Are you a Buyer, Seller, Real Estate Agent or Broker in Palm Beach County, Florida? Are you or your client under contract for the purchase and sale of real estate and that deal just fell apart? Is the title company, law firm or real estate agent/broker holding your escrow deposit(s) monies hostage? You may be having a West Palm Beach Escrow Deposit Dispute.
If you have already reviewed your AS IS Florida Residential Contract for Sales and Purchase and it is your position that the other party is in default, and all communications with the otherside have been exhausted, including both parties refusing to sign a cancellation and disbursement of escrow funds, it is time to explore the proper Florida procedures for having those escrow monies/ earnest money deposits returned. Additionally, it is also time to discuss with an experienced West Palm Beach real estate lawyer if a lawsuit for damages or specific performance will be necessary for your particular situation.
According to the most current version of the Florida Residential Contract for Sales and Purchase (Rev. 10/21), section 16 therein states:
- DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Unresolved controversies, claims and other matters in question between Buyer and Seller arising out of, or relating to, this Contract or its breach, enforcement or interpretation (“Dispute”) will be settled as follows:
(a) Buyer and Seller will have 10 days after the date conflicting demands for the Deposit are made to attempt to resolve such Dispute, failing which, Buyer and Seller shall submit such Dispute to mediation under Paragraph 16(b).
(b) Buyer and Seller shall attempt to settle Disputes in an amicable manner through mediation pursuant to Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators and Chapter 44, F.S., as amended (the “Mediation Rules”). The mediator must be certified or must have experience in the real estate industry. Injunctive relief may be sought without first complying with this Paragraph 16(b). Disputes not settled pursuant to this Paragraph 16 may be resolved by instituting action in the appropriate court having jurisdiction of the matter. This Paragraph 16 shall survive Closing or termination of this Contract.
- ATTORNEY’S FEES; COSTS: The parties will split equally any mediation fee incurred in any mediation permitted by this Contract, and each party will pay their own costs, expenses and fees, including attorney’s fees, incurred in conducting the mediation. In any litigation permitted by this Contract, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party costs and fees, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred in conducting the litigation. This Paragraph 17 shall survive Closing or termination of this Contract.
Does the above information sound overwelming? Don't worrry! The Law Office of Ryan S. Shipp, PLLC and its experienced team of West Palm Beach real estate lawyers and support staff are here to assist and work with you through all of your West Palm Beach Escrow Deposit Disputes including pre-suit mediations and actions for damages or specific performance in both residential and commercial real estate transactions. The Law Office of Ryan S. Shipp, PLLC assists clients in the legal fields of Real Estate Law and Business Law in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida.
Call us today at 561.699.0399 to set-up an appoint to visit our Lantana, Florida office location. Sometimes you need a West Palm Beach Real Estate Attorney. And when you do, The Law Office of Ryan S. Shipp, PLLC is here for you.
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