Con Law (Kaplan) Flashcards

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1
Q

What does the 10th Amendment state?

A

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

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2
Q

When is an equal protection claim triggered?

A

Equal protection is triggered where similarly situated persons are treated disparately, as all persons are equal before the law.

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3
Q

What types of discrimination does the FL Constitution forbid?

A

The FL Constitution forbids state discrimination based on based on RACE, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY.

Discrimination based on these grounds is subject to STRICT SCRUTINY.

All other types of discrimination (i.e., age) are subject to RATIONAL BASIS SCRUTINY.

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4
Q

What is strict scrutiny?

A

This standard creates the highest standard for the state to overcome.

The government must prove that the law in question is (1) NARROWLY TAILORED to serve a (2) COMPELLING STATE INTEREST using (3) the LEAST RESTRICTIVE means possible.

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5
Q

What is rational basis review?

A

The challenger must prove that the state action is not RATIONALLY RELATED to a LEGITIMATE state interest.

—Here, the court examines whether a classification that treats one group of people differently from another has a rational basis.

—If no reasonable relationship exists between the proposed classification and the articulated legitimate state purpose of the statute, then it will be found to violate the Equal Protection clause.

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6
Q

What is the Declaration of Rights?

A

This is FL’s analog to the U.S. Constitution’s Bills of Rights, however they are not identical in many ways.

FL’s Declaration of Rights bestows more protection for Floridians than the Bills of Rights.

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7
Q

What types of state discrimination are subject to strict scrutiny?

A

FL’s Constitution forbids state discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, or physical disability.

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8
Q

What type of property rights does the FL Constitution protect?

A

It protects the right to acquire, possess, and protect property, including the right to devise property as desired.

In any challenge to govt restriction of these rights, the court will apply STRICT SCRUTINY.

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9
Q

What does the FL Constitution state about the freedom of speech and of the press?

A

It states that every person has a right to speak, write, or publish his views on all subjects. No law may be passed that restrains or curtails the liberty of either speech or the press.

–Laws dealing with free speech must not be UNNECESSARILY BROAD nor have a CHILLING EFFECT on speech. They must also be drawn with NARROW SPECIFICITY.

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10
Q

What is the proper analysis for free speech questions?

A

(1) Does the regulation by the state govt regulate the CONTENT of the speech or simply the TIME, PLACE, and MANNER of the speech?

(A): If content-based regulation, is the regulation of protected or unprotected speech?
–Protected speech = apply strict scrutiny
–Unprotected speech = apply test based on type of unprotected speech

(B): If time, place, and manner restriction, is the restriction applied in a PUBLIC FORUM or a NON-PUBLIC FORUM?

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11
Q

When are time, place, and manner restrictions constitutional?

A

(1) Must be content-neutral as to both subject matter and viewpoint;
(2) Must be narrowly tailored to achieve a significant govt interest; and
(3) Must leave open alternative channels of communication.

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12
Q

How does the FL Constitution treat the right to the freedom of assembly?

A

As a fundamental right, courts apply the strict scrutiny test to restrictions on the freedom to assemble. In addition, the FL Constitution specifically grants citizens the right to “instruct” their representatives.

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13
Q

What is the right to work under the FL Constitution?

A

The FL Constitution prohibits an employer from denying or abridging the right to work on the basis of membership or non-membership in a labor union.

–A union cannot negotiate a contract that would require workers to become union members or pay union dues.

–Workers are guaranteed the right, if they choose, to bargain collectively through a labor organization.

–Public employees have no right to strike.

A challenge based on alleged violation of these rights requires a court to apply the strict scrutiny test.

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14
Q

How does the FL Constitution protect the freedom of religion?

A

It prohibits govt restriction of a citizen’s right to freely practice his religion and prohibits govt “establishment” of religion.

–The court will apply the Lemon Test for establishment cases and strict scrutiny for cases involving govt restriction of the free exercise of religion.

NOTE: However, religious practices may be restricted if they are inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety.

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15
Q

When may religious practices be restricted by the state govt?

A

Religious practices may be restricted if they are inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety.

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16
Q

What is the Lemon Test?

