Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I have open an LLC with a partner with the purpose to buy a land and get finance to build an investment home in Florida

My partner was the only person who signed on the loan for the construction, after he signed I received a copy of the closing and the terms where not favorable at all and I feel I am on a loan that is designed to get high fees and interest not favorable and not as the private lender said, I want to... View More

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

If the agreement was signed the co-owner of the LLC, on behalf of the LLC, you could argue that the "partner" did not have authority to sign. Then, if you wish you might want to try to re-negotiate the terms. In any event, since it is an LLC, you are probably not individually liable.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Brothers mortgage sold and new company increased his payment $400 more a month, but he closed two years ago.

He has a finalized contract and has been paying his monthly payment. He called and they said "escrow" amount increased so they had to increase his monthly payment. "Escrow"?? He has signed final papers on his original loan.

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Dec 27, 2023

Escrow refers to the property taxes and homeowner's insurance that are built into the monthly loan payment. If the taxes and/or insurance go up in any given year, the total monthly payment will go up to make up for the shortage. Both taxes and insurance are going up quickly in Florida. If you... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I have a disagreement with my condo HOA about who is responsible for a leak and damage. How should I proceed?

There is a leak inside the floor-ceiling cavity that has been there for at least two years that has caused significant water damage to the unit below. The leak is just past the p-trap under my tub and has just been found. I believe our condo docs are clear that the rough plumbing in the walls is... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Dec 22, 2023

You are wise to seek legal advice before writing a letter. However, online internet forums are not the place to get actionable legal advice. My suggestion is to retain an attorney knowledgeable in condo law or perhaps in construction law (probably a toss-up as to which is "better"). Any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: does anyone consult on a florida residential property tax dispute?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 25, 2023

In Florida, if you're facing a dispute over residential property taxes, there are professionals who can provide assistance. Typically, real estate attorneys or tax attorneys with experience in property tax law can offer guidance and representation in such disputes.

You can also seek...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: In Florida is the board required to file a police report if they don't receive all the records from the previous board?

We voted in a new board with special session. The new board fired the bookkeeper and hired a new accounting firm. The old bookkeeper doesn't have all the records either he won't turn them over or he doesn't have them is the new board required to file a police report about this

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 20, 2023

In Florida, the requirements for a board, particularly in the context of a homeowners' association or similar entity, regarding the handling of records and potential legal issues can vary based on the specific circumstances and the governing documents of the organization.

If a new...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Purchased a condo in Pinellas Park, the brokers listing lied about hurricane windows. do i have a case?

listing " All windows has been upgrade to double panel, insulated and hurricane proof vinyl windows." After the purchase I researched the windows and they are indeed not what is listed. Talked to the original installer. thanks Frank

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 20, 2023

In Florida, if you purchased a condo based on a broker's listing that claimed the windows were upgraded to hurricane-proof, and later discovered this to be untrue, you might have grounds for legal action. The key issue here is whether the broker's representation about the windows was a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: The president of my condo association ignores document requests. What can I do to get the documents I need?

They don't send paperwork showing the yearly budget but recently requested an extra 100 for "insurance" to be added to the monthly fees and I've written to the president many times asking for documents of the roof because I need it for a discount on getting the condos insured.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 18, 2023

You need to send a certified letter, return receipt to the registered agent of the association (look for your association on www.sunbiz.com) requesting to inspect the official records. Requesting copies of documents is not a proper request and the association has no duty to send copies. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: defendants lawyer has been served with interrogatories and is past 30 days and no answers. what can I do they are

ignoring my follow up emails.

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 15, 2023

You have to file a Motion To Compel Discovery.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Florida on
Q: The well for my newly constructed home was drilled 6" onto my neighbor's lot. Builder will not correct the issue.

Placement of well according to septic engineering should be much closer to my home and out of the easement.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 14, 2023

Buying and selling property, especially new construction, without a real estate lawyer. I know that doesn't help you now and you will need to hire a real estate litigator or a construction law litigator to review your documents related to the sale and construction to get this resolved. The... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Is it legal, in FL, to require the owner of a mh, parked in a m h park, to require the owner to leave the m h there?

I am trying to sell a mh I own. It is located in a mh park. According to the lot contract, it says it can not be moved. This is preventing the sale. People want to move the mh onto their property. Is this legal in FL?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 13, 2023

No. Florida Statute 723.058 (10 provides that

"No mobile home park owner ... shall make or enforce any rule, regulation, or rental agreement provision which denies or abridges the right of any mobile home owner or owner of a lot in a mobile home subdivision to sell his or her mobile...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Who is responsible for mitigating the impact of HOA trees and their root encroachment on my pool area and lines?

