Preview
Filing# 138849352 E-Filed 11/18/2021 08:25:17 PM
AME-37853
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND
FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NUMBER: CACE 20-017530 (07)
Consolidated with CACE 20-017790
SAGE
BEACH
CONDOMINIUM
ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for-
profitcorporation,
Plaintiff,
V.
PMG DRIFTWOOD, LLC., a Florida limited
liability company,
GLENEWINKEL
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC,
a
Florida
limited
liabilitycompany,
URVANX, INC., a Florida corporation,
SHAMROCK ENGINEERING CORP., a
Florida corporation,CALVIN, GIORDANO
&
ASSOCIATES,
INC.,
a
Florida
corporation,
CHM
STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability
company,
ARMSTRONG
AIR
CCONDITION & HEATING OF CENTRAL
FLORIDA, INC., a Florida corporation,
ASSOCIATED STEEL AND ALUMINIUM,
INC.,
a
Florida
corporation, B. CODY
PLUMBING, INC., a Florida corporation,
BRADFORD PRODUCTS, LLC, a North
Carolina
limited
liabilitycompany,
BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS, INC., a
Florida
corporation, CONSTRUCTION
SPECIALITIES,
INC.,
a
New
Jersey
corporation,
DUN-RITE
MARBLE
&
GRANITE, INC., a Florida corporation,
EAST COAST CONTRACTORS SUPPLY,
INC., a
Florida corporation, FINE LINE
*** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL BRENDA D. FORMAN, CLERK 11/18/2021 08:25:17 PM.****
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 3
ELECTRIC, INC., A Florida corporation,
FLOOD PANEL, LLC, a Florida limited
liability
company, HOLLYWOOD STONE,
INC.,
a
Florida
corporation, J.L.K.
CAULKING AND COATINGS COMPANY,
Florida
corporation, LUSHLIFE,
LLC,
a
Florida limited liability
company, NEW
DOOR INSTALLATION CO., a Florida
corporation,NEXT DOOR DISTRIBUTION
COMPANY,
an
inactive
Florida
corporation, R&L
PAINTING,
INC.,
a
Florida corporation,ROSEN MATERIALS,
LLC, a Florida limited liability
company,
SECURITY
INNOVATIVE
SOLUTIONS,
INC., a Florida corporation, SOUTHERN
COAST ENTERPRISES, INC., a Florida
corporation, SOUTH
DADE LIGHTING,
INC., a Florida corporation,SOUTHERN
FIRE
CONTROL,
INC.,
a
Florida
corporation, TEKTON CONSTRUCTION,
CORP., a Florida corporation,ZARRELLA
CONSTRUCTION,
INC.,
a
Florida
corporation,
Defendants.
PMG DRIFTWOOD, LLC, a Florida limited
liability
company,
Counter-Plaintiff,
V.
SAGE
BEACH
CONDOMINIUM
ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for-
profitcorporation,
Counter-Defendant.
I
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 4
DEFENDANT. FINE LINE ELECTRIC. INC.'S
MOTION TO DISMISS PLAINTIFF'S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT OR
ON IN THE ALTERNATIVE. MOTION FOR A MORE DEFINITE STATEMENT
Defendants, FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC. ( FLED, by and through the undersigned
counsel, and pursuant to Rules, 1.110,1.130 and 1.140, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure,
hereby filesits Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint,or in the Alternative,
Motion for A More Definite Statement, and in support thereof states as follows:
'.
STATEMENT OF FACTS
1.
On August 31,2021, Plaintiff,SAGE BEACH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION,
INC. ("Plaintiff'
or the "Association") filed its First Amended Complaint (the "Complaint")
againsttwenty-seven (27) Defendants for allegeddefects in the development, design,and
construction of the Sage Beach Condominium Development, located at 2105 and 2205
South Surf Road, Hollywood, Florida (the "Project").
2.
In a shotgun approach, Plaintiff collectively
liststhe allegeddefects against
the various defendants into one singleparagraph,Paragraph 79 of the Complaint.