A

In analyzing new legislation or a government program, ask:
(1) Does it have a SECULAR legislative purpose?
(2) Does it have the principal or primary effect or purpose of advancing or inhibiting religion; and
(3) Does the statute foster an excessive govt entanglement w/ religion?

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17
Q

What is the right to privacy?

A

The FL Constitution expressly identifies a right to privacy: Every person has the right to be let alone and free from govt intrusion into the person’s private life.

–However, this right is not intended to be an absolute guarantee against all govt intrusion into the private life of an individual.

–The right to privacy will yield to compelling govt interests that use the least restrictive means to further that interest.

–AKA, if the govt restricts the right to privacy, apply STRICT SCRUTINY.

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18
Q

When does the right to privacy apply?

A

Before the right of privacy attaches, a reasonable expectation of privacy must exist.

–The right of privacy has been held to protect:

(1) the disclosure of personal matters by the govt;
(2) to restrict govt inquiry of personal matters;
(3) to restrict govt intrusion into matters of personal medical decision-making (including abortion).

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19
Q

How does the FL Constitution protect procedural due process?

A

The right is intended to serve to ensure fair treatment in the course of legal proceedings when the rights granted by the Constitution are at stake.

It is generally applied to ensure a fair trial: D must be given (1) ADEQUATE NOTICE of the proceedings;
(2) a RIGHT TO BE HEARD in court;
(3) be given an opportunity to APPEAL an adverse decision; and
(4) be given in most, but not all, cases a right to trial by jury.

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20
Q

What is the right to access to the courts?

A

The FL Constitution provides that the courts shall be open to every person for redress of injury, and justice shall be administered w/o sale, denial, or delay.

–Any restriction that substantially bars access to the courts is unreasonable.

–Justice must be administered without the need for payment, though filing fees and similar charges are permissible, they must be reasonable.

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21
Q

What is the Kluger doctrine?

A

It provides that the legislature may not abolish a cause of action w/o providing a reasonable alternative unless it is shown there is:

(1) an overriding public necessity for the abolishment of the cause of action; AND

(2) there is no alternative method of meeting the public necessity.

Examples of violations: excessive court filing fees, statutes of limitation barring actions before accrual, posting an excessive bond prior to litigation.

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22
Q

What are ex posto facto laws?

A

Laws that have a retrospective effect and significantly diminish a right the party would have had under the prior law.

–The party need not have enjoyed the right; merely having access to it is sufficient to trigger the prohibition.

–These are prohibited laws.

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23
Q

What is a bill of attainder?

A

It is a legislative punishment of a group or individual w/o judicial trial. This is prohibited by the FL Constitution.

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24
Q

How do the FL courts treat laws impairing the obligation of contracts?

A

First, distinguish between PUBLIC or PRIVATE contracts.

–Public Contracts: Courts in FL allow almost no impairment of public contracts (contracts where the state or one of its subdivisions is a party)

–Private Contracts: Apply an intermediate scrutiny test - a law impairing the obligations of a private contract may be constitutional if it is REASONABLE and necessary to serve an IMPORTANT public purpose.

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25
Q

What is the right to access public records under the Sunshine Law?

A

Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection w/ the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf, except w/ respect to records specifically made confidential by the Constitution.

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26
Q

What is the FL Sunshine Law?

A

It states that all meetings of any COLLEGIAL PUBLIC BODY of the executive branch of state govt or of any collegial public body of a county, municipality, school district, or special district, at which official acts are to be taken or at which PUBLIC BUSINESS IS TO BE TRANSACTED OR DISCUSSED, shall be open and noticed to the public and meetings of the legislature shall be open and noticed and minutes kept, except w/ respect to meetings exempted or specifically closed by the Constitution.

–Note: In addition to the Constitutional protection, there are also additional statutory provisions that ensure open access to public records and meetings.

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27
Q

How can the legislature exempt certain records and meetings under the FL Sunshine Law?

A

By general law passed by 2/3 vote of BOTH houses.

–The law of exemption must set out with specificity the public necessity for exemption.

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28
Q

What is a writ of habeas corpus?

A

It is a fundamental right that protects against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment.

–It may be granted as of right and cannot be suspended unless necessary to ensure public safety.

