New Law is Just the Latest Set of New Requirements for Roofing Contractors in Florida
The new statute goes into effect July 1, 2024 and imposes new requirements for roofing contracts with residential property owners. Failing to comply could subject contractors to $10,000 fines.
New Statute Allowing HVAC Contractors to Perform Additional Electrical Work and Expanding Warranty Requirements to be Presented to Governor
The new statute modifies the definitions of work that can be performed by Class A and B HVAC contractors and Mechanical contractors in Florida to include additional electrical work. It also requires warranties on HVAC systems to be transferable and eliminates certain hurdles to transferability.
Appellate Court Affirms Dismissal of Roofer's Lawsuit Based on Non-Compliant Assignment of Benefits
Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal affirmed dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a roofing contractor against an insurance carrier on behalf of an insured, finding that the assignment of benefits contract between the contractor and insured did not strictly comply with the requirements of section 627.7152, Florida Statutes.
Two 4th Circuit Orders Grant Summary Judgment Finding that General Contractors Have Non-Delegable Duty to Ensure Construction Complies with Florida Building Code
The orders found that, as a matter of law, the two general contractors in those cases had a duty to supervise, direct, manage, and control the work to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code, and that such duty could not be delegated to subcontractors or other parties working on the project. The impact of the decisions appears to limit the relevant general contractors’ ability to require liability to be apportioned between various subcontractors.
Florida Court Affirms $525,000 Judgment In Favor of Unit Owner After Trial Over Cost-Plus Billing Issues
In a really thorough and well-written opinion, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal affirmed a $525,000 judgment in favor of a condominium unit owner arising from dispute over billings in a cost plus contract. The case is a great example with lots of good warnings and takeaways for those in the construction industry of how broad ranging construction disputes can become, the issues they often turn on, and how important experts can be to the outcome of the case.
Court Imposes $71,444 Judgment on Fence Company For Failure to Timely Complete Project
A case decided yesterday by Florida’s First District Court of Appeal imposed a $71,444 judgment on a fence company for failing to complete a project under the terms of the original contract and then the terms of an agreed understanding between the parties on the completion date.
Recent Court Decision Confirms Measure of Damages in Construction Cases and Awards Homeowner $40,850 Over Failure to Pull Proper Permits
Last week Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal issued an opinion the described and confirmed the ways breach of contract damages can be calculated in construction disputes and allowed termination of a contract for failure to pull proper permits. This case serves as a good reminder to do things the right way and has some great discussion of the type of information contractors should expect to provide in court over a payment dispute.
New Statute Will Dramatically Impact Roofing Contractors and Contractors That Receive Insurance Proceeds
The new statute, Florida Senate Bill 76, was passed by the Florida legislature in its most recent session and was signed into law by Governor Desantis, with an effective date of July 1, 2021. The statute adds new requirements and contract disclosures for roofing contractors and greatly limits the way contractors who work with homeowner insurance companies can market themselves.