{"id":6070,"date":"2026-11-02T05:33:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T05:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/resources-sue-seller-hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T01:32:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T01:32:26","slug":"resources-sue-seller-hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/resources-sue-seller-hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Commercial Property Hidden Defects Lawsuit in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-70 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-6069\" alt=\"Warehouse loading dock with a plastic-wrapped pallet of inventory and a clipboard marked &quot;under review&quot; in morning light.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-plastic-wrapped-pallet-of-inve-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Commercial Litigation | Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Found a Hidden Defect in Commercial Property? Discuss Your Options Before The Dispute Grows<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Ayala Law PA focuses on business and real estate litigation in Florida, including claims over concealed building defects, seller misrepresentation and construction failures that surface after a commercial purchase.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Request a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Request a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Eduardo A. Maura \u00b7 Published November 2, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>Yes, a buyer may be able to sue a commercial seller for a hidden defect after closing in Florida. Whether that claim works depends on what the seller knew or said, what the purchase contract promises, and when the defect was found. This page explains each piece in plain terms.<\/p>\n<p>Ayala Law PA focuses on business litigation, including commercial real estate disputes. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm&#8217;s office is at 1646 W Snow Ave in Tampa, Florida, and it serves businesses in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area.<\/p>\n<h2>What Counts as a Hidden Defect in a Commercial Property<\/h2>\n<p>A hidden defect is a problem a buyer could not see during a reasonable inspection. Lawyers often call this a latent defect. A visible problem is a patent defect, and it is harder to pursue because the buyer had a chance to see it.<\/p>\n<p>Common examples in commercial buildings include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Foundation or structural cracks behind finished walls<\/li>\n<li>Roof leaks that appear only after heavy rain<\/li>\n<li>Failing HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems<\/li>\n<li>Environmental problems, such as soil or water contamination<\/li>\n<li>Code or permit problems the walkthrough did not reveal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Whether a particular defect supports a claim depends on the facts of each matter. You generally need to show the seller knew about the problem, hid it, or said something false about it. Without that link, you may have a repair problem but not a lawsuit. A careful inspection before closing shows what you could have seen at the time.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; we can walk you through how a situation like yours is usually handled and what your options are.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-warehouse-worker-drives-a-forklift-to-move-stacked-goods-i-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A forklift operator moves stacked goods across a warehouse floor.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Does Closing End Your Right to Sue the Seller?<\/h2>\n<p>Closing does not end every claim, but it can limit some of them. Many contract promises are meant to end at closing. Others are written to survive it and continue after the sale. The contract wording tells you which kind you have.<\/p>\n<p>Fraud claims follow their own rules. A court looks at what the seller said and knew, not only at what the purchase contract promised. That is why closing language does not settle every case. The answer depends on the contract and the facts, so reviewing the purchase agreement and closing documents is the first step.<\/p>\n<h2>Claims a Buyer May Bring Against a Commercial Seller<\/h2>\n<p>A buyer may bring fraud, negligent misrepresentation, or breach of contract claims, depending on what the seller said or did.<\/p>\n<h3>Fraud and Fraudulent Concealment<\/h3>\n<p>Florida courts list four elements: a false statement about a material fact, the speaker&#8217;s knowledge that it was false, an intent that the buyer act on it, and injury to the buyer who relied on it (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2448351\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-0673.pdf\">Frutafino v. Dole Chile<\/a>). Hiding a known problem can also support a fraud claim in some cases.<\/p>\n<p>Reliance is not always required to be reasonable. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/321415\/opinion\/Opinion_SC09-1508.pdf\">Butler v. Yusem<\/a>, justifiable reliance is not a necessary element. Justifiable reliance is not a necessary element of fraudulent misrepresentation (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/321415\/opinion\/Opinion_SC09-1508.pdf\">Butler v. Yusem<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h3>Negligent Misrepresentation<\/h3>\n<p>This claim focuses on a careless false statement rather than a deliberate one. It fits when a seller gave inaccurate information about the building without enough care to check it.<\/p>\n<h3>Breach of Contract and Surviving Promises<\/h3>\n<p>If the purchase agreement contains a representation or warranty that survives closing, you may claim it was broken. Read the contract for how it measures and limits those losses.