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Florida Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I left an honest negative review online of a business and when my wife went in the owner threatened her. Is this legal?

I left a 1 star review and the owner was confrontational with my wife over it and told her he didn't want her back. How is this not against the law? I have freedom of speech and what I wrote was the truth.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Mar 1, 2024

In Florida, while you have the right to leave an honest review about a business under the protection of freedom of speech, the owner's confrontational behavior towards your wife could potentially raise legal issues, depending on the specifics of the confrontation. If the owner's actions... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I left an honest negative review online of a business and when my wife went in the owner threatened her. Is this legal?

I left a 1 star review and the owner was confrontational with my wife over it and told her he didn't want her back. How is this not against the law? I have freedom of speech and what I wrote was the truth.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 1, 2024

You do have freedom of speech, and if the business is private (not governmental or connected to the government), the business has the right to deny service to anyone it wants to, except that it cannot discriminate on the basis of one of the "protected classes" under the law, such as race,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: What motion is recommended when I missed a civil court date? Pro se defendant & didn't receive e-notice of hearing date.

I am representing myself as Defendant in a civil lawsuit brought on by a construction contractor. I had filed a Motion to Dismiss in July 2023. The hearing for my Motion was rescheduled repeatedly by the court. I did not receive notice for the rescheduled date (2/12/24), missed the hearing, and my... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Feb 22, 2024

You could call your motion "Motion to set Aside Order Denying Motion to Dismiss", or something like that. It doesn't much matter what you call it; more important is that you clearly state what you want and why. Contact the judge's judicial assistant for a date and time for the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can my wages be garnished if I am a 1099 employee making less than 750 per week. My gross was 33K and AGI is 21K for 23

I am also a stage 4 cancer patient with two children living with me ages 16 and 14

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 9, 2024

The creditor is entitled to a garnishment. In Florida, the debtor has exemptions to the garnishment action, which the debtor must declare and prove at a hearing on those exemptions. If a garnishment action is filed, the action is directed to the debtor's employer, who must immediately withhold... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Hi, my attorney just filed a motion to withdraw due to mconcerns of unfair practices: he cxl my mediation I need help

I have a trail date already in place that he requested to leave for March 2024. He canceled my mediation and put in a motion to withdraw the day before my mediation. I still showed up to mediation but no one was there

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 5, 2024

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. The first thing to do could be to learn about the withdrawl, whether it was with prejudice or without prejudice. Withdrawing a case with prejudice generally means no rights reserved to refile the case. Withdrawing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Tax Law, Municipal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: how many days do i have to answer a motion to compel discovery or any other motions? is there a statute or rule?

in florida collier county civil?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

In Florida, the time you have to respond to a motion to compel discovery or other motions generally depends on the specific rules of the court in which the motion was filed. However, as a general guideline, you typically have 20 days to respond to a motion in Florida's state courts. This... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: About moving companies liabilities when they lost 50% of my belongings.

Invoice unreadable to compare to received items.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

In a situation where a moving company loses a significant portion of your belongings, there are several avenues to explore to address their liabilities. First, it's important to carefully review any contract or terms of service you agreed to with the moving company, as this may outline their... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Hired Transport company to move mobile home,they went broke it down instead of moving they left it there, it was stolen.

The Transport company told me they will move it October 27th and did not broke it down and left it

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the situation with the transport company and your mobile home. If the transport company failed to move your mobile home as promised and left it in a broken-down state, they may be in breach of contract. You should take the following steps:

1. Review your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I was charged with battery on a leo an charges was dropped in 2020 can I Sue the officers
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 30, 2024

In Florida, the possibility of suing officers for wrongful arrest or charges depends on various factors, including the circumstances of your arrest and the reasons why the charges were dropped. If the charges of battery on a law enforcement officer (LEO) were dropped due to lack of evidence,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Collections for Florida on
Q: I'm being sued for replevin on a rent to own shed. I missed the first summons but judge denied default for 7.060 & 7.170

In 2000 I signed a rent to own new shed. When they delivered it they caused damages. I reported the damages and they said they would come replace all damaged. They did not. I started making payments on it and paid about two years which is close to cash price. My car broke down and I got behind on... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

It's important to respond to the summons and attend the court hearing on February 29th. Ignoring a court summons can lead to a judgment against you, even if you have valid defenses against the replevin claim.