3.
Plaintiffs Complaint allegestwo Counts against Defendant, FLE: Count
XXXIV-Negligence and Count XXXV-Violation of BuildingCode.
4.
Plaintiffs Complaint is devoid of any ultimate facts setting forth the
negligent acts or omissions by FLE in the performance of its work and/or supply of
materials related to the construction of the Project.In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint fails
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 5
to state what allegeddefects were caused by or the result of deficient work performed by
FLE.
5.
Plaintiffs Complaint is also devoid of any ultimate facts settingforth the
allegedviolations of the BuildingCode by Defendant FLE.
6.
In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint failed to attach any exhibits with reports
from any experts or consultants settingforth or detailingany allegeddefective work or
materials suppliedby FLE in violation of the Florida BuildingCode.
7.
Defendant FLE moves to dismiss the Plaintiffs Complaint as its allegations
lack the specificity
required under the fact-pleadingsstandard.
In the alternative,
Defendant FLE moves for an order requiringthe Plaintiffto amend itsComplaint to specify
the allegeddefective work or materials suppliedby FLE and which provisionsof the Florida
BuildingCode FLE allegedlyviolated when it provided work, services and/or materials for
the construction of the Project.
11.
MEMORANDUM OF LAW
A. Standard of Review
A Motion to Dismiss tests only the legalsufficiencyof a complaint and is not
intended to determine issues of ultimate fact. The trial court is necessarilyconfined to the
"well pled facts allegedin the four corners of the complaint."Lewis v. Barnett Bank of S.
Florida, N.A., 604 So. 2d 937 (Fla.3d DCA 1992). The primary purpose of a motion to
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 6
dismiss is to request the trial court to determine whether the complaint properlystates a
cause of action upon which relief can be granted and, if it does not, enter an order of
d\sm\ssa\. Provence
ith
v. Palm Beach Taverns, Inc.,676 So. 2d 1022 (Fla.41 DCA (1996).
Whether a complaint should be dismissed is a question of law. Batur v. Signature
Propertiesof Northwest Florida.lnc..903 So. Zd 985 Ifla.1'
I St
DCA 2005). The Court must
dismiss a claim when the allegationsand exhibits reveal the plaintiff
is not entitled to
re\\ef. See Jackson Grain Co. v. Kemp, 117 So. 2d 513, 516 (Fla.2d DCA 1965).
The failure to state a cause of action is not considered a formalityor a technical
issue because even ifthe allegationsin the complaint are taken as true, there is no basis
to grant relief if the cause of action is not set forth in the complaint.Bank of New York
Mellon v. Condominium Asfn of La Mer Estates, Inc., \75 So. 3d 282,286-87 W\a. 20\5).
However, justiceneed not be blind at any state of litigation.
Although a court is to draw
all inferences in favor of the non-moving party, the court is not requiredto abandon its
common sense and draw inferences that are either unreasonable, illogical,
or that do not
accord with human experience.See Voelker v. Combined ins. Co. ofAmerica, 73 So. 2d 403,
406 (Fla.1954).
Further, when facts allegedare insufficient to support a claim, the proper remedy
is motion for more definite statement pursuant to Rule 1.140(e), Fla. R. C\v. P. Feller v. Eau
Game yacht
St
Basin, inc.,397 So. 2d 1155, 1157 (Fla.1
DCA 1981). Rule 1.140(e) provides,
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 7
"mfa pleadingto which a responsive pleadingis permittedis so vague or ambiguous that
a party cannot reasonablybe requiredto frame a responsivepleading,and that party may
move for a more definite statement.." Fla. R. Ci. P. 1.140(e).
B. Plaintiffs Complaint Must Be Dismissed for Failure to State a Cause of
Action Against Fine Line Electric. Inc.
Florida, is a fact-pleadingjurisdiction,
which requires more than Plaintiffs legal
conclusions. See Deloitte & Touche v. Gencor /ndus.,/nc, 929 So. 2d 678, 681 (Fla.5th DCA
2006) CAs we wearilycontinue to point out, Florida is a fact-pleading
jurisdiction,
not a
notice-pleadingjurisdiction.")
Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.110(b) require that a
pleading"must state a cause of action," and shall contain "(2)a short and plainstatement
of the ultimate facts showing that the pleaderis entitled to relief...""[G]eneral,vague and
conclusory statements are insufficient" under the rule. Jordan, 203 So. 3d 976.
"Furthermore, at the outset of a suit,litigants
must state their pleadingswith sufficient
particularity
for a defense to be prepared."Horowitz v. Laske, 855 So. 2d 169,173 (Fla.5ith
DCA 2003).
Counts XXXIV and XXXV of Plaintiffs Complaint failto satisfy
the pleadingstandard
and inform FLE of any actionable claim against it. Plaintiff,in a shotgun approach,
commingles the allegeddefect allagations
againstall of the Defendants.
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 8
Plaintiffs Complaint is devoid of any ultimate facts settingforth the any negligent
acts or omissions by FLE in the performance of its work and/or supply of materials related
to the construction of the Project. In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint fails to state what
alleged defects were caused by or the result of deficient work performed by FLE.
Allegationsthat are entirely
conclusoryand mimic the language of the applicablecause
of action should be dismissed. Gazarra v. Pulte Home Corporation,207 F. Su pp. 3d 1306,
1310 (M.D. Fla. 2016).
C. Plaintiffs Claim for Violation of Building Code Fail as the Amended Complaint
Does Not Cite to the SpecificProvisions AllegedlyViolated by the Defendants.
Plaintiff allegesin Count XXXV that Defendant FLE violated the Florida Building
code. Florida Statute § 553.84 is a vehicle for any person or party,that is damaged as a
result of a violation of a Florida BuildingCode, to bring a cause of action against the
person or party who committed the violation. Sierra v. Allied Stores Corp.,538 So. 2d 943
(Fla.3d DCA 1989).
Section 553.84, Florida Statues providesas follows:
553.84 Statutory civil action - Notwithstanding any other remedies
available,any person or party, in an individual capacity or on behalf of a
class of persons or parties,damages as a result of a violation of this part or
the Florida BuildingCode, has a cause of action in any court of competent
jurisdictionagainst the person or party who committed the violation;
however, if the person or party obtains the requiredbuildingpermits and
any local government or publicagency with authorityto enforce the Florida
BuildingCode approves the plans,if the construction project passes all
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 9
requiredinspectionsunder the code, and if there is no personalinjuryor
damage to property other than the property that is the subject of the
permits,plans,and inspections,this section does not apply unless the
person or party knew or should have known that the violation existed.
Thus, Section 553,84, Florida Statutes, providesa plaintiff
with a "cause of
action where a defendant has injureda plaintiff
by violatingthe buildingcode or
doing construction without the requiredpermit." Stallingsv. Kennedy Elec.,Inc.
710 So. 2d 195, 195 (Fla.5th DCA 1998).
When pleading a cause of action for violation of the BuildingCode, there
must be some facts to support the allegations.See Gazarra v. Pulte Home
Corpomtion, 207 F. Supp. 1306,1310 (M.D. Fla. 2016) (Violationof Florida Building
Code was dismissed where Plaintiffs' allegationswere entirelyconclusorywithout
stating how the defendant's applicationof stucco violated the Code or how it
failed). No statutory cause of action exists unless the person or party knew or
should have known that the violation existed. Merely statingthat a person or party
knew or should have known is insufficient. Conclusory statements are also
insufficient.
Plaintiff allegesin its Amended Complaint that Defendant FLE violated the
Florida BuildingCode during the construction of the Project.However, Plaintiff
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 10
providesno details whatsoever as to which section of the Florida BuildingCode
was allegedlyviolated by FLE or what the violation was.
In an apparent attempt to circumvent its requirement to properlyallegea
cause of action under Section 553.08, Paragraph 79 of the Amended Complaint
lists27 allegeddefects in the construction of the Project. However, there are no
statements of ultimate facts setting forth any specificdefects concerning the
Florida BuildingCode, or how FLE purportedlyviolated the Florida BuildingCode
during the construction of the Project.