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29
Q

What is the limitation that the FL Constitution places on attorney’s fees?

A

It limits the amount of fees attorneys may charge in medical malpractice cases to 30% of the first $250,000 in damages and 10% of any damages above $250,000.

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30
Q

What is the constitutional protection against eminent domain?

A

No private property may be taken except for a public purpose, with a showing of necessity and with full compensation therefor paid to each owner.

–Note: Unlike the US Constitution, here private property taken by eminent domain may NOT be conveyed to a natural person or private entity, even if to do so is for a public purpose.

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31
Q

What constitutes a “public purpose” under eminent domain?

A

Means “any conceivable public purpose”, even if the public benefit is indirect (e.g., it increases the amount of ad valorem property tax collected by the municipality)

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32
Q

What is the definition of a “taking”?

A

This occurs when the state has appropriated property for public use or deprived the owner of all beneficial use or enjoyment of the property.

–A temporary measure by the govt that restricts the use of the land is not a “taking”.

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33
Q

What is an inverse condemnation?

A

Occurs when the govt engages in conduct the result of which deprives an owner of the use of his property (like a zoning ordinance that substantially restricts the use of property) and does not properly compensate the owner for the deprivation.

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34
Q

What is the exception to the requirements of eminent domain under FL Law?

A

When the govt exercises its “police power” for the health, safety, welfare, and morals of the citizenry, no taking has occurred and no compensation need be paid.

–Thus, whether a taking requires compensation depends on its purpose (public purpose which requires compensation or as an exercise of police power, which does not require compensation)

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35
Q

What amendment deals with sovereign immunity?

A

The 11th amendment. This grants the state govt immunity from suits by citizens or the citizens of another state.

–This immunity does not extend to the political subdivisions of the state (e.g., counties, cities, etc.)

–The immunity of a state is a privilege which it may waive at its pleasure.

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36
Q

What types of claims does the state of FL (and its respective agencies/subdivisions) waive immunity to?

A

They are liable for tort claims in the same manner and to the same extent as a private individual, but liability CANNOT include punitive damages or interest for the period before judgment.

–Neither the state nor its agencies or subdivisions are liable to pay a claim or a judgment by any one person which exceeds the sum of $200,000 and cannot exceed $300,000 for all claims arising out of the same transaction or occurrence.

–Nevertheless, the state entity is not liable for “planning” activities, only “operational” activities.

–In such cases, claimaint must still establish that the state entity breached a duty of care owed to the individual.

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37
Q

What are operational activities?

A

Generally include those activities performed by the state entity that are of a nature performed by private entities as well.

–E.g., operating parking garages, swimming pools, skate parks, etc.

38
Q

What are planning activities?

A

These are discretionary policy-making activities of govt entities which are immune from tort liability. (e.g., setting a speed limit)

39
Q

What are the different types of legislative session in FL?

A

There are 2 types: (1) Regular Sessions, (2) Gubernational Special Sessions.

40
Q

What is a gubernational special session?

A

It is a legislative session that:

1) Is declared by proclamation;
2) Lasts no more than 20 days (unless extended by 3/5 vote); and
3) Is usually focused on one issue.

**The legislature may take on additional business by 2/3 majority vote.

41
Q

What are the rules of procedure for a legislative session in FL?

A

1) There must be a quorum (presence of maj. of membership) to conduct business;

2) FL Sunshine Law - all prearranged gatherings, between 2 or more members of the legislature, or between the governor, the president of the senate, or the speaker of the house of Representatives, the purpose of which is to agree upon formal legislative action that will be taken at a subsequent time, or at which formal legislative action is taken, regarding pending legislation or amendments, shall be REASONABLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

42
Q

What is the procedure to be followed for the Presentation of a Bill?

A

Even though any bill involving taxing and appropriations may be introduced in either house, the bill must be read at least by title on 3 separate days in EACH house and passed by a SIMPLE MAJORITY to be properly enacted.

Every bill passed by the legislature must be presented to the governor for approval.

43
Q

After a bill passes through the legislature, when does a bill become law?

A

A bill becomes law if:

1) The governor signs the bills;

2) The governor does not veto the bill within 7 days of presentation;

3) The governor does not veto the bill within 15 days when the legislature adjourns for more than 30 days; or

4) in the event of a veto by the governor, the legislature can override the veto by a 2/3 majority vote in each house.

