Perez Mayoral Trial Victory for Homeowner in Condo Association Lawsuit Unanimously Affirmed by Florida Third District Court of Appeal

Perez Mayoral, P.A. announced that the Florida Third District Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed a complete trial victory obtained by firm co-founder Erik Perez on behalf of homeowner Mr. Judge in the case "Grandview Palace Condo. Ass'n v. Judge." The condominium association alleged that water damage to common elements originated from Mr. Judge's washing machine or water heater. At trial, Mr. Perez successfully challenged the association's evidence through cross-examination and evidentiary objections, demonstrating that it failed to present competent evidence identifying the source of the leak or establishing causation. After the close of the association's case, Mr. Perez moved for a directed verdict, arguing that the association's theory required the jury to speculate. The trial court agreed and entered judgment for Mr. Judge. The appellate court, consisting of Julie Mayoral, Michael Mayoral, and Erik Perez, unanimously affirmed the judgment and ruled that Mr. Judge is entitled to recover appellate attorney's fees. The court described the association's theory as "a bridge too far" and reiterated that "mere speculation, suspicion, surmise, or conjecture is not enough" to establish liability. The decision reinforces that Florida condominium associations must support property damage claims with competent, admissible evidence rather than speculation.

(Source：Prweb)