The tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South in June 2021 has still not seen the Florida Legislature agree on a bill requiring more rigorous inspections. In an article published on April 4, 2022, Jim Prichard, the firm’s Managing Partner, is featured detailing the hurdles faced in making sense of what appears to be competing interests among constituents and passing laws to address the problem equitably.
“Developers and builders and their subcontractors and other industry participants want to create high-quality projects they can confidently sell, knowing Florida owners will enjoy them for generations to come,” said Jim. “Insurance companies want to avoid litigation and claims arising from deficient construction. Owners want to have confidence their investment is safe and, should a problem arise, they have the necessary resources to fix that problem.”
He also identifies what attorneys can do to educate board members on difficult decisions necessary to run condo and community associations.
“Specifically, attorneys can identify A). any existing legal requirements or best practices for inspections or other actions that would help identify potential construction deficiencies, and B). resources to help make necessary repairs, including legal action when appropriate,” said Jim.
Jim said many of his Florida clients are condominium owners, and they’re getting anxious while they wait for legislative change to protect them. He said, “his biggest concern is that many other buildings across Florida were built in a similar time frame and with a similar design, construction method, and materials as Champlain Towers.
To read the story in full, click here.