Is It True: My Lien Can Be Discharged in 20 Days?

Is It True: My Lien Can Be Discharged in 20 Days?

By Alexander Barthet Many Florida contractors do not know that a statute exists which, if properly exercised, could have their liens canceled. That’s right – canceled. Florida Statute §713.21(4) provides that a lien properly perfected under this chapter may be...
When is a Contract Completed?

When is a Contract Completed?

By Alexander Barthet “Am I done with this job” is a question often asked by contractors and design professionals upon completing their work. Well, until just recently, this was not an easy question to answer. First, there are those periods of continued responsibility...
The Indemnification Dance – Everyone is Doing It

The Indemnification Dance – Everyone is Doing It

By Alexander Barthet Indemnity clauses are normally applied at all responsibility levels. The contractor is generally required to indemnify the owner and the subcontractor is then expected to indemnify the contractor and usually the owner. A typical clause looks...
Subcontractor Death: Is Owner Liable?

Subcontractor Death: Is Owner Liable?

By Alexander Barthet A warehouse owner hired a subcontractor to paint his roof, a subcontractor who had been at the warehouse many times and knew that the roof had skylights. He was also well experienced working on roofs. Caution: Danger Ahead Before the work began,...