Defendant FLE cannot reasonable respond to Complaint ifit does not know
which provisionsof the Florida BuildingCode it purportedlyviolated.
111.
CONCLUSION
Based upon the foregoing,Plaintiff Complaint against FLE should be dismissed for
failure to state a cause of action, or alternatively,
Plaintiff should be directed to providea
more definite statement as to its claims against FLE.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC., respectfully
requests that this
Honorable Court enter an Order dismissingCounts XXXIV, XXXV of the Plaintiffs
Complaint with prejudice,
and for such other relief as the Court deems just,equitable,and
proper.
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 11
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
WE HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been
furnished via the Florida e-Portal Electronic Notification System, and/or electronic mail,to
all counsel of record on the Service List,this 18th day of November, 2021.
LUKS, SANTANIELLO, PETRILLO, COHEN
& PETERFRIEND
Attorneys for FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC.
110 Southeast 6th
ith
Street, 20tn Floor
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Telephone: (954) 761-9900
Facsimile: (954) 761-9940
D/.
BY. isi
2. R/.0
David L. Rosinsky,Esq.
Florida Bar No.: 077061
drosinsky@insurancedefense.net
drosenbaum@insurancedefense.net
LuksFLL-Pleadings@LS-Law.com
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 12
SERVICE LIST
PhillipE. Joseph. Esq.
David L. Rosinsky, Esq.
Evan Small, Esq.
Daniel J. Santaniello, Esq.
Gabriel Z. Coehlho, Esq.
ElijahC. Waring, Jr., Esq.
Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo,Cohen
Ball Janik, LLP
& Peterfriend
100 Southeast 2d Street, Suite 3310
110 Southeast 6t'th Street, 20tn
ith Floor
Miami, FL 33131
Tel: 786-770-8665
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Direct: 786-770-8650
Tel: (954) 761-9900
Fax: 407-902-2105
Fax: (954) 761-9940
pjoseph@balljanik.com
esmal @ba janik.com
drosinsky@insurancedefense.net
gcoe ho@ba -an k.com
drosenbaum@insurancedefense.net
@warng@ba 'ank.corn
LUKSFLL-PIeadings@LS-Law.com
ngracey@ba -an k.com
co ado@ba an k.com
cbetancourt@ba janik.com
cmarriott@ba janik.com
Counsel for Plaintiff
Counsel for Fine Line Electric, Inc.
Gary Baumann, Esq.
Jeremy C. Daniel. Esq.
Elizabeth M. White, Esq.
Christal R. Tomac, Esq.
Baumann, Gant & Keeley,P.A.
1401 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200
Daniels, Rodriguez,Berkeley,Daniels &
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Cruz, P.A.
Tel: (954) 440-4611
4000 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 800
Fax: (954) 440-4613
gbaumann@baumannlegal.com
Coral Gables, FL 33146
ewhite@baumann egal.com
Tel: (305) 488-7988
dca eca@baumann ega .com
Fax: (305) 488-7978
ng oria@baumann ega.com
jdaniels@drbc-law.com
Counsel for PMG Driftwood. LLC and
ctomac@drbc-law.com
Glenewinkel Construction Company
LLC
dortiz@drbc-law.com
service-jcd@drbc-law.com
service-crt@drbc-law.com
Counsel for Urvanx. Inc.
Josh M. Rubens, Esq.
Sanaz Alempour, Esq.
Kluger,Kaplan,Silverman, Katzen &
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
Levine, P.L.
201 South
,th
Biscayne Boulevard, 27th Floor
600 North Pine Island Road, Suite 500
Miami, Florida 33131
Plantation, Florida 33324
Tel: (305) 379-9000
Tel: (954) 343-3902
jrubens@kluqerkaplan.com
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 13
Fax: (954) 474-7979
Counsel for PMG Driftwood. LLC
Sanaz.alempour@csklegal.com
Ian.calder@csklegal.com
Toni.ortiz@csklegal.com
Counsel for Calvin, Giordano &
Associates, Inc.
