It Will Be a Busy Legislative Session for Construction in Florida
September 27, 2012
2013 will be a busy legislative session for construction...
The “Infallible” Surety, Is Not Immune From The Impact Of A Bad Economy
When negotiating for payment and performance bonds, you should realize that even if you obtain the added protection, you are not 100% safe. Even though they might not be as likely as other construction entities to go out of business, sureties also go out of business. Furthermore, when they do, it can be as difficult to recover from a surety's estate as it is to recover from any other bankrupt construction entity....
Build the U.S. Wants to Help get America Back to Work
Recent cooperative efforts to get the economy rolling through individual purchasing power include the Build the U. S. movement. Build the U. S. is a grassroots organization made up of manufacturers, contractors, architects, interior designers, and home buyers committed to buying and selling materials made in the USA for use in construction projects - public and private, commercial and residential. Born primarily from the desire to contribute in large ways and small to getting America back to work, Build the U.S. also brings American-made building materials back into vogue after the hard lessons learned by homeowners, homebuilders, product distributors, and manufacturers from the Chinese drywall debacle and other such consumer-products fiascos.This movement appeals to individuals who want to focus their consumer spending in a way that also helps others. Since consumer spending makes up seventy percent (70%) of our economy and since the purchase of American-made products promotes the...
We Need a Fix to the Lien Law’s Broken Attorney Fee Statute
Legislation may fix the uncertainty of attorney fee awards in lien foreclosures and payment bond claims...
Why Building Green Might Land You in Court
Contractors, Design Professionals and others may face increased liability on green construction projects....
Protect Awards By Intervention in Bid Protests
As competition for public contract awards continues to intensify, consider intervention in the event that an award to your firm is protested. If an administrative protest is filed, the particular agency rules and regulations may provide for intervention. In the context of a bid protest, intervention means having the chance to directly participate in the defense of a protest and participate in the proceedings. Florida case law has held that an awardee has a significant interest in the outcome of an award challenge, and therefore, standing to participate in proceedings. By intervening, you will have the opportunity to directly influence the outcome of a protest, and may in the process, be of significant assistance to the public agency in defense of the award. Don't sit on the sidelines while other parties dispute whether your firm should receive the contract award. Bear in mind, however, that there may be strict time limitations on...
Resist the Temptation to Self-Perform Work
General contractors should prepare before deciding to self-perform their own work...
Tropical Storm Isaac – Update
Isaac is slowly moving and appears to be taking a more westward trajectory. Per the National Hurricane Center: A Hurricane Warning is in effect for: The Florida Keys including the Dry Tortugas, The West Coast of Florida from Bonita Beach southward and Florida Bay. This means that hurricane conditions are expected in these areas and the tropical storm force winds can be expected in 36 hours. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Florida East Coast from Golden Beach southward. This means that hurricane conditions are possible (as opposed to expected) within the next 24-36 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for: Inland Collier County, the Florida East Coast from Jupiter Inlet southward and Lake Okeechobee. This means that tropical storm conditions are expected in these areas within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Florida East Coast north of Jupiter Inlet to Sebastian Inlet. This means that tropical storm conditions...
Hurricane Isaac Preparedness
As of 8AM this morning, the entire state of Florida is in the 5-day projected path for Tropical Storm Isaac. Isaac is predicted to become a hurricane before hitting Cuba. If you want to follow Isaac's path you can go to www.noaa.gov and do so. Although things may change it is always best to be prepared. For individuals this means securing adequate food, water and medication as well as ensuring personal safety along with the safety of loved ones and pets. For Condominium and Homeowner Associations Becker & Poliakoff has a 12-point Hurricane Preparedness Checklist to prepare for Hurricane Isaac: 1. Disaster Plan – If you have a disaster plan be ready to implement it. At a minimum, designate a responsible community member as Disaster Plan Coordinator and another as Information Facilitator to field queries and respond to from community members. These individuals should be outside the impacted areas so that they...
What is Your Business Plan for the Economic Turnaround?
Recent forecasts predict slight improvement in construction employment...