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Florida Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can one owner of a jointly-owned property ask a judge to force a sale due to code enforcement fines that can't be paid?

My friend does not want to file a partition suit against her brother, but she and her two brothers are unable to maintain the properties. On two of the jointly-owned properties, there are homes that are unlivable. They are being charged $100 a day by code enforcement. She and one brother want to... View More

Fernando A. Prego
Fernando A. Prego
answered on Jan 7, 2025

The siblings can file a partition action for the sale of the property, but the sale will not eliminate liens, violations, or encumbrances. A forced sale of the properties via partition would likely result in the satisfaction of the code enforcement fines, as the proceeds from the sale would be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: The house and property I have lived in for15 years has 3 years delinquent taxes. It's in my dad's name and he paid taxes

Never asked me to pay taxes. He is now in assisted living and doesn't have access to bank accounts. The property is going to be sold on Jan. 13, 2025,unless the taxes are paid. Just found this out.

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Jan 2, 2025

It is important that the taxes be paid before the date of the tax sale. Check the tax collector's website to see all the instructions for paying the taxes so close to a tax sale deadline. Anyone can pay the taxes, so it is okay for you to be the one to pay them. Typically, where there is... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Does a person who has the Power of attorney over someone have the power to change that person will and deeds?
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Dec 31, 2024

It depends on the language in the Power of Attorney. You should consult with a lawyer who handles probate and real estate. If the person with the POA changes the will and deed to benefit themself at the exclusion of others it might be subject to challenge.

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Does a person who has the Power of attorney over someone have the power to change that person will and deeds?
Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Jan 1, 2025

Probably not, a review of the Power of Attorney would be required and an understanding of what you are doing and why, any actions as the agent of a Power of Attorney must be for the benefit of the person who gave you the Power of Attorney generally speaking, unless there is something in the POA... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Does a person who has the Power of attorney over someone have the power to change that person will and deeds?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 1, 2025

The will can only be executed by the testator (person who is leaving his or her property by will) or executed by another person in the presence of the testator and pursuant to his or her direction. So, unless it can be proven that the testator was present and told the person signing to do so, the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Neighbor has a fence with a gate that allows him to enter our property. Needing advice about this. Many thanks.

Neighbor enters our property without permission. A few weeks ago he was on our property with a roof repair contractor who went up on our roof without our knowledge or consent. Do we have a right to ask neighbor to put a lock on the gate because we don't want anyone entering our property... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 24, 2024

First, entering your property through your private back yard without consent is the crime of trespass, for which you can contact the police. Perhaps the police would at least have a talk with the neighbor to warn him to not do it again or else. Otherwise, you can hire an attorney to send a cease... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: What would be the process to correct a deed after a person has passed?

My grandfather had a deed done to transfer a property to his trust. It was recorded after he passed and it now shows in error with the proprety appraiser because the description isnt complete. What would be the easiest way to get it fixed? My Mom is trustee and needs to close out the trust.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Dec 19, 2024

Since it is an invalid deed, nothing was conveyed, it is likely that some version of probate is going to be required in order to transfer the property. You will need to speak with and work with a probate attorney. If the error is somewhat minimal or can be attributed to being a scrivener's... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Loss usage of property

My elderly mother has loss usage of her property. The county allowed a realtor to mislead her by telling her she had her own tree lined driveway knowing the driveway was in dispute. Tropic Shores Realtor in Hernando County FL. The seller covered up issues with problem neighbors and the drive. Two... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 16, 2024

"We can't get the judge to do a restraining order..." Was your mother represented by a lawyer in seeking such an order? If not, schedule a consultation with a lawyer in your area and start from scratch. If she did have a lawyer, any lawyer you consult with would have to review... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: I am 50% owner of home in Florida paid the property tax for past three years can I remove other owner name off home?

How can I have the other owner name removed off property if they do not help with any expenses for the property or put the home in a trust?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Dec 14, 2024

You likely cannot, unless they willingly sign a new deed and agree to a new deed giving you more or all of the rights related to the property you are stuck with them short of selling, refinancing and one party buying the other out or a forced partition (forced sale), you should try to reach some... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: How does life estate work with 50% undivided interest, both life estate tenants in common are deceased.

The home was purchased in 6/95. The deed states "a single woman, as to an undivided 50% interest with Life Estate to **** and same for a single man as to an undivided 50% interest with Life Estate to ****, tenants in common." There are two beneficiaries of the tenant that died in 1996... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Dec 6, 2024

The two heirs of the single woman inherit her 50% of the property. The three heirs of the single man inherit his 50% of the property. Probate will be required for the man and woman for their heirs to take their portions of the property. The previous attorney was probably referring to the tax basis... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I'm selling my house. A contract has been signed. It is being sold "as is". Do I need a lawyer to review the contract

What would the cost be?

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
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answered on Dec 3, 2024

You need a lawyer to review the contract and represent you in the transaction. What you pay is minimal for peace of mind. Otherwise, if you dont hire a lawyer, the other side's title company will merely prepare your seller docs, charge you a fee usually more than an attorney would charge, and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Business Law and Construction Law for Florida on
Q: Hired a company to do work on our home.. Satisfied with work but can't get company to send us a bill so we can settle.