<\/p>\n<p>A separate unjust enrichment claim may not help if a written contract covers the same subject. Florida courts have held that claims arising from an express contract covering the same subject matter will not support unjust enrichment (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/467568\/opinion\/Opinion_16-2898.pdf\">Williams v. Johnson<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>How the Purchase Contract Affects Your Claim<\/h2>\n<p>The purchase contract sets the seller&#8217;s promises, your inspection rights, and any notice steps. Read these parts first.<\/p>\n<p><strong>As-is language.<\/strong> An as-is clause can change which promises the seller made. It does not settle a fraud claim by itself, so read it alongside the fraud elements above.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Inspection periods.<\/strong> Many contracts give the buyer a window to inspect. Confirm what you were allowed to inspect and whether you used that right. Skipped inspections can complicate what you later argue you could not see.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Disclosures and representations.<\/strong> Look at seller disclosure forms, statements about the property&#8217;s condition, leases, environmental status, permits, and any indemnity or survival clauses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Deadline clauses.<\/strong> A contract cannot shorten the legal deadline. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.03.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.03<\/a>, any contract provision that sets a shorter time to sue than the statute allows is void.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arbitration clauses.<\/strong> If the contract requires arbitration, Florida law makes that agreement valid and enforceable, except on grounds that exist for revoking any contract (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0682\/Sections\/0682.02.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 682.02<\/a>). Federal law contains a similar rule for contracts involving interstate commerce (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/9\/2\">9 U.S.C. \u00a7 2<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>Proving What the Seller Knew<\/h2>\n<p>Knowledge is often the hardest part of a hidden-defect claim. The buyer generally must show the seller knew the statement was false. That proof usually comes from paper and messages, not memory.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence that often matters includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inspection and engineering reports, before and after closing<\/li>\n<li>Repair invoices and maintenance logs<\/li>\n<li>Complaints from past tenants or contractors<\/li>\n<li>Permit history for the building<\/li>\n<li>Emails and texts about the property<\/li>\n<li>Seller disclosure statements and the letter of intent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep the closing file, purchase agreement, and every message in one place. Do not throw away broken parts or failed equipment until an inspector or engineer has documented them.<\/p>\n<p>Buyers commonly make three mistakes. They make verbal demands and never write them down. They repair quickly without photos. They wait months before writing to the seller. Each mistake makes the timeline harder to prove.<\/p>\n<h2>Timing: Notice Requirements and Deadlines<\/h2>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.11<\/a>, an action founded on the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property must be commenced within four years, with the time running from the earliest of the date a temporary certificate of occupancy, a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate of completion is issued, or the date construction is abandoned if not completed; when the action involves a latent defect, the time runs from when the defect is discovered or should have been discovered with the exercise of due diligence. In any event, the action must be commenced within 7 years after that same date. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.11<\/a> reads: &#8220;(b) An action founded on the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property, with the time running from the date the authority having jurisdiction issues a temporary certificate of occupancy, a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate of completion, or the date of abandonment of construction if not completed, whichever date is earliest; except that, when the action involves a latent defect, the time runs from the time the defect is discovered or should have been discovered with the exercise of due diligence.&#8221; The clock starts from a certificate date. A latent defect can change the start date.<\/p>\n<p>Florida law generally allows four years to bring an action founded on the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property. That period runs from a triggering event, such as the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, or from abandonment of construction if the work is not completed. For latent defects, the period runs from when the defect is discovered or should have been discovered with due diligence, and in any event the action must be commenced within seven years of that triggering event. That period runs from whichever date is earliest: the date the authority having jurisdiction issues a temporary certificate of occupancy, a certificate of occupancy, or a certificate of completion, or, if construction was not completed, the date it was abandoned. The statute provides a different rule for latent defects. When the claim involves a latent defect, the time runs from when the defect was or should have been discovered with due diligence. In any event, the action must begin within seven years after that earliest date.<\/p>\n<p>Which deadline fits your claim turns on how the claim is framed. Other claim types have their own deadlines. Our page on deadlines to sue over commercial property covers them in more detail.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitration can pause the clock. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.051.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.051<\/a>, the running of the time under a statute of limitations is tolled by the pendency of any arbitral proceeding pertaining to a dispute that is the subject of the action. Acting promptly still helps, because it keeps evidence fresh and your timeline easy to document.