William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: New to Florida or Headed Here? There Are Benefits to Establishing “Residency”

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month, William “Bill” C. Davell and Marianna Seiler, of Tripp Scott PA, address residency. Are you one of the 372,335 folks who relocated to our Sunshine State in the year ending June 30 – or planning to be one of the average of more than 800 arriving daily in coming years? If so, you should know about the benefits to being an official Florida resident that extend beyond wonderful weather and a high quality of life to various kinds of […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: Off To College: Why Parents Need Emergency Powers

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month, William “Bill” C. Davell and Christine Yates, of Tripp Scott PA, address emergency powers. Bill Davell: My child is finally headed off to college. Why should I consider arranging for emergency legal powers?   Christine Yates: Picture the nightmare scenario where your 18+-year-old Big Woman or Man on Campus embarks with friends on a weekend trip and an accident occurs. You rush to the medical facility expecting a full rundown on his or her condition, but doctors cannot tell […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: School Choice, More than Ever: Three Big Reasons

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month, William “Bill” C. Davell and Ed Pozzouli, of Tripp Scott PA, address school choice. As Florida’s children return to classrooms, what better time is there to highlight the Sunshine State’s status as a national leader in school choice – and three reasons why that distinction matters more than ever? Even more, it’s worth considering whether, during this year or later, your family should take advantage of the state’s range of offerings that put families and their needs first. Bill […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: New Insurance and Condo Reforms: What the Laws Mean for You

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. William “Bill” C. Davell and Matthew Zifrony, a member of Tripp Scott’s acclaimed condominium and homeowners’ association practice, examines what new legislation means for you. Mission accomplished. Governor Ron DeSantis brought the Legislature back to undertake reforms of Florida’s troubled insurance industry and address condo safety concerns 11 months after the Surfside collapse that claimed 98 lives, and the two bills promptly passed. What does this new legislation mean for you?   Bill Davell: Let’s start with the insurance reform bill. […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: Your “Side Hustle” is Serious Business

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month Tripp Scott directors Bill Davell and Tanya L. Bower, a business, tax and estate planning expert, delve into what you need to know and watch out for in a “side hustle.”   The “Side Hustle” may sound like a laterally moving disco dance, but it’s actually one of the hottest trends in business today.   Bill Davell: What in the world is a “side hustle?”   Tanya Bower: A “side hustle” is a business operated in addition to a […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: Homeowner’s Insurance: “Insuring” You Get Your Money’s Worth

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month Bill Davell discusses homeowner’s insurance with Tripp Scott director Ed Curtis. The business model for insurers involves two main principles: first, minimize risk, and second, maximize premiums while minimizing payout. Homeowners here feel the effects of both principles. The $30-billion combined costs of Hurricanes Irma and Michael and use of legal loopholes by unscrupulous actors to turn the tables and gouge insurers have led to waves of premium hikes, non-renewal notices and often, an aggressive posture by insurers toward […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: Looking to Adopt? Is Public or Private Best for You?

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. This month Bill Davell discusses public and private adoption and how to decide what’s best for your family situation with Tripp Scott attorney and Director Jeff Wood. BILL DAVELL: Jeff, what is a public versus a private adoption in Florida?   JEFF WOOD: A public or state adoption involves adopting a child out of the foster care system, which in Florida is managed by community-based care agencies, or CBCs, contracting with the state. A great example of a CBC is 4KIDS, […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: Higher Condo Fees? Here’s What You Can do

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. We hope our readers enjoy the perspective offered. This month, Tripp Scott attorneys Bill Davell and Matthew Zifrony, who leads Tripp Scott’s condominium and homeowners’ association practice, discuss the issues driving rising costs for HOAs – and fees for their members.  Bill Davell:  Matt, Zillow reported last summer that condo association fees had exploded over the last year – rising a full 19% year-over-year nationwide. It seems like the pain is even more acute here in Florida, especially given the large […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: What Is A Charter School And Why Should Parents Choose One?

The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. We hope our readers enjoy the perspective offered. This month Tripp Scott attorney Bill Davell interviews fellow Tripp Scott attorneys Jeff Wood and Thomas Sternberg, education law specialists, to give us some “education” on a powerful and valuable option for Florida families. Bill Davell: Jeff, let’s start with the basics. What is a charter school?   Jeff Wood: The State of Florida defines charters as “non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations that have a contract or charter to provide the same educational services to […]

-Read More


William “Bill” C. Davell, Esq.: When Do I Need A Written Contract to Buy or Sell Goods?

(Scroll down to leave a comment on written contracts that buy or sell goods) The Good News provides a monthly column with important content having to do with topics from the legal community. We hope our readers enjoy the perspective offered. This month’s legal opinion is provided by Chuck Tatelbaum, a director with Tripp Scott.    ASK BILL: I have heard that if someone is buying or selling goods in Florida, there must be a written contract if the price is more than $500. Is that true?   Tatelbaum: Yes, it is. Under the Florida version of the Uniform Commercial […]

-Read More