In a recent Florida district court case, American Auto. Ins. Co. v. FDH Infrastructure Servs., LLC, the court clarified a persistent ambiguity regarding the applicable statute of limitations for construction-related professional negligence claims against design professionals.
Previously, there has been considerable dispute and uncertainty over whether the two-year or four-year limitation periods apply under the Florida Statutes section governing these claims. The court’s verdict, delivered in the American Auto. Ins. Co. v. FDH Infrastructure Servs., LLC case, brings much-needed clarity to this pressing legal concern.
Florida Statute § 95.11 sets the statutes of limitations for many claims. This includes, but is not limited to, actions for professional malpractice other than medical malpractice, whether they are founded on contract or tort.
The recent ruling by the district court, however, explicitly states that the four-year statute of limitations governs construction-based malpractice claims. This represents a critical defining factor for design professionals and construction companies in the state, influencing everything from contract negotiations to potential disputes.
This development serves as an important reminder for all involved parties to consider the relevant statutes of limitations when entering legal agreements related to construction. For those who have current or potential legal actions connected to construction-related professional negligence claims, this interpretation by the district court may impact strategies and outcomes.
To learn more about the details and implications of the ruling, interested parties can access the full case information here: American Auto. Ins. Co. v. FDH Infrastructure Servs., LLC