Given the complexity of your case, including the initial damage to the shed,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Collections for Florida on
Q: I'm being sued for replevin on a rent to own shed. I missed the first summons but judge denied default for 7.060 & 7.170

In 2000 I signed a rent to own new shed. When they delivered it they caused damages. I reported the damages and they said they would come replace all damaged. They did not. I started making payments on it and paid about two years which is close to cash price. My car broke down and I got behind on... View More

Jane Kim
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answered on Jan 28, 2024

Sounds like it is in small claims court and you are required to appear. The Judge or the court personnel will explain what is happening and what you are expected to do next. But you must enter an appearance or the other side will obtain a judgment against you.

Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: I am a property owner of a 4-plex in which a rental co has long term lease for all units.

Can I trespass their maintenance worker/gardener if they are defacing my property during the course of their work. Example, spray painting on building where they want tenants to place trashcans, even after they have been told by property owner that they will be placed somewhere else.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 28, 2024

Depends on what you mean by "trespass". You probably can get away with peaceably confronting the worker and notifying them that you are the owner and that they are not to deface your property. Follow it up with a mailed notice to the lessee, perhaps from your attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: looking for a lawyer to bring litigation against Mr Cooper (mortgage) who was negligent in protecting SSN & bank info.

Mr Cooper lost the personal data including SSN, Bank Info, Addresses, Driver License info, etc of all of their current & past customers due to cyber security negligence. Additionally, their response to the incident was to provide a few year of credit monitoring through Transunion, which is... View More

Jane Kim
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answered on Jan 22, 2024

Unauthorized disclosure of protected information happens when your private information is shared with a third party without your consent and a third party that did not have a business relation with Mr. Cooper. Otherwise, the fact that it was "lost" does not mean much. It must be SEEN by... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: In Florida can a pool company that just does pool cleaning file a lien for unpaid disputed charges for cleaning services
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

In Florida, a pool cleaning company typically can file a lien for unpaid charges related to their services, even if there is a dispute about the charges. However, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed.

First, the pool company must comply with Florida's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can I still file a Motion to Enlarge Time to File Response if Plaintiff's attorney has said they wouldn't approve?

Can I just file it with the court, or does opposing counsel have to approve/accept it?

I asked them for a 30 day extension so that I can find adequate counsel and they said they wouldn't allow it.

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jan 18, 2024

Yes, that's your only option. Either you or the plaintiff's attorney can set your motion for hearing. "I need more time to find an attorney" is generally not a good reason for the judge to grant your motion. My suggestion is to file your motion, and be working real hard to hire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Is my lease still valid if I signed 8/2023 come to find the company’s LLC dissolved in 9/2022?

I am having to move and they are saying I have to pay remainder or rent for 6months including my deposit, have heard shady stuff about the company so I did a quick search and found this out. I’m in Orlando, Florida

Jane Kim
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answered on Jan 7, 2024

It depends how the lease was signed. Also, the LLC may not be the right party to the lease but the terms may inure to an individual. You need to read the lease to understand more. Basically, they shouldn't be creating new terms, and you shouldn't be unjustly enriched because the LLC... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Hello,I am a locksmith in South Florida and i have a situation of a customer refusing to pay ($182) after i made her a
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

In your situation as a locksmith facing a customer's refusal to pay for services rendered, it's important to approach the matter methodically. Initially, try to resolve the issue directly with the customer. Sometimes, clear communication and understanding the reason for non-payment can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Expensive rug in exchange for handyman work

My neighbor wanted an expensive rug I had to give as a gift but she didn't have the $400 I was asking for it, she offered to do work around my home in exchange for it and I agreed. She asked for the rug before the holidays so she could give it to her daughters. Two months later She still... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 5, 2024

Regarding your last question, the amount in dispute (assuming it's either $400 money or $400 worth of work) is too little to make it financially worthwhile to hire a lawyer. You might have a potential claim worth pursuing in small claims court, representing yourself - but it's hard to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How do I file an invasion of privacy motion in a civil family law case?

My sons father held my phone hostage while I was in the Emergency Room and went through my phone, without my consent through years of texts, social media and personal data. Sent himself the private communication, then contacted family relatives with false accusations and shared these images... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In Florida, the situation you're describing concerning the invasion of privacy by your son's father is serious. To address this within the legal system, there are a couple of steps you can take.

Firstly, you can consider filing a motion in your existing family law case,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Do I HAVE to provide my SSN on form1.977 or is there a way around it? Defendant is my stalker.

Do I HAVE to provide my SSN on form1.977 or is there a way around it? Defendant is my stalker and obsessed with causing problems for me, he can not be trusted with my SSN.

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Dec 23, 2023

Technically yes, but if you don't, the other party has to bring that issue to the Court on a motion to compel, and the Court would likely have a hearing on the motion. You could then explain the situation and hopefully the court would side with you.

Sounds you sued the defendant, the...
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