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Florida Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How long after a person has passed are the terms of a will enforced.

My friend inherited property in the will she was listed as lifetime beneficiary and that if she moves voluntarily or dies the property is then passed down to her brother. My friend has major health issues and needs to live in an assisted home. The brother destroyed 2 houses on the property that he... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Aug 21, 2023

It sounds like your friend needs to review the deed to the property. If the deed was prepared properly when the mother passed away then it cannot be changed, absent the agreement of both parties. Speak with a local real estate lawyer for more specific advice.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: I got a final order or stipulated final order on code compliance in Hollywood- I did not get notice - tenant retaliation

It says I have thirty days to appeal- July 19,2023-- 30 days - I got no notice and I believe that my tenant altered my condo and then in anger reported code violations to Code Complaince--

It seems I need to file an appeal by August 18-- The violations were done by tenant who left... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 18, 2023

It depends on what section of the city code applies. For some appeals of this nature, there would be an "up-the-ladder" process within the city administration. For some other appeals, you must instead file an appeal or a petition in the Circuit Court, which is more technically complex... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: real estate conflict against neighbor

A manipulative, shameless neighbor filled with hate started construction of his home in January 2022, and it blocks sunlight, creating shadows on my property. We've owned our home since the 1960s. Numerous attempts have been made (by legal and non-legal means). Not withstanding, our efforts... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 11, 2023

Whether you have some kind of legal remedy depends on various factors, starting with what the zoning was when you moved in and any changes after you moved in, as well as whether the neighbor is in 100% compliance with the current zoning and permitting. Assuming the latter is the case, and you... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I have a will created in 2015 in FL. I since sold the residence listed in the will. Do I need a new will to list my new

Home or attach a paper to will with new home address?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Aug 10, 2023

If your circumstances have drastically changes you may need to create new estate planning documents, if it is one or two changes you can likely address it via a Codicil being added to your Will. If you are trying to avoid probate entirely, I would advise speaking with an estate planning attorney,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Is there set language for a ladybird deed in Florida or is it creative writing after the basics are set forth?
Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Aug 9, 2023

Yes, there is very specific language for a ladybird deed to be valid in Florida. As with the preparation of any deed, I strongly recommend that you retain an experienced estate planning or real estate attorney to prepare such a deed for you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: Opening pedestrian path to motorized traffic/changing dead end street - Neighborhood Property Value Loss

Our street in a protected historic district currently is a dead end with 10 households on it. At the end of the street is a small footpath that allows pedestrians to walk over to another street, so some of those properties currently have zero motor traffic.

A developer has bought a property... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Aug 9, 2023

You hire an attorney who does this sort of work, not just real-estate. This is not anywhere close to a DIY project. This is complex litigation with lots of moving parts,.and if you want any chance of succeeding, you will have to hire top talent at a price.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Will a ladybird deed trigger a mortgage company to issue a due on sale/ transfer demand payment?
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Aug 9, 2023

If the spouse and/or children are the remaindermen, it would be an exempt transfer under the Garn-St. Germain Act. If it is not a transfer to a spouse or children, it may trigger the due-on-sale clause.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida are the grantor and grantee the same person in a ladybird deed?

Can the remainderman be the grantee if an enhanced life estate is reserved to the grantor as the life tenant?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

In a ladybird deed (enhanced life estate deed) in Florida, the grantor is typically the person transferring the property and retaining certain rights, such as the right to live on the property for their lifetime. The grantee, on the other hand, is usually someone who receives the property upon the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I am over 80 years old my daughter-in-law agreed to handle the sale my townhouse. After the closing the

Letter of authorization was altered by the addition of a handwritten "see attached" after it had been signed it. The alteration transferred the entire net sale price to my wife's brokerage account. There was no indication on the "attached" that I had seen it. I got nothing.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 7, 2023

You did not ask a question, but I assume your question would be, "Is there something I can do"? The first thing to do is to demand what you had arranged/expected to happen. If your demand is not met, pick up the phone to schedule a consultation with an attorney in your area handling... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Elder Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Ok, my brother did a quitclaim deed stating my mother signed. My mom was in the hospital on hospice on a vent. Help.