44
Q

How long does it take for a bill to take effect after it’s passed?

A

A law takes effect 60 days after final adjournment of the legislative session in which it was enacted, unless a later date is fixed by law or by joint resolution.

45
Q

What are the requirements (formalities) for a proposed bill?

A

There are 6 requirements:

1) The bill cannot be vague (avg. person of common intelligence must be able to understand it);

2) Cannot be overbroad

3) Must have a title that informs the reader of the bill’s subject matter;

4) It must have an enacting clause: “Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of FL”

5) It must be reasonably related to the public welfare (based on legislative findings, and must rely on police powers);

6) It must comply with the single-subject rule

46
Q

What is the ‘single-subject’ rule?

A

1) Each law must embrace 1 subject;

2) May include any matter properly connected w/ that subject; and

3) The subject must be briefly expressed in the title.

47
Q

What are the 3 types of laws?

A

1) Special law;

2) General law;

3) General law of local application.

48
Q

What is a general law?

A

It applies to the general populace at large, uniformly throughout the state.

–No notice or referendum is necessary.

–Treat all objects coming within the operation of the statute in a uniform manner.

49
Q

What is a special law?

A

Applies to a specific class of people or objects OR is local in its applicability – usually tied to a county.

Requires either:
1) Notice published in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area; OR

2) A referendum approved by a majority of the voters in the affected area.

–Note: Special laws are prohibited as to certain subjects to ensure uniformity in their application (e.g., laws related to criminal law, civil procedure, taxes, elections, divorce, adoption, creation of liens, regulation of occupations)

50
Q

General Law of Local Application

A

Applies specifically to areas or counties w/ a specific population.

–Does NOT require notice or referendum

–For these laws to be constitutional, the subject matter of the law must be REASONABLY RELATED to the population classification.

51
Q

What types of cases does the FL Supreme Court have mandatory appellate jurisdiction?

A

1) Death penalty cases;

2) Bond validation cases;

3) Utility rate decisions; and

4) District Ct. of Appeals decisions invalidating a law.

52
Q

What types of cases does the FL Supreme Court have discretionary (certiorari) jurisdiction?

A

1) Decisions dealing w/ state officers;

2) Decisional conflicts between DCAs;

3) DCA decisions validating statutes and construing state and federal constitutional provisions;

4) DCA decisions involving matters of “great public importance”; and

5) Bypass certification - allows S. Ct. to directly review a decision by a county or circuit court that is certified by a DCA to be of great importance or to have a great effect on the admin. of justice.

53
Q

What types of cases does the FL Supreme Court have administrative jurisdiction?

A

1) Rules of procedure;

2) Florida Bar (e.g., attorney discipline);

3) Supreme Ct Original Jurisdiction: Common law writs. (common law writ = immediate review of a non-final order)

54
Q

What types of cases does the FL District Ct of Appeals have appellate jurisdiction?

A

1) Final orders of the circuit court;

2) Final orders in county court criminal cases and most civil cases; and

3) Final orders of state agencies.

55
Q

What types of cases does the FL District Ct of Appeals have discretionary jurisdiction?

A

1) Non-final orders of circuit court;

2) Final orders of circuit court appeal decisions; and

3) Bypass certification.

56
Q

What types of cases does the FL District Ct of Appeals have original jurisdiction?

A

Common law writs. (common law writ = immediate review of a non-final order)

57
Q

What types of cases does the FL Circuit Ct have appellate jurisdiction?

A

Final orders of agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act.

58
Q

What types of cases does the FL Circuit Ct act as the trial court?

A

1) Cases of original jurisdiction;

2) Amounts in controversy greater than $30K or equitable remedy; and

3) Common law writs.

59
Q

What types of cases does the FL County Ct act as the trial court?

A

1) Ordinance violations, misdemeanors, traffic violations; and

2) Amounts in controversy of $30K or less.

60
Q

What is the Home Rule Power?

A

This enables county government to create law through ordinances and in some cases, by resolutions, without having to return to the legislature for a specific grant of authority.

61
Q

What is a chartered county?

