequently used in contract law in Florida and other states.

Under Florida construction law, the term generally refers to a situation where work has been completed to a good enough standard to not constitute a breach of contract.

Here’s what else you need to know about substantial compliance, substantial completion, and breach of contract.
https://www.bennettlegalgroup.com/what-is-substantial-compliance-in-florida/

04/17/2024

Mechanic’s Liens on Your Title in Florida: What You Need to Know!

If a mechanic’s lien is placed on title in Florida, it means that the property owner cannot sell or refinance the home.

It’s essential to understand why a mechanic’s lien may be placed on a home, what you can do to remove it, and how to avoid the potentially crippling costs of construction litigation.
https://www.bennettlegalgroup.com/mechanics-liens-on-your-title-in-florida/