Construction & Contracting Law

Construction Law 

Much like implementing the intricate and complex specifications of a blueprint, a construction attorney can work with your company to prevent unforeseen disagreements and effectuate mutually-beneficial settlements to prevent future conflict with various business partners. When searching for legal counsel to help guide your construction firm through the dispute avoidance and resolution process, keep in mind that construction law is a niche area that requires experience and superior knowledge of the complexities of the bidding and contracting process. Our extensive experience in dealing with all the various aspects of construction law from the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts and documents to construction lien law provides the knowledge that you need to guide you to a the end result you are seeking. 

Contracting Law

With over fifteen years experience as counsel for the Collier County Contractors' Licensing Board, Patrick Neale has the knowledge and experience to assist you with your licensing questions and problems. Whether it is obtaining a new license, dealing with an unlicensed contractor, pursuing a contractor for faulty work or defending yourself against a contractor licensing claim, our firm can help. 

If you are a contractor, we can advise you on the best practices to avoid claims from contract drafting or communication issues. Every contractor should have as part of their standard forms at least the following forms:

• Proposal or estimate form
• Construction contract - do not use the estimate form for the contract
• Lien release forms
• Contractor's affidavits
• Final affidavits, if general contractor
• Competency card and/or state registration or certification
• Proof of liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Competency cards for ALL subcontractors
• Proof of workers’ comp and liability insurance for all subcontractors and sub, subcontractors.

If you are a consumer, it is essential that you check to make sure your contractor is licensed. That does not mean a "Business Tax Receipt" or "Occupational License", but a contractor's license issued either by the state, city or county. Ask for proof of license and insurance before you sign the contract. We have links on this website where you can go to check for a contractor's license status.  

Recommended Links

Collier County Contractor Licensing Board – Understand the contractor licensing requirements for contractors in Collier County.

Lee County Contractor Licensing - Understand the contractor licensing requirements for contractors in Lee County.

State of Florida Contractor Licensing – State of Florida contractor licensing from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation

Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) – This is the building industry trade organization in Collier County.

Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) - This is the building industry trade organization in Lee County.

Florida Construction Lien Law – Those who work on your property or provide materials are required to be paid in full, or they have a right to enforce their claim for payment against your property.   We can help you secure a lien for construction that is not paid for and we can assist property owners who have had a lien placed on their property.