Scott L. Buscemi, Esq.
Manuel A. Rodriguez, Esq.
Property Markets Group
Leslie V. Marenco,
1441
Esq.
Brickell Avenue, Suite 1510
Miami, Florida 33131
Trust Counsel
Tel: (305) 384-6745
357 Almeria Avenue, Suite 103
sbuscemi@propertymg.com
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
General Counsel for PMG Driftwood,
Tel: (305) 707-7126
LLC
mannyar@gmail.com
rodriguez@trustcounsel.com
marenco@trustcounsel.com
dulce@trustcounsel.com
Counsel for Shamrock Engineering
Corp.
Ryan M. Charlson. Esq.
Robert H. de Flesco, Ill,Esq.
George R. Truitt Esq.
Jana M. Fried, Esq.
Anthony Lopez. Esq.
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A.
9150 Dadeland Boulevard Suite 1400
600 North Pine Island Road, Suite 600
Miami, Florida 33156
Plantation, Florida 33324
Tel: (305) 350-5300
Fax: (305) 373-2294
Tel: (954) 473-1112
Ryan.Charlson@csklegal.com
Fax: (954) 474-7979
george.Truitt@Esl<
egal.com
Anthony.Lopez@csklega .com
Robert.DeFIesco@csklegal.com
Nico e.Kaufman@csk ega .com
Jana.Fried@csklegal.com
ega .com
Joeicy.Fanjul@csklegal.com
Judith.Gracla@csklepa
.com
Lisa.Hefte
Bibi.Sattaur@csklegal.com
@csk eqal.com
egal.com
Construction.Miami@csklegal.com
Counsel for CHM Structural Engineers,
LLC
Counsel for Bradford Products, LLC
Case No.: 20-17530 (07)
Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v.
PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al
Page 14
Kellie A. Caggiano, Esq.
Adam C. Linkhorst, Esq.
Randell H. Rowe, IV, Esq.
R. Scott Clayton, Esq.
Tyler R. Bennion. Esq.
Moyer Law Group
Linkhorst & Hockin, P.A.
801 Third Street South
4495 MilitaryTrail,Suite 106
St. Petersburg,FL 33701
Jupiter,FL 33458
Tel: (727) 310-
Fax: (727) 310-2003
Tel: (561) 626-8880
Service-kcaggiano@moyerlawgroup.com
Fax: (561) 561) 626-8885
Counsel
acl@floridahardhatlaw.com
for Construction Specialties,
Inc.
rsc@floridahardhatlaw.com
service@floridahardhatlaw.com
Counsel for Sage Advisory Consulting.
LLC and Tekton Construction Corp.
Brent T. Williams, Esq.
Winston A. Taitt. Esq.
Taitt Law, P.C.
424 East Central Boulevard, Suite 356
Orlando, FL 32801
Tel: (407) 900-9254
Fax: (407) 386-8358
bwilliams@taittlaw.com
Counsel for B. Cody Plumbing, Inc.
