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INSIDER LEGAL INSIGHTS FOR BUYERS & SELLERS from Berlin Patten Ebling

Latest Real Estate Legal Insights

Understanding Florida real estate law is an important part of buying, selling, and owning property along the Gulf Coast. From condominium and homeowners association regulations to contract law, insurance requirements, and legislative changes, legal updates can directly impact property owners and real estate transactions.

The Natalie Gutwein Group is committed to keeping buyers, sellers, and homeowners informed about important legal developments affecting Siesta Key, Sarasota, and Florida real estate. Below you will find the latest legal insights and updates provided by our trusted legal partner, Berlin Patten Ebling, a Florida law firm that focuses on real estate, condominium, and community association law.

These articles cover topics that may affect:

  • home buyers and sellers
  • condominium and HOA communities
  • property owners and investors
  • waterfront and coastal properties
  • Florida real estate contracts and regulations

We encourage our clients and community members to stay informed about legal developments that may affect their property ownership and real estate decisions.

Need guidance navigating a real estate transaction?

The Natalie Gutwein Group works closely with experienced legal professionals to help buyers and sellers navigate every stage of the process.

Latest Articles from Berlin Patten Ebling

Facing a Florida Contract Dispute? What Documents and Communications Should You Preserve?

If you are facing a Florida contract dispute, the records you keep can help an attorney understand what happened and assess the disagreement. Preserve the signed contract, amendments, payment records, performance documents and relevant communications in their original form where possible. Keep complete message threads and supporting files, avoid altering or deleting material, and ask […] The post Facing a Florida Contract Dispute? What Documents and Communications Should You Preserve? appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Florida Security Deposit: Follow the Rules or Cough It Up!

Florida landlords, we need to talk about that security deposit. You collected it, you held it, and if you’re being honest, you probably forgot about it. But when your tenant moves out, Florida law expects you to know exactly what to do with it. One common landlord mistake? Ignoring the requirements of Florida Statute § […] The post Florida Security Deposit: Follow the Rules or Cough It Up! appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Selling Your Florida Homestead When There’s a Judgment Against You

For many Floridians, the family home is their most valuable asset, and a judgment against them can feel like a lock on the front door. Many homeowners with a judgment assume the creditor’s lien has “frozen” the house, so they can’t sell or refinance until the debt is paid. In most cases, that isn’t true. […] The post Selling Your Florida Homestead When There’s a Judgment Against You appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Community Association Law: Legislative Update

Florida House Bill 797 became effective July 1, 2026. It did not amend Chapters 718 or 720. It substantially rewrote Chapter 617 to harmonize with portions of the Florida Business Corporation Act, Chapter 607, and adopt concepts from the American Bar Association’s Model Nonprofit Corporation Act. It matters to associations because most are incorporated under […] The post Community Association Law: Legislative Update appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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What Association Boards Need to Know About Water Restrictions in Southwest Florida.

On September 22, 2026, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted to declare a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage because of ongoing drought. As a result, the water shortage restrictions which were set to expire are extended through March 31, 2027. The order covers Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, […] The post What Association Boards Need to Know About Water Restrictions in Southwest Florida. appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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What Does a Successor Trustee Do After Someone Dies in Florida?

After someone dies, a successor trustee may need to take responsibility for a trust and manage its property according to the trust document and Florida law. The first steps usually involve confirming the authority to serve, identifying and protecting trust assets, keeping accurate records, and understanding what beneficiaries must be told. Probate assets, debts, taxes, […] The post What Does a Successor Trustee Do After Someone Dies in Florida? appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Who Has to Sign the Listing Agreement When The Title Isn’t Clean?

The daughter says she can list Mom’s house. The son says he has a power of attorney. Someone is “on the mortgage but not the deed.” The property appraiser shows an LLC, a trust, or a deceased owner. If the person who signed does not have authority to sell, you may have a marketing agreement […] The post Who Has to Sign the Listing Agreement When The Title Isn’t Clean? appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Probate in Bradenton: What Families Should Gather Before Meeting With an Attorney

After a death, families often need to work out which documents to find before speaking with a probate attorney. For probate in Bradenton, useful records include the will and any amendments, available death certificates, information about assets and debts, and contact details for close relatives and named beneficiaries. You do not need to have every […] The post Probate in Bradenton: What Families Should Gather Before Meeting With an Attorney appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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Your Texts Are Testimony: Emails, Texts, and Florida Real Estate Litigation

You send a “sure, whatever works!” text from a showing at 9 p.m. Two years later, it’s Exhibit C. In Florida real estate disputes, emails, and texts are often the best evidence in the case: timestamped, specific, and hard to explain away. Here’s how to keep yours from working against you. The Dos Do write […] The post Your Texts Are Testimony: Emails, Texts, and Florida Real Estate Litigation appeared first on Berlin Patten Ebling.

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