A

These are counties that have all the powers associated w/ local self-govt, as long as those powers do not conflict w/ either general or special law.

–Chartered counties have a governing document that the voting public (electors) of the county can adopt, amend or repeal.

62
Q

What is a non-chartered county?

A

These are counties that are more limited in their powers, in that they can only act if specifically authorized by a general or special law.

63
Q

What is a municipality?

A

A municipality is an incorporated area (cities, not counties).

–Can be created or abolished and their charters amended pursuant to general and special law.

64
Q

When may a municipality not act?

A

1) State law preemption (e.g., gun regulation);

2) Prohibited by municipal charter;

3) Violates florida constitution.

65
Q

What are the rules regarding an arrest for violation of a municipal ordinance?

A

Unless otherwise authorized and provided by law, a person convicted of violating a municipal ordinance may be sentenced to pay a fine, not to exceed $500, and may be sentenced to a definite term of imprisonment, not to exceed 60 days, in a municipal detention facility or other facility as authorized by law.

66
Q

Conflicts between a county ordinance and a municipal ordinance

A

The controlling law depends on a number of factors:

1) In a non-chartered county: the municipality always prevails.

2) In a chartered county, the charter will contain a supremacy clause to settle the conflict between ordinances dealing with provisions of services (I.e., police, fire, etc)

3) In a chartered county, if the subject matter of the law is regulatory (e.g., curfew ordinance), the chartered county ordinance will preempt the municipal ordinance.

67
Q

Taxation in FL

A

There is neither a personal income tax nor estate tax. However, FL does impose a corporate tax.

–The state may only impose taxes pursuant to law/

–FL imposes a sales tax and pari-mutuel (divorce) wagering tax.

–The state does NOT impose ad valorem taxes on the value of real property or tangible personal property. (but it can on intangible personal property such as stocks and bonds) (Note: However, counties, cities, school districts, and “special” districts may impose these taxes)

68
Q

Ad valorem taxes on real and personal property

A

Can only be taxed by counties, cities, school districts, and “special” districts (NOT the State)

–Must be at a uniform rate within each taxing unit

–Assessments are required to determine just valuation of taxable property. To be done annually.

–The constitution lists the factors that may be considered in arriving at a “just” valuation. Primary factor: “Best and highest use of the property”

–Millage rate: The taxable amount per $1000 of assessed valuation. There is a total 10-mill cap on assessed valuation in lifetime of property. ($1 in taxes for every $1000 in home value)

–Homestead property tax increase capped at 3% max per year.

69
Q

What is the millage rate?

A

This is the tax rate used for ad valorem taxes on real and personal property.

–Millage rate: The taxable amount per $1000 of assessed valuation. There is a total 10-mill cap on assessed valuation in lifetime of property. ($1 in taxes for every $1000 in home value)

–Homestead property tax increase capped at 3% max per year.

70
Q

What types of property are exempt from ad valorem taxation?

A

1) Educational

2) Literary

3) Scientific

4) Religious

5) Charitable

6) Grandparents quarters (over age 62)

7) Economic developments (receive tax breaks): requires the passing of an ordinance and a referendum)

71
Q

State, county and municipally owned property used for a public purpose

A

These are exempt from ad valorem taxation.

–However, if the property is used by a private, for-profit entity for a non-public purpose it is NOT exempt from taxation. (e.g., a municipality owes a building and leases it to a private company = no longer exempt from taxation)

72
Q

Homestead Tax Exemption

A

Applies to FL residents who are U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, or those who have intent to remain legally under U.S. immigration laws.

–Applies to a homestead (legal or equitable ownership of a primary residence of the owner and his/her dependents). Exempts $50,000 from taxation. (which is subtracted from assessed valuation before the millage formula is applied)

–Note: The exemption is not automatically granted. An application must be made w/ the office of the elected property appraiser in the county.

–Homestead exemption is PORTABLE (meaning you can transfer the benefit of the homestead property assessment from an existing homestead to a new homestead) (must be done within 2 years or original homestead will be lost)

73
Q

General Obligation Bonds

A

The govt entity pledges its full faith and credit (its taxing power) to pay off the bonds.