Preview
Filing# 138849352 E-Filed 11/18/2021 08:25:17 PM AME-37853 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NUMBER: CACE 20-017530 (07) Consolidated with CACE 20-017790 SAGE BEACH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for- profitcorporation, Plaintiff, V. PMG DRIFTWOOD, LLC., a Florida limited liability company, GLENEWINKEL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, LLC, a Florida limited liabilitycompany, URVANX, INC., a Florida corporation, SHAMROCK ENGINEERING CORP., a Florida corporation,CALVIN, GIORDANO & ASSOCIATES, INC., a Florida corporation, CHM STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, ARMSTRONG AIR CCONDITION & HEATING OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC., a Florida corporation, ASSOCIATED STEEL AND ALUMINIUM, INC., a Florida corporation, B. CODY PLUMBING, INC., a Florida corporation, BRADFORD PRODUCTS, LLC, a North Carolina limited liabilitycompany, BUILDING ENVELOPE SYSTEMS, INC., a Florida corporation, CONSTRUCTION SPECIALITIES, INC., a New Jersey corporation, DUN-RITE MARBLE & GRANITE, INC., a Florida corporation, EAST COAST CONTRACTORS SUPPLY, INC., a Florida corporation, FINE LINE *** FILED: BROWARD COUNTY, FL BRENDA D. FORMAN, CLERK 11/18/2021 08:25:17 PM.**** Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 3 ELECTRIC, INC., A Florida corporation, FLOOD PANEL, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, HOLLYWOOD STONE, INC., a Florida corporation, J.L.K. CAULKING AND COATINGS COMPANY, Florida corporation, LUSHLIFE, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, NEW DOOR INSTALLATION CO., a Florida corporation,NEXT DOOR DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, an inactive Florida corporation, R&L PAINTING, INC., a Florida corporation,ROSEN MATERIALS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, SECURITY INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS, INC., a Florida corporation, SOUTHERN COAST ENTERPRISES, INC., a Florida corporation, SOUTH DADE LIGHTING, INC., a Florida corporation,SOUTHERN FIRE CONTROL, INC., a Florida corporation, TEKTON CONSTRUCTION, CORP., a Florida corporation,ZARRELLA CONSTRUCTION, INC., a Florida corporation, Defendants. PMG DRIFTWOOD, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Counter-Plaintiff, V. SAGE BEACH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for- profitcorporation, Counter-Defendant. I Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 4 DEFENDANT. FINE LINE ELECTRIC. INC.'S MOTION TO DISMISS PLAINTIFF'S FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT OR ON IN THE ALTERNATIVE. MOTION FOR A MORE DEFINITE STATEMENT Defendants, FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC. ( FLED, by and through the undersigned counsel, and pursuant to Rules, 1.110,1.130 and 1.140, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, hereby filesits Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint,or in the Alternative, Motion for A More Definite Statement, and in support thereof states as follows: '. STATEMENT OF FACTS 1. On August 31,2021, Plaintiff,SAGE BEACH CONDOMINIUM ASSOCATION, INC. ("Plaintiff' or the "Association") filed its First Amended Complaint (the "Complaint") againsttwenty-seven (27) Defendants for allegeddefects in the development, design,and construction of the Sage Beach Condominium Development, located at 2105 and 2205 South Surf Road, Hollywood, Florida (the "Project"). 2. In a shotgun approach, Plaintiff collectively liststhe allegeddefects against the various defendants into one singleparagraph,Paragraph 79 of the Complaint. 3. Plaintiffs Complaint allegestwo Counts against Defendant, FLE: Count XXXIV-Negligence and Count XXXV-Violation of BuildingCode. 4. Plaintiffs Complaint is devoid of any ultimate facts setting forth the negligent acts or omissions by FLE in the performance of its work and/or supply of materials related to the construction of the Project.In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint fails Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 5 to state what allegeddefects were caused by or the result of deficient work performed by FLE. 5. Plaintiffs Complaint is also devoid of any ultimate facts settingforth the allegedviolations of the BuildingCode by Defendant FLE. 6. In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint failed to attach any exhibits with reports from any experts or consultants settingforth or detailingany allegeddefective work or materials suppliedby FLE in violation of the Florida BuildingCode. 