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; we can walk you through how a situation like yours is usually handled and what your options are.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Repairs, Negotiation, or Litigation: Comparing the Options<\/h2>\n<p>Buyers usually choose among three paths: repair and seek reimbursement, negotiate with the seller, or file suit. The right choice depends on the facts. No result can be promised on any path.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Repairing first.<\/strong> Urgent fixes protect the property. Document every bid, invoice, and photo before work starts. If you might want to undo the sale, delay matters. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/283961\/opinion\/Opinion_12-3192.pdf\">Flaherty v. Flaherty<\/a>, ratification occurs when a party entitled to rescind fails to do so after discovering the facts. Ratification occurs when a party entitled to rescind a voidable contract fails to do so after the discovery of facts that warrant a rescission (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/283961\/opinion\/Opinion_12-3192.pdf\">Flaherty v. Flaherty<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Negotiating.<\/strong> Common outcomes include a price reduction, a repair credit, or an escrow holdback. A written demand letter should lay out the defect, the evidence, and the amount you seek.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0768\/Sections\/0768.79.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 768.79<\/a> provides that when a plaintiff files a demand for judgment that the defendant does not accept within 30 days, and the plaintiff then recovers a judgment at least 25 percent greater than the offer, the plaintiff is entitled to recover reasonable costs and attorney&#8217;s fees incurred from the date the demand was filed, although the court may disallow that award if it determines the demand was not made in good faith.<\/p>\n<p>Florida law says an action must be brought only in the county where the defendant resides, where the cause of action accrued, or where the property is located (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.011.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 47.011<\/a>). This venue rule does not apply to actions against nonresidents. For a building in Hillsborough County, the county where the property sits may be a proper place to file.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/large-industrial-warehouse-with-cardboard-boxes-stacked-for-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A large industrial warehouse with rows of stacked cardboard boxes for storage and shipping\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Related Florida Commercial Property Disputes and Next Steps<\/h2>\n<p>If you bought a commercial building and later found a defect the seller did not mention, the next step is to gather your file and talk through your options. Keep the purchase agreement, closing documents, inspection reports, and all seller communications together.<\/p>\n<p>Related topics on our site include Florida business property lawsuits, broker commission disputes, and neighbor access problems in Hillsborough County.<\/p>\n<h3>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n<p>Fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and breach of a surviving promise are common routes, and the facts decide which one fits.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to sue?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For construction-related claims, Florida generally allows four years, starting from a certificate date or the discovery of a latent defect, with a seven-year outer limit.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can an as-is clause block my claim?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An as-is clause can change the seller&#8217;s promises, but it does not by itself settle a fraud claim.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What must I prove about the seller&#8217;s knowledge?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You generally must show the seller knew the statement was false and intended you to rely on it.<\/p><p>Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page. Ayala Law PA&#8217;s office is at 1646 W Snow Ave in Tampa, Florida, and you can reach the firm at (305) 570-2208. Fees and costs are explained in writing before any engagement. If a defect you found after closing has you weighing repairs, negotiation, or a lawsuit, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">contact Ayala Law PA<\/a> to talk through your purchase agreement and the defect.<\/p><\/details><\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Attorney advertising. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice; reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Ayala Law PA. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Ayala Law PA, 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How We Approach Hidden Defect Disputes<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Records First<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start by organizing inspection reports, purchase documents, disclosures, repair invoices and correspondence so the facts of the dispute are clear.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--info\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear Assessment of the Claim<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We review the contract, the seller&#x27;s representations and the nature of the defect to explain the legal theories that may apply to your situation.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plain-Language Communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business owners and property investors receive direct, practical explanations of the risks, costs and possible paths forward.