Once upon a time, if you bought a new house and something was seriously wrong with it, your first step would likely be to take your contractor straight to court. Today, Florida homeowners face a more complex process due to Chapter 558 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, designed to reduce costly litigation, requires homeowners to follow specific steps to give contractors a chance to address construction defects before pursuing legal action. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Florida’s Chapter 558 laws, including: What Chapter 558 is, and why it is important. How to document the defect and notify your contractor properly in Florida. What happens if the defect was caused by multiple contractors. What Is Chapter 558 And Why Is It Important To Homeowners In Florida? Chapter 558 is a Florida statute that outlines a formal process for resolving construction disputes, which has been adopted in some form by most states. For Florida homeowners, this law is particularly important… Read More
How Can I Spot Potential Defects During The Final Walkthrough Of My New Home In Jacksonville? During the final walkthrough of your new home, it's critical you keep an eye out for potential defects in the property you’re examining. To lighten this burden on yourself, consider bringing a general contractor with you to play the role of a second pair of eyes since they’re likely to catch issues that you would miss. Just remember that the real key is to thoroughly document everything—take photos of visible defects and keep detailed notes. Some problems, like cracked tiles or uneven paint, may be immediately noticeable, but others can be hidden or are generally hard to notice. These defects may not be apparent until later, so it's vital to request repairs before moving in. It’s also wise to secure an agreement from the builder to address any identified issues upfront. Thorough documentation during the inspection can prevent future headaches if you need to address the same defects later.… Read More
What Is The Legal Definition Of Wrongful Termination In Florida? In Florida, wrongful termination occurs when an employer fires an employee in a way that violates a law, rule, or statute. While Florida follows at-will employment—meaning employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all—wrongful termination arises when the reason for firing violates legal protections. Examples include terminating someone due to something like discrimination or retaliation. Though many people feel they’ve been wrongfully terminated based on ethical reasons, wrongful termination must involve a violation of legal protections, not just unfair treatment or business decisions. How Does Florida’s At-Will Employment Doctrine Affect Wrongful Termination Cases? Florida's at-will employment doctrine allows employers to terminate employees for any reason—or no reason at all, as long as the termination does not violate any legal protections. Employees have no contractual right to their job, so loyalty or long service does not protect them from termination. However, there are exceptions, namely when an employee is fired for… Read More
Discrimination can take many forms and can be found virtually anywhere. It becomes particularly harmful and devastating when it occurs in the workplace. This article explains the basics of employment law in Florida and what to do if you believe you may be the victim of workplace discrimination. It covers: What counts as workplace discrimination in the eyes of Florida and federal law. Your rights when facing discrimination in the workplace. How to proceed if you are the victim of workplace discrimination, including what evidence to gather. What Constitutes Workplace Discrimination In Florida? There are several key categories protected under both Florida and federal law. Anytime an employer discriminates against or retaliates against an employee for exercising their rights under the following protected statutes, it is considered illegal: Age Race Sex Religion Ethnicity National origin It is also illegal to fire or discriminate against an employee who has blown the whistle on illegal activities, such as chemical dumping or other instances of illegal discrimination. What… Read More
Our jobs and careers are often among the most significant aspects of our daily lives and are essential to our financial independence. When a job is cut short, especially for unjust reasons, being fired can leave you feeling lost, confused, and desperate. This article covers the essentials of wrongful termination laws in Florida, including: How to know if you have been wrongfully terminated and what you should do about it. The role of the EEOC in wrongful termination cases and lawsuits. The possible outcomes of a wrongful termination claim and how an employment law attorney can help. What Is The Definition Of Wrongful Termination In The State Of Florida? Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired in violation of their employment contract or in violation of federal, state, or local law. It’s not just about being upset over losing your job. Florida is an at-will state, which means that you can legally be fired at any time, and you also have the right to… Read More
Moving into a freshly built or newly renovated home can be exhilarating—until you find a flaw, and it turns into a nightmare. That’s why, especially in Florida, it’s crucial to ensure your contracts are ironclad and advantageous before construction even begins. This article covers everything you need to know about construction contracts in the context of construction defect claims, including: What needs to be included in your contract (with examples). Your rights should the contract be breached. How to negotiate a better contract and the role of an attorney in the process. What Should You Include In A Construction Contract In Florida? A well-drafted construction contract should include the following specific terms: Terms Conditions Price Damages A dispute clause The dispute clause is particularly vital, as it clarifies who will be responsible for paying attorney’s fees if litigation arises. Typically, the prevailing party should be the one entitled to recover these fees, but this must be explicitly stated in the contract. In general, your contract… Read More
Our homes are our most important assets, but when they start to fall apart, they can become costly and dangerous. Fortunately, Florida residents don’t have to bear the full burden alone. This article covers the basics of construction defect lawsuits and claims, including: What common types of construction defects occur in Florida homes and businesses, and why. How to spot construction defects early. Some of the issues that can come up during the construction defect claim litigation process. Why Is There An Explosion Of Construction Defects In Florida? You may see dozens of billboards advertising lawyers who handle medical malpractice or car accident cases, but few address issues with your home. Yet, in states like Florida, construction is booming, with skylines and suburbs expanding rapidly. Unfortunately, this rapid expansion often leads to poor workmanship, especially when contractors engage in unpermitted construction activities. These occur when contractors fail to obtain the necessary building permits or are unlicensed. In some cases, they don’t even have a contractor’s… Read More
