Florida
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Why I’ve Stopped Feeding the Machines
If you’ve been a regular reader here, you’ve probably noticed my posting cadence has changed. Where I used to publish multiple times a month, it’s now sporadic at best—mostly thoughts on AI and what it’s doing to the world we used to know. This is a deliberate choice, and I feel that maybe I owe…
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Lawyers, We’re Having the Wrong Conversation About AI
Picture this: You’re at a bar function, someone mentions they’re using AI for legal research, and immediately three people jump in with: “Oh, you have to check the citations!”… “It hallucinates!”… “I heard it gave someone completely fake cases!” Yes, we know. That was 2023. Don’t get me wrong—those were valid concerns when ChatGPT first…
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Florida’s New “Gold Standard” and Documentary Stamp Tax
As a real estate lawyer practicing in Lakewood Ranch, our profession constantly navigates the interplay of property law, financial mechanisms, and state taxation. The recent enactment of Florida House Bill 999 (HB 999), effective July 1, 2026, which formally recognizes qualifying gold and silver coins as “specie legal tender,” will undoubtedly have wide-reaching implications. However,…
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I Can’t Get No “Satisfaction”: Florida Supreme Court Tweaks Discovery Timing in Florida Civil Rule 1.280
For the busy Florida litigator, a subtle but significant change to the rules governing the timing of discovery is now in effect. The Florida Supreme Court has amended Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.280(f), a move designed to curb a frustrating delay tactic and streamline the discovery process. In a recent order, the state’s highest…
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The Enduring Art of Justice
Courtroom Sketches in the 21st Century Have you ever wondered why, in this age of high-definition video and instant Instagram uploads, you still see a lone artist in a courtroom, furiously sketching away with pastels and charcoal? It’s a curiosity, isn’t it? A seemingly anachronistic practice in our hyper-connected world. But believe it or not,…
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Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Means Test Median Family Income Levels By State, as of May 15, 2025
Below you will find the median family income levels utilized by the United States Trustee Program for means testing individuals who have filed for bankruptcy relief. Median income information is used in the means test utilized by bankruptcy courts when determining whether or not individuals qualify for relief under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code.…
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Dear Florida HOAs, Enough with the Estoppel Extortion
As a real estate closing attorney here in beautiful Lakewood Ranch, board certified in real estate, in fact, I can honestly say that I love handling real estate closings. Having navigated the thrillingly adversarial waters of other practice areas earlier in my career, such as representing both the harried debtors and the hopeful creditors in…
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Selling Your Florida Home? Don’t Skip That HOA Payment!
As a real estate attorney handling closings right here in Florida, specifically in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch area, I get this question a lot from sellers: “Should I pay my upcoming HOA assessment if I’m selling my house?” The short and sweet answer is a resounding YES! I understand why the question comes…
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Five (5)
I am honored to announce the fifth anniversary of Battaglia Law, PLLC! On January 23, 2020, I embarked on a journey. And over the past five years, Battaglia Law, PLLC has been dedicated to reimagining the real estate closing process in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas. We endeavor to make the process as seamless…
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If They Build It, You Will Come: New Construction Contracts in Florida
So, you want to buy a brand new home in Florida? Join the crowd. As a real estate attorney in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, I am often asked by folks to review their new construction purchase contract for buying a home from a builder. I’m always happy to do it, but I will always caution that…