Civil Litigation

Generally, three things: a valid contract existed, the other party materially breached it, and you suffered damages as a result. Documents, emails and payment records are often the strongest evidence.

Often, yes, but oral agreements are harder to prove. Some contracts must be in writing to be enforced, including most real estate agreements and agreements that can't be performed within one year.

Bring anything related to your dispute. That includes contracts, insurance policies, invoices, receipts, photos, letters, emails and text messages. A simple timeline of events is also very helpful.

Associations can usually levy special assessments for necessary expenses, including repairs required by Florida's newer condo safety laws. They must follow the procedures in their governing documents and Florida law. An assessment that wasn't properly approved or noticed may be challenged.

Many policies include an appraisal clause. It lets each side choose an appraiser to resolve disagreements about the amount of a loss. Appraisal settles how much the damage is worth, but not whether the policy covers it.

Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while complex disputes can take a year or more. Many cases settle before trial, often at mediation.

In Florida, each side usually pays its own fees unless a contract or statute says otherwise. Many contracts include fee provisions. Florida's 2022–2023 insurance reforms also changed the fee rules in many property insurance cases.

It depends on the amount in dispute. In Florida, small claims court handles cases up to $8,000, county court handles cases up to $50,000, and circuit court handles larger claims.