Most Florida homeowner’s insurance policies contain an appraisal provision. This protects the insurance company’s right to have its own appraiser review a homeowner’s claim, including the ability to physically inspect the property itself. This, in turn, minimizes the risk to the insurer of paying out on a fraudulent or exaggerated claim. Florida Appellate Courts Reject […]

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On May 1, 2021, Florida courts adopted the summary judgment standard applicable in the federal courts, joining many other states that had already transitioned to the federal rule. In re Amendments to Fla. Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510, No. SC20-1490. The state amended Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510 to adhere to the federal summary judgment […]

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Often, when both spouses realize that their marriage is doomed to end, it is only a matter of time before one of them files for divorce. But should you be the first one to file divorce papers? Does it even matter who initiates the process in Florida? And what are the possible pros and cons […]

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An insurance policy is a contract that must be interpreted according to its plain language. Under Florida law, a court must interpret an insurance policy “liberally in favor of the insured” and give the “broadest possible” effect to any clauses governing coverage. At the same time, an insurer is not obligated to indemnify any conduct […]

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People whose homes are part of a homeowners’ association (HOA) have to follow plenty of rules and regulations. Those rules may limit what a homeowner can and cannot do to their own property, including transferring the home into a trust and making changes to ownership. If you are considering transferring your home into a trust […]

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Many people have a dream of buying a house in a coastal area. While the idea of owning a waterfront home may sound incredible, you need to be aware of the risks associated with buying a house in a hurricane zone. You need to understand how hurricane insurance works when purchasing an oceanfront property in […]

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When you purchase a homeowners’ insurance policy, you expect your insurer to fulfill their obligations. You wholeheartedly believe that your insurance company will help you through difficult times and provide peace of mind in the event of natural disasters, accidents, and other incidents. Homeowner’s insurance companies have a duty to act in good faith, but […]

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If you are currently going through a divorce or are contemplating a divorce, you may wonder how it may be possible to avoid an alimony award. Under Florida law, there are five types of spousal support: Alimony is not awarded in 100% of all divorce cases in Florida. That is why it is important to […]

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Typically, landlords inform tenants of a no-smoking policy or restrictions on smoking cigarettes and marijuana in a rental unit before signing the lease or rental agreement. However, does a no-smoking policy infringe upon your rights as a tenant? Do you actually have a right to smoke cigarettes and weed in your rental apartment despite the […]

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Insurance companies have an obligation to handle claims in good faith. It means that insurers must promptly investigate valid claims for damages and provide compensation for a covered loss. Unfortunately, not all insurers act in good faith when handling insurance claims. If you suspect that an insurance company acts in bad faith, you may have […]

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