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Litigation and Arbitration Experience<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our work spans Florida courts and arbitration, so we prepare each matter with the forum and the procedural requirements in mind.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Preserve Evidence Now<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before repairs are made or records are discarded, save inspection reports, photographs, repair estimates, invoices, emails and text messages about the property. Physical evidence of the defect is often hard to recreate later.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Call (305) 570-2208 to Discuss Your Situation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Call (305) 570-2208 to Discuss Your Situation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Common Hidden Defect Disputes We Handle<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Commercial Purchase and Sale Claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disputes with sellers over undisclosed structural, roof, foundation, plumbing or environmental problems in office, retail, industrial or multifamily properties.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Construction Defect Claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disagreements with contractors, subcontractors or design professionals over work that fails to meet the contract or building standards.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Misrepresentation and Fraud Allegations<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims that a seller or builder knew of a defect and concealed it, including cases where an as-is clause or a merger provision is raised as a defense.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Contract and Lien Disputes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matters involving payment disagreements, lien foreclosure or breach of contract that arise from a defective project or property transaction.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Have a Commercial Property Problem You Did Not Expect?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Call (305) 570-2208 or Request a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Call (305) 570-2208 or Request a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/stop-commercial-property-sale-during-dispute-florida\/\">Can a Commercial Property Sale Be Stopped While a Dispute Is Pending in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/what-are-some-examples-of-commercial-disputes\/\">What are some examples of commercial disputes?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/what-are-the-typical-real-estate-attorney-fees-in-florida\/\">What are the typical real estate attorney fees in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/what-happens-if-a-seller-backs-out-of-a-deal\/\">What happens if a seller backs out of a deal?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/what-is-the-seller-s-compensation-if-the-buyer-backs-out\/\">What is the seller&#x27;s compensation if the buyer backs out?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Found a hidden defect after closing on commercial property in Florida? Learn how buyers may sue the seller, which claims apply, and key deadlines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1506,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/resources-sue-seller-hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/disputas-propiedad-comercial-florida\/demandar-vendedor-vicios-ocultos-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/commercial-property-disputes-florida\/resources-sue-seller-hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contract\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Breach of contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Breach_of_contract\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Fraud\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fraud\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Arbitration\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arbitration\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Lawsuit\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lawsuit\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Statute of limitations\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Statute_of_limitations\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. Maura\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/eduardo-a-maura\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. Maura\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/eduardo-a-maura\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"worksFor\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do I have to sue?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"For construction-related claims, Florida generally allows four years, starting from a certificate date or the discovery of a latent defect, with a seven-year outer limit.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can an as-is clause block my claim?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"An as-is clause can change the seller\u2019s promises, but it does not by itself settle a fraud claim.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What must I prove about the seller\u2019s knowledge?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"You generally must show the seller knew the statement was false and intended you to rely on it. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page. Ayala Law PA\u2019s office is at 1646 W Snow Ave in Tampa, Florida, and you can reach the firm at (305) 570-2208. Fees and costs are explained in writing before any engagement. If a defect you found after closing has you weighing repairs, negotiation, or a lawsuit, contact Ayala Law PA to talk through your purchase agreement and the defect.\"}}], \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#hidden-defects-commercial-property-florida\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs who purchased commercial property in Florida\"}, \"headline\": \"Found a Hidden Defect in Commercial Property? 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