We have repeatedly asked to send us a bill/invoice for work done but have not received one. Now we can't seem to get a hold of anyone. Any recourse or advice?

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Nov 26, 2024

Send a certified letter to the company asking for a bill. Retain the amount of money you believe is owed in a savings account or other account that you are not tempted to use for a minimum of 5 years from the completion of the project. (If you think you might owe $5k, retain $6k, etc., to be on... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I purchased a vacant residential lot at a tax auction. The neighbor removed the fence on their property that faced my lo

I purchased a vacant residential lot at a tax auction. The neighbor removed the fence on their property that faced my lot and installed a new fence at the front of my property with a gate. I want to remove the fence they installed and gain access to my land.

What should I do? Should I hire... View More

Fernando A. Prego
Fernando A. Prego
answered on Nov 22, 2024

You will need a survey of the property that will show encroachment onto your vacant lot as a result of the installed fence. If there is encroachment, that subjects the neighboring owner to civil claims to quiet title, partition of real property, ejectment, trespass, injunctive relief, and other... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: I purchased a vacant residential lot at a tax auction. The neighbor removed the fence on their property that faced my lo

I purchased a vacant residential lot at a tax auction. The neighbor removed the fence on their property that faced my lot and installed a new fence at the front of my property with a gate. I want to remove the fence they installed and gain access to my land.

What should I do? Should I hire... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 23, 2024

The previous answer correctly suggests some of the measures that might be done. But as I read the question, the new fence is not on the neighbors' property but on the property of the person who asked the question, and blocks access, presumably from the street.

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: The Company that owns the land my mobile home is on, is trying to evict me accordingly that I am an unapproved tenant

pursuant to Fl. Statute 723.06(1)(e), although I am a model tenant that is never late on my rent and have received Letters from my neighbors stating that I am a model tenant, I have lived here 8 years taking care of my mom, until she passed away, and my sister violated her power of attorney. Now... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Nov 11, 2024

You have multiple issues going on and you should consult with a landlord/tenant lawyer if you are being sued for eviction or have received a notice to vacate. The statute you are citing actually supports the park evicting you if you failed to obtain approval as a tenant.

The duty to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Scenario for a $10,000+ water damage problem in a condominium. Who is responsible?

Jill (pseudonym) suddenly finds the condo water was shut off. She leaves her apartment, and returns to find her bathroom floor flooded. Upset that the faucet was accidentally left on, she mops up thoroughly.

Six days later she gets a text from resident below saying there is extreme water... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Oct 29, 2024

Unfortunately, Jill should be responsible for repairing Bob's bathroom damage. If there is a question regarding the extent of the damage caused by the leakage and the mitigation that Bob should have done (is there?), the damage can be reduced.

As far as the app is concerned, Jill may...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mother passed away in 2011. I never had the deed transferred in my name. How do I get the deed in my name?

I have kept the property up and have paid all taxes and fees for the property during this time. I acquired it at the time from my 3 siblings.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Oct 24, 2024

You will need to have the deed reviewed and you will need to see what interest if any your siblings transferred to you. If the property is in your mom's name still, some version of probate will be required, you will likely need a Florida Probate Attorney in order to accomplish this... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What are my legal rights for compensation before I file a quitclaim on the house I bought with my ex boyfriend?

I am on the deed for a house in Florida. Me and my then boyfriend got the house. He paid for the down payment and is paying the mortgage. I just wanted to know my legal rights for compensation as I decide to file for a quitclaim. This relationship ended badly since he abused and cheated on me. I... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 23, 2024

Do not just give away valuable property. Hire a TN attorney to represent you, negotiate an agreeable purchase amount, and have your attorney draft the FL Quit Claim Deed. He can take receipt of the funds, then have you execute the Deed. Only then he can send it to BF, and give you the money... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What are my legal rights for compensation before I file a quitclaim on the house I bought with my ex boyfriend?

I am on the deed for a house in Florida. Me and my then boyfriend got the house. He paid for the down payment and is paying the mortgage. I just wanted to know my legal rights for compensation as I decide to file for a quitclaim. This relationship ended badly since he abused and cheated on me. I... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Oct 24, 2024

If the property is located in Florida, you can file a partition lawsuit. In the lawsuit, the court will decide how to equitable split the property. If that cannot be done, the court will order the sale of the property with the parties splitting the funds from the sale. This would be your best... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How to get reimburse for estate related expenses after Summary Administration order?

Florida. Will directs all estate related expenses to come from estate, not from me alone (I am one of two beneficiaries and the PR named in the will). I paid 100% of all estate-related expenses totaling around $50k and my sibling (the other beneficiary) paid nothing. The only "asset" in... View More

Lauren Nagel Richardson
Lauren Nagel Richardson
answered on Oct 22, 2024

You can ask the closing agent to include all the estate expenses to be put on the closing statement when the house is sold, and if your sibling doesn't sign the closing statement, then the closing cannot take place. That is your leverage. The closing statement is the last opportunity for you... View More

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