Is it legally binding? The signature of my mother is forged since she was incapacitated and not able to agree to this? What are my options to rectify this?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Aug 7, 2023

In addition to requesting the court set aside the fraudulent deed, you could also ask for an order to quiet title. If your mother is still living and now capable of making decisions in her own capacity, she will need to bring the action herself. If your mother is still living and now incapable of... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can I be denied for credit score by HOA if no minimum credit score is stated in Florida
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Aug 6, 2023

Yes, the HOA has the right to determine the level of the credit score they feel is acceptable.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: in a special warranty deed, why would they add that a mortgage encumbers the property in it?

I am transferring half of my house to my daughter since I moved out to get assisted living. On the special warranty deed she sent me to sign, there is this sentence: "This is not "homestead" real property of Grantor, and Grantor confirms this is a conveyance which is not pursuant to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

The annotation of the mortgage is a stated exception to an otherwise clear title, but all other encumbrances are warranted against. That is proper, but apparently being a special warranty deed some of the normal four covenants of title are not made in that instrument.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I bought him out of joint home 4/2023. He closed on his house July 12, 24 but he won’t leave. How can I make him leave?
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 3, 2023

Schedule a consultation with an attorney handling real estate litigation or general practice; alternatively, an attorney handling landlord-tenant cases can probably help even though this is not a landlord-tenant matter. You should be able to sue for unlawful detainer and/or ejectment, and perhaps... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: In the process of divorce and my spouse will most likely not agree to 50/50 for property and kids. What should I do?

During our marriage we purchase a house 1/3 mother in law, 1/3 spouse, 1/3 myself (loan) and sold with profit of 30k that amount has then been put into a house that is now under her name only that was purchased by her mother and forced to sign a balloon mortgage contract. She also made me sign a... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 2, 2023

In Texas, all property is presumed to be community property. The burden of proof is on the person claiming something as their separate property to prove their claim by tracing the property claim back to the magic moment of inception of title. While your first home was purchased during marriage,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: Keep Florida residency while working in another country for (Canada) 2-3 years?

I'm considering working in Canada for 2-3 years. I would still keep my home in Florida (not rented) including my driver's license, car insurance, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, etc.... all linked to my Florida address. Would I still be legally able to keep Florida as my State of... View More

Jane Kim
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answered on Jul 31, 2023

Why are you asking? For what purpose do you need a FL residence? As a US citizen you must file income tax returns regardless of where you live abroad and for how long. For that reason alone, it is good to maintain a state-side address. You cannot maintain homestead exemption on your FL home because... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My friend has been paying the taxes on 2 properties of his deceased friend. How can he acquire title to said properties?

He has paid the taxes from 2018-2022.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 29, 2023

Assuming that he doesn't have "color of title" (something in writing giving him a claim to the property), he must comply with Florida Statute 95.18 (entitled "Real property actions: adverse possession without color of title").

That statute requires that he make...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How does posting a ‘No Trespassing’ sign change the exterior color, finish or texture of any lot improvement?

My HOA is fining me for taping a ‘No Trespassing’ sign to the exterior wall next to my garage door. The sign was obtained from the Sheriff’s office in conjunction with a private property trespass enforcement authorization that was filed in response to continued harassment that I have endured... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jul 28, 2023

Most HOA documents have restrictions against signs except for "for sale" or "for rent" signs. Check your Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions to see if they have such a provision. You probably are required to submit an application before making any changes to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: My HOA in Florida is demanding me to get rid of my registered service dog after he launched at a valet guy while muzzled

He didn’t injure him or anything

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Jul 25, 2023

If the dog is deemed a nuisance, the HOA can demand removal of the dog. You might want to see if you can negotiate with the HOA for the dog to stay if the dog undergoes additional training. Even a muzzled dog can hurt someone based on the size of the dog and the person if the person gets knocked... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: I signed a lease on 7/23 for move in on 8/1. Landlord changed their mind about renting the home due to sentimental value

No deposits or money has been paid as of yet. It's a month to month lease.

The landlord said they got cold feet and just isn't ready to rent the property.

Can I still move in on 8/1?. *Question is here which the answering attorney may have missed*

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jul 24, 2023

You didn't ask a question.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: Why do we need an Estate Plan?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 24, 2023

Call a FL attorney, tell them of your assets, liabilities, and family situation. Ask for advice about what to do, and possibly hire them to draft appropriate instruments.

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