In 2010, the Florida Supreme Court approved an amendment to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure regarding mortgage foreclosures and enacted new forms, such as Form 1.996(b), Motion to Cancel and Reschedule Foreclosure Sale. In 2014, the Florida Supreme Court renumbered this form to the current Form 1.996(c) (2019). If […]
A residential mortgage foreclosure action is initiated in Florida by filing a verified complaint with the appropriate court. All named defendants will need to be notified of the lawsuit by being served process with a copy of the complaint and a summons. The defendants may be served by personal service […]
Parts 1-3 of this series explored alternative pre-foreclosure loss mitigation options for lenders including acceleration and enforcement of personal guarantees. This article explores Section 697.07, Florida Statutes, which governs the assignment of rents. Assignment of Rents under Section 697.07, Florida Statutes Pursuant to Section 697.07, Florida Statutes, a mortgage or […]
Since 2013, residential foreclosure actions in Florida have been significantly shortened—from over two (2) years to possibly less than six (6) months—because of the new “fast-track” process provided in section 702.10, Florida Statutes. This fast-track foreclosure process starts with the filing of a “verified” foreclosure complaint that sufficiently alleges standing, […]
On July 1, 2020, the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act (“Act”) became law in Florida as part of the newly created Chapter 714 of the Florida Statutes. The Act codifies existing common law in Florida regarding the right to have a receiver appointed by the court in commercial foreclosure […]
In reviewing a loan file after a default by a borrower, lenders should evaluate whether the loan includes an acceleration clause and whether the loan is secured by any personal guaranties. With commercial loans, typically the loan documents will include an acceleration clause, which allows the lender to accelerate all […]
Generally, a commercial landlord does not have a duty to mitigate or reduce its damages after a tenant breaches the commercial lease agreement. See Coast Fed. Savs. & Loan Ass’n v. DeLoach, 362 So. 2d 982, 984 (Fla. 2d DCA 1978). However, there is an exception where the commercial landlord […]
After a borrower default, lenders have multiple options to consider. While foreclosure may be inevitable, with the right facts and strategy, lenders can minimize their risk and maximize their potential recovery. Part 1 of this series provided a general overview of the series and initial considerations for lenders dealing with […]
Given the industry-wide effects from COVID-19, lenders are already aware that many clients in the hospitality industry will have difficulties staying current on their mortgages and loan obligations. This is especially true for hotels and restaurants. This blog series focuses on mortgage lending with regard to hotels and restaurants and […]
Part 1 of this series provided an overview of Florida’s Consumer Collections Practices Act (FCCPA) and explained why it is imperative for all business owners to be aware of, and understand, the FCCPA. This article explores Section 559.77’s bona fide error defense and how businesses can be prepared to defend […]