Resources and Contacts for Sarasota Real Estate Law

In Sarasota’s dynamic market of real estate, construction, and hospitality, contracts are the foundation of every successful deal. Florida law, including the Statute of Frauds, requires written agreements for significant transactions to ensure enforceability. The key to protection is planning contracts strategically from the start—draft or review them to tilt terms in your favor, minimizing risks and maximizing leverage. These 10 practical tips, drawn from Sarasota’s legal landscape, guide you to secure stronger outcomes. Always consult a qualified Sarasota attorney for personalized advice. We are not a law firm—contact local experts for implementation.

Tip 1: Insist on Written Agreements for All Major Deals Florida’s Statute of Frauds mandates signed writings for real estate, contracts over one year, or goods/services exceeding $500. Verbal understandings are unenforceable and leave you exposed. Favor yourself: Use standardized FAR/BAR forms for real estate—familiar to Sarasota courts—and include clear scopes to avoid disputes.

Tip 2: Engage a Sarasota Contract Attorney for Drafting and Review A professional review costs far less than litigation. Firms like Shutts & Bowen, Icard Merrill, or Edwards Law bring local expertise on Sarasota judges and common pitfalls. Position advantageously: They identify and negotiate favorable indemnity, timelines, and exit clauses before you sign.

Tip 3: Define Payment Terms with Milestones and Protections Vague “net 30” invites delays. Structure for cash flow: Require 50% upfront, progress payments tied to verifiable milestones, and 1.5% monthly interest on late payments (Florida’s legal maximum). For construction, include lien rights notices to secure your position.

Tip 4: Require Written Change Orders for Any Modifications Verbal add-ons lead to unpaid work or scope creep. Protect your bottom line: Mandate signed addendums adjusting price and timeline explicitly. Florida’s parol evidence rule bars oral contradictions, giving your written terms precedence.

Tip 5: Include Comprehensive Force Majeure Clauses Sarasota’s hurricane season demands specifics. Draft broadly in your favor: List “hurricanes, floods, and named storms,” with 48-hour notice requirements and documentation standards. Courts here uphold detailed clauses, excusing delays without penalty.