Consumer Law, Warranties Congtractor abandoned project with my large down payment

[georgetcole]

After a long wait I got an owners permit to build in the Keys. I was unaware that the owners association required the outside completed in one year, so I contracted with a GC in Central Florida. I paid up front 17k for building materials and expenses. He never presented his credentials to Monroe County, and he subcontracted some of the work to a local subcontractor. He never paid the sub and abandoned the project; I cannot reach him now. I have no idea where the building materials are. The sub is looking to me for payment. Being pressured by the owners assoc to continue, I was advised to send a discharge letter to the contractor and find someone else. I contacted the chamber of commerce that initially recommended this contractor; they informed me he is now working on a project for the county there. I filed a complaint with the Florida Dept of Business and Professional Regulation. They told me that since the contractor did not register with Monroe County, the contractor was a subcontractor by their definition; I was the contractor. They do not handle complaints between contractor and subcontractor. What should I do? If I have to get a lawyer, in what county? I live in Brevard; the contractor is in Gainesville.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

This is a mess - I'm very sorry to hear. The law and process here is extremely detailed. For this type of money and issue I think you'd be best served by at least consulting with an attorney who is familiar with the local law and procedures and take it from there. My thought is that an attorney in either county would be fine and familiar with local law although it seems that Monroe county would be the appropriate venue. Best of luck with this.