7. Defendant FLE moves to dismiss the Plaintiffs Complaint as its allegations lack the specificity required under the fact-pleadingsstandard. In the alternative, Defendant FLE moves for an order requiringthe Plaintiffto amend itsComplaint to specify the allegeddefective work or materials suppliedby FLE and which provisionsof the Florida BuildingCode FLE allegedlyviolated when it provided work, services and/or materials for the construction of the Project. 11. MEMORANDUM OF LAW A. Standard of Review A Motion to Dismiss tests only the legalsufficiencyof a complaint and is not intended to determine issues of ultimate fact. The trial court is necessarilyconfined to the "well pled facts allegedin the four corners of the complaint."Lewis v. Barnett Bank of S. Florida, N.A., 604 So. 2d 937 (Fla.3d DCA 1992). The primary purpose of a motion to Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 6 dismiss is to request the trial court to determine whether the complaint properlystates a cause of action upon which relief can be granted and, if it does not, enter an order of d\sm\ssa\. Provence ith v. Palm Beach Taverns, Inc.,676 So. 2d 1022 (Fla.41 DCA (1996). Whether a complaint should be dismissed is a question of law. Batur v. Signature Propertiesof Northwest Florida.lnc..903 So. Zd 985 Ifla.1' I St DCA 2005). The Court must dismiss a claim when the allegationsand exhibits reveal the plaintiff is not entitled to re\\ef. See Jackson Grain Co. v. Kemp, 117 So. 2d 513, 516 (Fla.2d DCA 1965). The failure to state a cause of action is not considered a formalityor a technical issue because even ifthe allegationsin the complaint are taken as true, there is no basis to grant relief if the cause of action is not set forth in the complaint.Bank of New York Mellon v. Condominium Asfn of La Mer Estates, Inc., \75 So. 3d 282,286-87 W\a. 20\5). However, justiceneed not be blind at any state of litigation. Although a court is to draw all inferences in favor of the non-moving party, the court is not requiredto abandon its common sense and draw inferences that are either unreasonable, illogical, or that do not accord with human experience.See Voelker v. Combined ins. Co. ofAmerica, 73 So. 2d 403, 406 (Fla.1954). Further, when facts allegedare insufficient to support a claim, the proper remedy is motion for more definite statement pursuant to Rule 1.140(e), Fla. R. C\v. P. Feller v. Eau Game yacht St Basin, inc.,397 So. 2d 1155, 1157 (Fla.1 DCA 1981). Rule 1.140(e) provides, Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 7 "mfa pleadingto which a responsive pleadingis permittedis so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonablybe requiredto frame a responsivepleading,and that party may move for a more definite statement.." Fla. R. Ci. P. 1.140(e). B. Plaintiffs Complaint Must Be Dismissed for Failure to State a Cause of Action Against Fine Line Electric. Inc. Florida, is a fact-pleadingjurisdiction, which requires more than Plaintiffs legal conclusions. See Deloitte & Touche v. Gencor /ndus.,/nc, 929 So. 2d 678, 681 (Fla.5th DCA 2006) CAs we wearilycontinue to point out, Florida is a fact-pleading jurisdiction, not a notice-pleadingjurisdiction.") Florida Rules of Civil Procedure 1.110(b) require that a pleading"must state a cause of action," and shall contain "(2)a short and plainstatement of the ultimate facts showing that the pleaderis entitled to relief...""[G]eneral,vague and conclusory statements are insufficient" under the rule. Jordan, 203 So. 3d 976. "Furthermore, at the outset of a suit,litigants must state their pleadingswith sufficient particularity for a defense to be prepared."Horowitz v. Laske, 855 So. 2d 169,173 (Fla.5ith DCA 2003). Counts XXXIV and XXXV of Plaintiffs Complaint failto satisfy the pleadingstandard and inform FLE of any actionable claim against it. Plaintiff,in a shotgun approach, commingles the allegeddefect allagations againstall of the Defendants. Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 8 Plaintiffs Complaint is devoid of any ultimate facts settingforth the any negligent acts or omissions by FLE in the performance of its work and/or supply of materials related to the construction of the Project. In addition, Plaintiffs Complaint fails to state what alleged defects were caused by or the result of deficient work performed by FLE. Allegationsthat are entirely conclusoryand mimic the language of the applicablecause of action should be dismissed. Gazarra v. Pulte Home Corporation,207 F. Su pp. 3d 1306, 1310 (M.D. Fla. 2016). C. Plaintiffs Claim for Violation of Building Code Fail as the Amended Complaint Does Not Cite to the SpecificProvisions AllegedlyViolated by the Defendants. Plaintiff