I live in Florida

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 13, 2023

Generally, the homeowner can cut any branches or roots that cross the property line as long as it will not compromise the tree. Who is responsible depends on wording in your HOA documents, which we cannot review in this online forum.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Real Estate Law, Health Care Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can I sue my HOA for radon exposure and for denying my architectural request for a mitigation system?

Over a year ago, I formally submitted a request to my HOA's management company, complete with necessary documentation, seeking approval for a Radon mitigation fan installation. Despite engaging with the HOA management for over four months, my inquiries were met with vague responses. Even... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 13, 2023

Generally, anyone can sue anyone else but whether or not you have a case depends on a lot of factors, including a reading of your association documents, which we cannot do in this online forum. How you proceed depends on if you live in a HOA (generally, single-family home, townhomes, villas) or a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can we as an HOA legally stop an airbnb in Florida.

Our HOA discovered a home being used as an airbnb. Our CCR's don't specify against them but do against businesses restricting commerce, industry, business, trade or profession. Since Florida requires an airbnb to be licensed and our CCR's restrict businesses can we prohibit them?... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 12, 2023

First, I caution that if you are a board member, you have a fiduciary duty to ask this of your association attorney rather than strangers on the Internet who have not read your documents. If your HOA doesn't have one, it needs one. Board members cannot amend association documents because... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: How do I find out where the money from the sale of a house is at?

My mother passed away a few years ago and I still haven’t seen any money from the sale. The proceeds were to be split 50/50 between my sister and I. She hired a lawyer to oversee the sale of the house and claims no money has been dispersed but I have no way of knowing. She won’t talk to me and... View More

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Dec 12, 2023

You can review the court docket for the probate case to see what has taken place. You can also review the real estate records to see if the property has sold. If you are not satisfied with the way the estate is being handled and believe waste is taking place, you may petition the court to... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Florida on
Q: Roofers put lien on both houses disputing payment what attorney/lawyer do I need

The original lien has charges totally different from papers delivered by sheriff. I've had dispute over charges for work not done but charged for with no response

Jane Kim
Jane Kim pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 9, 2023

You are describing construction lien law.

The issue in this area is that the builder or contractor does not usually pay any legal fees upfront because often lawyers take these cases on contingency. I find young lawyers taking more cases that they shouldn't. This creates litigation...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: The HOA has been engaging in selective enforcement. How do I close allow the HOA to take 17,000$ and return it later?
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 7, 2023

You will need to repost your question because it does not make sense (sorry). Selective enforcement is a defense if you are being sued for violating the deed restrictions. I'm not sure what $17,000 has to do with that? It appears you have paid the HOA $17,000 and expect to get it back... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can apartments refuse to prorate a 6 week off special?

In Florida, my apartment is offering 6 weeks off as a promo. I’ve always been able to take that 6weeks and have them prorate it throughout the lease to lower the monthly rent. This apartment is saying they will not and only the first month and a half will be free, and then the full rate after... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Dec 4, 2023

This is a policy that this apartment complex has instituted. There's no right to it in the law, so you have no legal ability to make them change their policy.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: how long does a defendant have to answer interrogatories I serve them on them three weeks ago, and the attorney has not

acknowledged they received them. although I know that they did

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Dec 4, 2023

30 days. The attorney doesn't have to acknowledge receipt. If you don't know the basics, you need to hire an attorney. You should hire an attorney because the other side has one.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: I bought a home in Florida for my mom, I want to add her to the deed so her save our homes exemption is applied, can I?

This is my first home, I don’t have a previous save our homes homestead exemption. I am buying the house but my mother is living in it. If I add her to the deed will she be able to transfer her save our homes to the new house? As it would be 50% ownership, would 50% of the exemption be applied?... View More

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
PREMIUM
Jacqueline Alicia Salcines pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 2, 2023

What a nice gesture. You can absolutely add her in via a Quit Claim Deed. I would strongly urge you to hire a real estate lawyer to prepare one so it is done right. Errors in deeds are costly specially when trying to correct them after many years and at the time of sale. As co-tenants you can... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I own a unit in a cooperative in Florida. The bylaws expressly stated that you are permitted to smoke on the dock.

The dock in closed due to disrepair. There is a section of dock on the land side of a gate but still over the water. I say it's part of the dock. Is it? Shouldn't I be allowed to smoke there?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 2, 2023

In determining whether the section of the dock on the land side is part of the dock for the purposes of smoking, it's important to refer to the specific language of the cooperative's bylaws and any other relevant governing documents. These documents may define what constitutes the... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.