–These bonds generally require referendum if issued by local govt. taxing authority)

74
Q

Revenue Bonds

A

The govt entity pledges the revenues generated from the project for which the bonds were issued as security for repayment of the bond.

–No referendum is required.

–Ex: State can fund road construction through a revenue bond and pay for it through tolls collected from the road users.

75
Q

Distinguish general obligation bonds vs. revenue bonds

A

Compare how the bonds will be paid off.

General obligation bonds: holders have recourse by seeking the State’s tax revenue

Revenue bonds: paid off by user fees typically. Holders only recourse is to seek compensation from future user fees.

76
Q

Governmental units financing methods - what can they be used for?

A

To pay for acquisition or construction of infrastructure and other capital projects.

77
Q

Homestead Protection From Creditors

A

Homestead property is exempt from forced sale under process of any court, and no judgment, decree or execution shall be a lien on homestead property (except for taxes and contractor’s liens and mortgages)

–This ONLY applies to your primary (legal) residence. (you only get 1 homestead)

78
Q

Requirements for Homestead Protection From Creditors

A

1) The owner must establish that he or his family made, or intend to make, the homestead into their permanent residence. A single person may claim the exemption.

2) Timeline: A legal or equitable ownership interest must be in place BEFORE creditor’s lien or judgment is recorded (however, fee simple is not required) (can be held in trust or long-term leases of 98+ years)

3) Acreage Requirement:

–If located OUTSIDE a municipality, a homestead is 160 acres or less of CONTIGUOUS land and the improvements thereon. (generally, contiguous character not destroyed by a road or a stream running across it)

–If located IN a municipality or incorporated area, a homestead is 1/2 acre or less of the above.

79
Q

Exceptions to the Homestead Exemption From Creditors

A

Homestead exemptions generally, absent fraud, protect the homestead against creditors.

3 permissible exceptions for debts arising from:

1) The payment of taxes and assessments on the homestead;

2) Obligations arising out of a K for the purchase, improvement, or repair of the property (e.g., a mortgage); and

3) Obligations arising out of a K for house, field, or other labor performed on the property.

80
Q

Termination of the Homestead

A

May be done by:

1) Valid transfer, devise, or alienation of the property; or

2) Abandonment of the homestead.

81
Q

What are the elements for abandonment of the homestead?

A

1) Permanently giving up possession of the homestead;

2) Expressing an intention to no longer utilize the property as a homestead; and

3) No intent to return within a reasonable time.

82
Q

Proceeds of a Homestead

A

Upon sale of a homestead, the proceeds of the sale are protected equally as the real property for a reasonable time if:

1) the owner intends to re-invest in new homestead

2) the proceeds are protected only to the extent they are used to purchase a new homestead in FL.

–any proceeds leftover are subject to creditors

83
Q

Restraints on conveyance of a homestead

A

A married owner of a solely owned homestead may NOT convey that interest by mortgage, sale or gift without the consent of the spouse.

–The only exception is when the owner transfers by deed the title to the homestead to an estate by the entirety w/ his spouse. (then upon death, spouse will take property through right of survivorship)

84
Q

Restrictions on Devise of Homestead Property

A

Homestead property is not generally subject to devise if decedent is survived by a spouse or minor child.

85
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent survived by spouse, no minor child

A

If decedent is survived by a spouse but no minor child, the property can be devised to spouse.

86
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent survived by spouse and minor child

A

1) Spouse takes life estate, remainder to child; OR

2) If spouse elects, spouse takes 1/2 as TIC w/ child

87
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent survived by spouse and adult children

A

Decedent may devise to spouse in fee simple.

If not so devised, spouse gets a life estate, remainder to descendants in being (spouse may elect 1/2 interest as TIC w/ descendants in being)

88
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent survived by minor child and no spouse

A

If decedent is survived by minor child but no spouse, then to lineal descendants of decedent in fee simple.

89
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent survived by adult child or heir and no spouse

A

1) If decedent devised to adult child or heir, adult child or heir takes per will.

2) If decedent did not devise to adult child or heir; apply intestacy statute.

90
Q

Homestead Devise: Decedent not survived by spouse or child or heir

A

No restriction on devise. However, it would lose homestead status and be subject to creditor claims.