Florida Construction Law

"The doctrine of substantial performance is generally unavailable where a party has materially breached the terms of the agreement."  Nat'l Contractors, Inc. v. Ellenberg , 681 So.2d 791, 793 (Fla. 3d DCA 1996). Trenton H. Cotney Board Certified in Construction Law Trent Cotney, P.A. 1207 N Franklin St, Ste 222 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 579-3278 www.trentcotney.com

A "time is of the essence" provision in a construction contract may affect the determination of whether or not the contractor substantially performed.  Legacy Place Apartment Homes, LLC v. PGA Gateway, LTD ., 2011 WL 3111641 (Fla. 4th DCA 2011). Trenton H. Cotney Board Certified in Construction Law Trent Cotney, P.A. 1207 N Franklin St, Ste 222 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 579-3278 www.trentcotney.com

A contractor was entitled to a mechanic’s lien even though he failed to complete punch list work, where he otherwise substantially performed.  Casa Linda Tile & Marble Installers, Inc. v. Highlands Place , 1981, Ltd ., 642 So.2d 766, 767-768 (Fla. 4th DCA 1994).   Trenton H. Cotney Board Certified in Construction Law Trent Cotney, P.A. 1207 N Franklin St, Ste 222 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 579-3278 www.trentcotney.com

Mario’s Enterprises Painting and Wallcovering, Inc., Case No. 3D10-259, filed January 19, 2011: Affirmed trial court’s award of breach of contract damages against a subcontractor hired to re-paint a public school but who refused to complete work base on discovery of existing lead contamination since the levels were well-below OSHA’s acceptable exposure limits . Trenton H. Cotney Board Certified in Construction Law Trent Cotney, P.A. 1207 N Franklin St, Ste 222 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 579-3278 www.trentcotney.com