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<p class="MsoNormal">This result is how I would expect most circuit judges to respond to such a motion. This section of the statute as originally conceived was arguably a legislative intrusion into the judicial process. I can’t think of any other situation
where a judge would be asked to sanction a party for pre-litigation discovery non-compliance, especially where the contractor is not obliged under the statute to even make an offer. What if the production response was late or merely incomplete? What if there
were objections to the discovery? This brings about a whole layer of dispute which I can understand judges not being inclined to deal with. <o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b>From:</b> clc-discussion-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <clc-discussion-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>RPPTL CLC-Discussion<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, October 19, 2020 12:12 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> clc-discussion@lists.flabarrpptl.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> [CLC-Discussion] MTC 558.004(15) document request denied<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Good morning all,
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">We are representing a homeowner in a defect case. I just received an unexpected result on a Motion to Compel Documents requested under Section 558.004(15), Florida Statutes and for the cost
of the motion.. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">At hearing there was no argument that the contractor was in violation of the section. The judge read to him the part of the motion that said :<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“Section 558.004 provides that “any party who failed to provide the requested materials shall be subject to such sanctions as the court may impose for a discovery violation.” Fla. Stat. § 558.004(15).”<span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">He asked him why he shouldn’t award sanctions. Opposing counsel agreed that was the law but argued that now that litigation had begun the request should have been re-submitted under the
rules of civil procedure. I argued against that obviously because the wording and the intent of the statute are clear and the contractor had admitted non-compliance. , The judge reserved ruling and came back with a denial with the order stating : “The Plaintiff
may seek discovery using the Rules of Civil Procedure. “ <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">This was in Orange County. Any thoughts?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Jack
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Jack Taylor, Esq.</span><br>
</b><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt">Associate Attorney
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#17365D">Williams Law Firm</span></b><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt">
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Telephone: 407-926-4100</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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