Joseph Battaglia
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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…
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Band-Aid, Not a Cure: Medical Debt Banned from Credit Reports
Easing the Burden of a Broken Medical System Millions of Americans burdened by medical debt are about to receive significant financial relief. A new federal rule finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will remove and prevent all medical debt from appearing on credit reports, significantly improving credit scores and boosting access to loans…
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New Florida Law May Allow Some Florida Hurricane Victims to Qualify for Property Tax Refunds
This time of year many Florida homeowners are understandably focused on property tax savings from the Florida homestead tax exemption. However, following the unprecedented 2024 hurricane season that we Floridians experienced, it’s important to remember that another valuable tax relief option exists: the Catastrophic Damage Tax Refund. This refund provides financial assistance to property owners…
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A Trojan Horse for Insurers? Florida’s 2025 Civil Procedure Rule Changes and their Impact on Injury Claims.
As of January 1, 2025, significant amendments to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure take effect, raising serious concerns about access to justice for consumers, particularly in the context of injury claims against insurance companies. As someone who follows legal trends and advocates for consumer protection, I’ve been closely examining these changes, especially in light…
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Don’t Forget to File for the Florida Homestead Tax Exemption
The statutory deadline to file is March 1. Failure to timely file constitutes a waiver of your entitlement to the tax savings for the year. Homeowners in Florida may be entitled to a substantial tax benefit known as the Florida Homestead Tax Exemption, which is a two-pronged benefit in the form of: If you recently…
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The Right to Repair is the Right to be Free From Tyranny
From Light Bulbs to Washing Machines. A Culture of Disposable Tech. In the 1920s, a cartel of lightbulb manufacturers, including Osram, Philips, and General Electric, banded together and agreed to intentionally shorten the lifespans of light bulbs that they manufactured. A light bulb that breaks is a light bulb that needs to be replaced. A…
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The One About Roast Beef
Once upon a time… A newly-married couple were preparing dinner – a delicious roast beef. As the husband peeled the potatoes, he intently observed his wife meticulously preparing the roast to go into the oven. He noticed that she trimmed the ends off the slab of beast before dropping it in the pan and placing…
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Keeping Holidays Happy. Holiday Extensions Under Far/Bar Residential Real Estate Contracts
Navigating Deadline Extensions in Florida Real Estate Transactions If you’re buying or selling a home this time of year, as you’re busy planning and enjoying your holiday festivities, it’s important to be aware of how holidays can affect deadlines of your home buying or selling process. Florida real estate transactions rely heavily on timely action…