No Winner, No Fees: Trial Court Finds No Prevailing Party — and the Third DCA affirms
In Kenmort Properties v. Emergency Services, Inc. (3d DCA), the trial court exercised its broad discretion to declare there was no prevailing party, and, therefore, no entitlement to attorneys' fees. Both sides had failed to achieve their core objectives, and yet both had moved for fees. The court called it a draw.
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Say It, Don’t Imply It: Trial Courts Must Explain Their Summary Judgment Rulings
In Open Range Properties v. AmeriHome Mortgage Co., the Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed a final summary judgment of foreclosure because the trial court failed to comply with the 2021 revision to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510(a).
Under the amended rule — modeled after the federal standard...
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No Ouster, No Rent: Why Co-Tenants Living Rent-Free Is Still the Rule in Florida
In a short but telling appellate decision, a Florida court reversed a trial court’s award of over $100,000 in back rent in a partition case between siblings, reaffirming a principle that’s been settled law since at least 1988: a co-tenant in possession of jointly owned property does not owe rent to the...
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Life Estate Meets Trust Conflict: Widow’s Attempted Sale Triggers Breach and Forfeiture
In Varano v. Varano, a Florida appellate court confronted a probate and real estate conflict packed with issues of authority and fiduciary missteps: a widow holding a life estate in property attempted to sell it —even though the remainder interest was held in trust, and the deed was not a Lady...
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How to Protect Your Florida Business from a Breach of Fiduciary Duty
In the world of business, trust is everything. Business partners, executives, and directors often hold legal responsibilities known as fiduciary duties—duties that require them to act in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders. When someone in a trusted position breaches those duties, it can lead to severe financial losses,...
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Florida If You Plan to File a Lawsuit
Truck accidents are among the most serious collisions on Florida roadways. With the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles, these crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, substantial property damage, and even fatalities. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and are considering a lawsuit, it’s critical to take the proper...
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What are My Rights if I Slip at a Supermarket?
A routine trip to the grocery store can quickly turn into a painful ordeal if you slip and fall due to a wet floor, spilled product, or uneven surface. In Florida, supermarkets have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe for customers. If they fail to do so, and you’re...
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What Recourse Do I Have for a Bad Roofing Job?
Discovering that your new roof is leaking, improperly installed, or not up to code can be frustrating and expensive. In Florida, where storm resistance and building code compliance are critical, a bad roofing job can put your home and finances at serious risk. So, what recourse do you have if your roofing...
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Confidential Information, Know-How, and Trade Secrets
In today’s competitive business environment, information is often one of a company’s most valuable assets. However, not all information is treated the same under Florida law. For employers—especially those in tech, manufacturing, finance, and service industries—understanding the differences between confidential information, know-how, and trade secrets is essential for protecting your business.
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Who Is At Fault for Construction Delays?
Construction projects rarely go exactly as planned. Whether it’s a residential build, commercial development, or public infrastructure project, delays can quickly arise—costing time, money, and sometimes relationships. When a project stalls, the natural question is: Who is at fault?
At Boatman Ricci, we regularly represent contractors, developers, property...
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