Fort Lauderdale Construction Lawyers

Insightful And Strategic Construction Law Guidance

At Saavedra-Goodwin, we provide experienced, insightful and strategic legal representation for all legal matters pertaining to construction projects in South Florida. We serve as counsel to property owners, banks, developers, construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, licensed professionals and other parties in transactions and litigation, and we emphasize protecting our clients’ interests while helping ensure that construction projects move forward on time and on budget. Rather than simply identifying legal issues, we work closely with our clients to overcome them, and we seek to facilitate solutions that meet our clients’ immediate needs while also serving their long-term goals.

Experienced Legal Representation For All Phases Of Large-Scale Construction Projects

From project planning to project completion and from acquisition financing to post-construction leasing or sale, we advise our clients at all phases of large-scale construction projects in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. We routinely represent parties on both sides of construction-related transactions, including:

Architect and engineer contracts – We represent architects, engineers, property owners, and other businesses and professionals in contracts for the design and construction of commercial and residential properties.
Real estate development contracts – We work with property owners and developers to prepare and negotiate development contracts that protect their financial interests while providing them with the flexibility they need to react to unexpected events during construction.
Debt and equity financing agreements – We represent local and regional banks, large financial institutions, private investors, and borrowers in all types of debt and equity financing transactions involved in South Florida construction projects.
Contractor and subcontractor agreements – We represent property owners, contractors, subcontractors and other parties in the preparation and execution of contractor and subcontractor agreements, placing a particular emphasis on bond, lien, warranty and related issues.
Insurance contracts – Our attorneys have extensive experience in all matters pertaining to property insurance, liability insurance and other insurance contracts.
Partnership and other business entity agreements – Our attorneys routinely assist with the formation and modification of partnerships and other business entities in relation to real estate acquisitions and construction projects.
Purchase and vendor contracts – From scaffolding and building materials to dumpsters and portable restrooms, we represent procuring entities and vendors in relation to all types of purchase and vendor contracts.
Property sales contracts – With an extensive real estate transactions practice, we are able to strategically and efficiently represent buyers and sellers in transactions involving the sale of vacant land and new construction.
Condominium owners and homeowners association agreements – We have attorneys who focus their practice in the area of condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners association (HOA) law and who can assist with the development of association agreements and related documentation.
Commercial leases – We routinely represent lessors and prospective tenants in commercial lease negotiations involving new and existing properties of all types and sizes.

We also offer extensive experience in dealing with regulatory matters involved with large-scale construction projects in South Florida. From zoning approvals and land use issues to issues involving access to utilities and rights of way, our lawyers work with state and local agencies to secure the rights our clients need to start and complete their projects. When necessary, we also represent our clients in adversarial administrative proceedings involving regulatory matters. Contact us to learn more about how a Fort Lauderdale construction lawyer at Saavedra-Goodwin can help you.

A Team Of South Florida Lawyers Committed To Our Clients’ Success

We have long-standing relationships with many of our construction clients, and we routinely advise clients through the duration of large-scale construction projects in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere. Rather than assigning matters to an individual lawyer, we operate as a firm to provide our clients with comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective legal representation for all aspects of their construction projects. Whether you are at the early stages of a construction project or you need practical legal advice for a construction-related dispute, our lawyers are ready to help.

FAQs: Florida Construction Law

Disputes are not uncommon in a Florida construction project – the answers to these questions can offer clarity and inform your next steps.

Typical examples include breach of contract, defective construction, payment disputes, project delays and different interpretations about the scope of work. Misunderstanding the contract’s provisions is another frequent cause, often arising due to unclear contract terms.

They can be legally binding in Florida, provided they meet the elements of a valid contract. These include: offer, acceptance, consideration and mutual understanding. However, certain contracts, such as those involving real estate or lasting longer than one year, must be in writing.

If the contract has a termination provision, the owner can terminate for convenience and without a specific cause, typically with advance notice. They can also terminate for cause if the contractor breaches the contract, such as failing to meet deadlines or quality standards.

A contractor can also terminate for cause if the owner breaches the contract terms. Two examples of owner breaches include failing to make timely payments and not providing agreed-upon materials. Florida contractors must follow specified termination provisions and provide notice to the owner.

Florida gives parties four years from the date of completion or the date the defect was discovered to file a defective construction claim. Missing the deadline could bar you from further action.

As an individual, consider engaging a lawyer if you encounter issues such as breach of contract or defective workmanship. Having representation in place can be invaluable if the matter cannot be resolved between you and the contractor. For contractors and construction companies, seek representation for contract breaches, payment issues or termination disputes. Legal guidance helps to shield your rights and preserve your construction business.

Contact A Fort Lauderdale Construction Lawyer At Saavedra-Goodwin

If you would like to speak with one of our construction lawyers, please contact us to arrange a confidential initial consultation. Call our Fort Lauderdale, Florida, law offices at (954) 767-6333 or tell us how to reach you online so that will be in touch with you shortly.

Fort Lauderdale Attorney Damaso W. Saavedra

Damaso Saavedra

Mr. Saavedra is the managing partner of the firm, which he established in 1988. Born in Havana, Cuba, Mr. Saavedra is fluent in English and Spanish. He received his B.A. in 1979 from the University of Connecticut and his J.D. in 1986 from the George Washington National Law Center. Mr. Saavedra has served as Secretary and Director for the Inter-American Businessmen Association and co-authored “An Introduction to the Settlement of Unresolved Property Claims against the Cuban Government.” Mr. Saavedra also served as Staff Assistant for Congressman William Lehman in Washington, D.C. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]

Damaso W. Saavedra

Managing Partner

Allyson D. Goodwin

Senior Counsel

Glen M. Lindsay

Partner

Caitlin J. Bronstein

Senior Associate

Randolph M. Brombacher

Of Counsel

L. Forrest Owens

Of Counsel

Saavedra-Goodwin has been my family attorney for over 35 years. They have been personable, knowledgeable, ethical and balanced with any legal advice. I would enthusiastically recommend them for legal work from real estate to family law.. - J. Pasalodos

I have worked with this law firm for 17 years on several business matters. They have a great team of attorneys and a fantastic support staff. I always felt secure with this firm handling my legal needs. They never missed a beat. I won't use any other firm for my legal needs in south Florida. - D. Mitchell

My experience with the team at Saavedra-Goodwin was outstanding. They handled our situation with the utmost professionalism and care. Their proactive approach saved me time and money. I highly recommend Saavedra-Goodwin to anyone seeking legal services in family and estate planning matters. - L. Reda

Legal recourse against personal representatives, trustees, and attorneys for breaches of fiduciary duties or financial mismanagement.

When you entrust your assets to a fiduciary, you expect them to manage these resources responsibly. However, situations arise where you might find that the fiduciary is not meeting their obligations. Mismanagement of funds can lead to significant financial losses and breaches of trust within a corporation or a family. If you suspect mismanagement or self-dealing, you might wonder whether legal action against the fiduciary is a viable option. Unde[...]