Florida Construction Law

Plans and specifications do not need to be attached to the complaint if they are overly voluminous.  See United States v. Goodman , 287 F.2d 871 (5th Cir. 1961). 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

If design documents contain a latent ambiguity or conflict, those documents are construed against the drafter.   See U.S. v. Seckinger , 397 U.S. 203 (1970). 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

Despite contractual provisions to the contrary, a contractor is not required to warrant against every plan/design error when the owner has provided the plans and specifications.   See Salem Engineering and Construction Corp. v. U.S. , 2 Cl. Ct. 803 (1983). 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

The implied warranty of constructability provides that if the contractor complies with the plans and specifications furnished to it by the owner, the contractor will not be responsible to the owner for loss or damage that result solely from defective or insufficient plans.   U.S. v. Spearin , 248 U.S. 132 (1918); Phillips v. Jordan , 602 So.2d 1310 (Fla. 1st DCA 1992). 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