The Florida construction attorneys at Ansbacher Law assist its clients in all areas of construction law. Our firm has handled thousands of construction-related cases, ranging from contracts for lot or home purchases to extremely complex construction defect issues involving dozens of potentially responsible parties. In 2016, Ansbacher Law won a landmark verdict against D.R. Horton, America’s Homebuilder for $9.6 million-plus interest and attorneys’ fees resulting in a final judgment amount in excess of $12 million dollars. The jury ruled 100 percent in favor of our client and held America’s largest homebuilder responsible for the full cost to repair all of the defects of a large condominium complex.
Construction Attorneys in Jacksonville, Florida Area
The firm’s founding partner, Barry Ansbacher, is the only attorney in North Florida who is board certified by The Florida Bar in construction law, real estate law, and condominium and planned development law. He is a published author on subdivisions and other areas of construction law, as well as a frequent lecturer at The Florida Bar Construction Law Institute.
Fees and Costs
Construction defect cases are complex. In addition to legal fees, associations face the prospect of retaining expensive engineers and experts to evaluate the conditions at the property. Ansbacher Law offers a range of flexible fee schedules to assist association clients with these challenges. Options include contingency fee representation so that fees are paid only from a successful recovery.
Florida Building Codes
Florida law requires contractors to build homes in compliance with the Florida Building Code. If a home is not built in accordance with the Florida Building Code, the homeowner has many choices, including a lawsuit for breach of contract, a civil action for violation of the Florida Building Code, and a fraud claim for failure to disclose known latent defects. Complaints can be filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Construction Industry Licensing Board. A Construction Industry Recovery Fund is another potential option. However, in our experience, such complaints rarely prove effective. Contact us if we can help.
The Florida Building Commission is responsible for drafting the building code and issuing formal interpretations. The code is reviewed and updated on regular cycles. The building code version in effect at the time a building permit application is filed controls the permitted work.
Chapter 558 Florida Statutes requires special notices prior to arbitration or filing a lawsuit. The use of a Jacksonville construction attorney to assure compliance is highly recommended.
The requirements for construction depends on the building code adopted when the building permit application for the structure was filed. See Florida Building Code Table of applicable building codes and adoption dates.
Diverse Construction Law Experience
In addition to Ansbacher Law’s work in dispute resolution, our lawyers have represented hundreds of clients in other areas of construction law. We have experience in the following areas:
- New home and remodeling construction
- Construction defects
- Building code violations
- Failure to disclose
- Preparing contracts for new construction and remodeling projects
- Representation of property owners
- Representation of general contractors, subcontractors, building material manufacturers, suppliers, architects and engineers
- Filing claim of liens and collecting delinquent accounts and defending owners from fraudulent claims
- Assist in the acquisition of property for construction, including title insurance, financing, environmental due diligence, zoning and comprehensive plan review, civil design, permitting, platting, formation of property owners’ association, and drafting of condominium declarations and covenants
- Representation of banks and other lenders in construction financing
- Representation of contractors, developers, and owners from the negotiation of a loan commitment through closing
Contact our Florida Construction Attorneys
Our experience is deep and diverse. We have represented “pick-up truck” builders and national companies. We have assisted in the development of single lots and large planned communities and shopping centers. Ansbacher Law has helped its clients secure financing from local banks and from international hedge funds. We are proud to have assisted in the development and construction of numerous projects in Jacksonville and throughout Northeast Florida. Contact Ansbacher Law to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced construction attorneys.
