What's t are my rights as a Florida contractor when a client backs out of a written contract regarding deposit money

Attorney answers (2)

1. Licensed in FL

   

   Ralph Schofield

   Fort Walton Beach Litigation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 12

   Answered January 12, 2013 01:18. If client has no agreed right to back out, the client is repudiating the contract. You may be able to sue for your lost profits. That's generally why you take deposits--to have something that will at least partially cover you if client backs out.

   The information provided in this and other answers on Avvo are general in nature and limited to the facts as... moreThe information provided in this and other answers on Avvo are general in nature and limited to the facts as stated. The information provided in this and other answers on Avvo should not be construed as legal advice on which the reader relies without further consultation with an attorney. No attorney-client relationship is created on Avvo question & answer forums. This attorney is licensed and admitted to practice law in the State of Florida only. less

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2. Licensed in FL

   

   Thomas Meyer

   Delray Beach Lawsuit / Dispute Attorney

   Contributor Level 10

   Answered January 14, 2013 10:36. You may have rights under your contract and you may have rights to file a mechanics lien against the property. Read your contract to determine what, if any, right your customer has to back out at this point. Your contract may specify what damages you may recover when this happens. If its silent, you should seek recovery of all costs you incurred to pull permits, buy, deliver and return materials. If you are holding a deposit, you may be able to offset it to reimburse yourself for allowable damages. You will want to review this all with a lawyer who will review your contract, explain your lien rights and then send the appropriate demand letter to your customer to refute their demand for a refund and assert your rights and demands resulting from the customer's breach.

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