Real Estate Litigation Attorneys

Florida Real Estate Attorneys For Real Estate Litigation And Arbitration

Saavedra-Goodwin’s litigation attorneys have secured favorable results for our clients through settlement negotiations and arbitration hearings in Florida and federal courts. In litigated disputes, we pursue settlement as an efficient and cost-effective alternative to courtroom litigation whenever possible; however, our attorneys are also deeply experienced in using the litigation process to protect our client’s legal and financial interests.

We collaborate with other attorneys, and a seasoned stable of experienced CPAs and dig deeply into the many issues facing our clients.

Versatile Help For Versatile Issues

Our Florida business litigation attorneys are available to represent property owners, tenants, lenders, contractors, and other clients in litigation and arbitration involving issues such as:

• Bond and lien enforcement
• Breach of contract claims
• Commercial real estate foreclosures
• Land use, permitting and other regulatory matters
• Lease termination and renewal disputes
• Warranty and indemnification claims

We also routinely assist clients with matters such as challenging property tax assessments and securing insurance coverage for damage to commercial real property.

Get Your Questions Answered By A Dedicated Real Estate Litigation Lawyer

We are here to answer the most pressing questions you have about real estate litigation in Florida. To get started, here are the answers to some of the questions we get the most.

What are the most common types of real estate disputes in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in South Florida?

Because of their prevalence, condominium disputes are much more common in South Florida than they are elsewhere in the country. However, condominium disputes often can take many forms, including:

• Contract disputes
• Title disputes
• Mortgage fraud issues

Whether your dispute is in a condominium or another type of real estate, we can represent your interests and advocate for the outcome that you need.

How do Florida’s condominium laws affect real estate litigation?

In Florida, over 2 million people live in condominiums, and in May of 2023, the state legislature passed a law that impacted all of those units. Now, in Florida, the time to pursue a construction defect in court has shortened by three years, from 10 years to seven. If you purchase a property and don’t immediately discover a faulty bit of construction, you may not have a chance to pursue compensation.

However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit if the defect is not easily discoverable, also known as a “latent” defect. If the issue with the property was found only recently, then you have four years from when you found the issue to pursue a lawsuit.

Besides condominiums, does Florida have other specific laws on real estate litigation?

Florida’s legal codes offer several unique opportunities and challenges to people investing in land. Two specific areas that can be of interest include:

• Homesteading: Florida allows an individual to declare their property a homestead and save significantly on taxation in estate planning, but also limits the ability of creditors to force a sale on the property. Unlike in other states, there is no maximum value of a Florida homestead.
• Adverse possession: Florida law contains many ways for someone to take legal possession of a portion of y our property. The time it takes for a person to be eligible for adverse possession is relatively little when compared to many other states.

The law in Florida is immensely complex, and you and your company deserve an insightful, skilled law firm on your side.

What role can ADR play in resolving a real estate dispute?

Alternative dispute resolution can be faster, cheaper and more flexible than litigation in resolving a dispute. ADR methods can also lead to longer-lasting resolutions that preserve the business or personal relationships of both sides.

Perhaps the greatest benefit is the control you have over the situation. While the outcome may not be exactly what you envision, you have greater control over many parts of the process, including publicity.

When is it necessary to hire a lawyer to handle a real estate dispute?

At Saavedra-Goodwin, our team of lawyers can make the best impact the sooner we’re brought into a situation. From initial strategizing to filing documents to research to litigation, we have the skill and insight to make a real, tangible difference.

We can work with you as your co-counsel and bring in our many CPA collaborators to parse the complexity of the financial situation. We take the steps necessary to pursue results for you.

Schedule A Consultation With A Top Business And Real Estate Litigation Attorney

With our broad-based real estate litigation practice, Saavedra-Goodwin is able to offer comprehensive, full-service representation for clients with diverse and complex legal needs related to commercial and residential properties throughout the state of Florida. Call our firm today at (954) 767-6333 or complete our contact form online.

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 ]