This is something that really needs to be handled by an attorney if you want it to be legally enforceable. What’s involved isn’t just drafting a document, it’s verifying what type of entity you’re dealing with, what the governing corporate documents say, and whether there’s an agreed-upon... View More

You absolutely need to hire a lawyer. There’s a lot you don’t know about criminal law, and you could make serious mistakes without realizing it. As the defendant, you shouldn’t be talking in court because anything you say can be used against you. If you can’t afford an attorney, the county... View More

Under Florida landlord-tenant law, you must give your landlord a 7-day written notice to cure (Fla. Stat. § 83.56). The notice should list the serious problems (roof leaks, faulty electrical, pipes, etc.) and give 7 days to fix them. If repairs aren’t made, you may withhold rent or terminate the... View More

Since you don’t have a written lease, you’re essentially on a month-to-month tenancy under Florida law. That means your landlord can terminate the tenancy without cause, so long as they give you the proper written notice.

That said, the harassment you describe is a different matter.... View More

To pursue criminal prosecution for deed forgery, you will need to present all of the proof you have to your local police agency. That includes the forged deed, notary records, and any supporting evidence. The police would then assign a detective to investigate the case and, if they find sufficient... View More

You’re going to have to have an attorney analyze whether a motion to suppress is possible here. What you’re describing—furtive movements in a high-crime area tied to a quick hand-to-hand transaction—is one of those situations that courts look at on a case-by-case basis. It’s extremely... View More

Under Florida law, you can withhold part of a tenant’s security deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear, including soiled or stained carpets and odors. However, you must strictly follow the procedure in Fla. Stat. § 83.49. Within 30 days of the tenant moving out, you must send them... View More

You can pursue a claim for diminished value, but you’ll need to weigh whether it’s worth the time and cost. Florida law allows recovery of diminished value in some cases, but you’d have to prove the reduction in market value with evidence, usually through an appraisal or expert report. Since... View More

In Florida, you as the victim cannot just “drop the charges.” That’s not how the system works. The case is not you versus the defendant; it’s the State of Florida versus the defendant. Once charges are filed, the State Attorney’s Office controls the prosecution.

What the club... View More

The Case Management Order is something the court issues, not the HOA, and it does not replace service of process, you still generally must be served (though Florida allows substitute service in some cases). From what you describe, this is a lien foreclosure action. If you sign an acceptance of... View More

In Florida, even a single punch is considered a criminal battery because any unwanted physical contact qualifies as battery under the law. If there are injuries, the charge can be enhanced and, in some cases, may rise to a felony, but without serious injury or broken bones it is generally treated... View More

Generally speaking, the only way you should be required to pay a pet registration fee is if it is spelled out in your lease or another binding document that incorporates the community’s rules. If your lease or renewal agreement doesn’t say anything about a registration fee, it usually cannot be... View More

You’re in a situation where you have to be very careful. If you don’t pay the amounts being demanded and the association moves forward with a lien foreclosure lawsuit, they could actually foreclose on your home. Once an attorney is involved, the account is usually being treated as a collections... View More

You’re going to want to review your lease carefully because people can agree to all sorts of arrangements in a rental agreement. From what you’ve described, if this is a standard residential lease, your landlord likely should have made a claim against your security deposit for the garage door... View More

In Florida, you may be able to bring a legal action known as a “nuisance” claim against the person or entity responsible for the noise. This type of lawsuit, called an action to abate a nuisance, seeks a court order requiring the responsible party to stop the conduct that is interfering with... View More

In Florida, a corporation or LLC usually must be represented by a licensed attorney in court proceedings, except in limited cases such as small claims court, which does not apply to your situation. However, if the mediation is pre-suit, you may typically attend and represent your LLC yourself,... View More

As a lawyer, it’s concerning because it sounds like you’re talking about a hearing for a motion for summary judgment, which is a stage where a judge can potentially issue an order that results in one party winning the case. Summary judgment hearings are highly technical, and it would be very... View More

In Florida, if a contractor installs an AC unit and it leaks or fails shortly after installation, you may have claims for construction defects, breach of contract, and negligence. Work must be done in a good and workmanlike manner and materials must be fit for their intended purpose. If the unit... View More

Yes, a Florida HOA can generally require a homeowner to remove a fence if it was installed without HOA approval, especially if the governing documents (like the Declaration of Covenants) require prior approval for exterior modifications. The HOA may also cite lack of a required county permit as a... View More

Per the FWC: "In regard to use of firearms by felons: It is illegal in Florida for convicted felons to possess firearms, including muzzleloading guns, unless they have had their civil rights restored or the gun qualifies as an antique firearm under Florida statute 790.001(1). Properly licensed... View More