Real Estate Brokers are NOT Immune from Liability

in Standard of Review, Trial Perspectives

Real estate brokers are NOT immune from liability when it comes to misrepresentations regarding the property they are selling. A recent Florida appellate opinion supports this point. See Dziegielewski v. Scalero, 47 Fla.L.Weekly D2608a (Fla. 5th DCA 2022). If you are a real estate broker, consider this, particularly if you are marketing a property with misrepresentative statements. In this case, a condominium unit was listed for sale. The MLS listing for the property made a representation regarding garage spaces tied to the unit: “Not one or two, but three deeded garages come with this unit…” In actuality, the unit came with...

28 March

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A Misrepresentation is Not the Same as a Breach of Contract

Posted by David Adelstein

in Trial Perspectives

A claim based on a misrepresentation is NOT the same as a claim based on a breach of contract. Two notes to self one must consider before throwing a misrepresentation-type claim into the fray: First note to self: when pleading a claim based on a misrepresentation, whether fraudulent misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, or negligent misrepresentation, it is imperative to plead those misrepresentations with specificity. See Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.120. Second note to self: a fraud claim is NOT a replacement to a breach of contract claim. “It is well settled that a party may not recover damages for both breach of contract...

24 November

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Proving ALL of the Elements of a Fraudulent or Negligent Misrepresentation Claim

Posted by David Adelstein

in Trial Perspectives

Fraud claims are hard to prove. Any fraud claim or claim predicated on a misrepresentation is an intentional tort; therefore, it requires proof that the defendant had the intent to induce the plaintiff to act on a misrepresentation and the plaintiff actually relied on and acted on the misrepresentation. While fraud-type claims are perhaps commonly pled, pleading a fraud-type claim and proving a fraud-type claim are two different things. A party can plead a fraud-type claim to get passed a motion to dismiss. Proving the fraud-type claim, however, is a different story. Plaintiffs need to understand the elements they are...