allegesin Count XXXV that Defendant FLE violated the Florida Building code. Florida Statute § 553.84 is a vehicle for any person or party,that is damaged as a result of a violation of a Florida BuildingCode, to bring a cause of action against the person or party who committed the violation. Sierra v. Allied Stores Corp.,538 So. 2d 943 (Fla.3d DCA 1989). Section 553.84, Florida Statues providesas follows: 553.84 Statutory civil action - Notwithstanding any other remedies available,any person or party, in an individual capacity or on behalf of a class of persons or parties,damages as a result of a violation of this part or the Florida BuildingCode, has a cause of action in any court of competent jurisdictionagainst the person or party who committed the violation; however, if the person or party obtains the requiredbuildingpermits and any local government or publicagency with authorityto enforce the Florida BuildingCode approves the plans,if the construction project passes all Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 9 requiredinspectionsunder the code, and if there is no personalinjuryor damage to property other than the property that is the subject of the permits,plans,and inspections,this section does not apply unless the person or party knew or should have known that the violation existed. Thus, Section 553,84, Florida Statutes, providesa plaintiff with a "cause of action where a defendant has injureda plaintiff by violatingthe buildingcode or doing construction without the requiredpermit." Stallingsv. Kennedy Elec.,Inc. 710 So. 2d 195, 195 (Fla.5th DCA 1998). When pleading a cause of action for violation of the BuildingCode, there must be some facts to support the allegations.See Gazarra v. Pulte Home Corpomtion, 207 F. Supp. 1306,1310 (M.D. Fla. 2016) (Violationof Florida Building Code was dismissed where Plaintiffs' allegationswere entirelyconclusorywithout stating how the defendant's applicationof stucco violated the Code or how it failed). No statutory cause of action exists unless the person or party knew or should have known that the violation existed. Merely statingthat a person or party knew or should have known is insufficient. Conclusory statements are also insufficient. Plaintiff allegesin its Amended Complaint that Defendant FLE violated the Florida BuildingCode during the construction of the Project.However, Plaintiff Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 10 providesno details whatsoever as to which section of the Florida BuildingCode was allegedlyviolated by FLE or what the violation was. In an apparent attempt to circumvent its requirement to properlyallegea cause of action under Section 553.08, Paragraph 79 of the Amended Complaint lists27 allegeddefects in the construction of the Project. However, there are no statements of ultimate facts setting forth any specificdefects concerning the Florida BuildingCode, or how FLE purportedlyviolated the Florida BuildingCode during the construction of the Project. Defendant FLE cannot reasonable respond to Complaint ifit does not know which provisionsof the Florida BuildingCode it purportedlyviolated. 111. CONCLUSION Based upon the foregoing,Plaintiff Complaint against FLE should be dismissed for failure to state a cause of action, or alternatively, Plaintiff should be directed to providea more definite statement as to its claims against FLE. WHEREFORE, Defendant, FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC., respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an Order dismissingCounts XXXIV, XXXV of the Plaintiffs Complaint with prejudice, and for such other relief as the Court deems just,equitable,and proper. Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 11 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE WE HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing has been furnished via the Florida e-Portal Electronic Notification System, and/or electronic mail,to all counsel of record on the Service List,this 18th day of November, 2021. LUKS, SANTANIELLO, PETRILLO, COHEN & PETERFRIEND Attorneys for FINE LINE ELECTRIC, INC. 110 Southeast 6th ith Street, 20tn Floor Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Telephone: (954) 761-9900 Facsimile: (954) 761-9940 D/. BY. isi 2. R/.0 David L. Rosinsky,Esq. Florida Bar No.: 077061 drosinsky@insurancedefense.net drosenbaum@insurancedefense.net LuksFLL-Pleadings@LS-Law.com Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 12 SERVICE LIST PhillipE. Joseph. Esq. David L. Rosinsky, Esq. Evan Small, Esq. Daniel J. Santaniello, Esq. Gabriel Z. Coehlho, Esq. ElijahC. Waring, Jr., Esq. Luks, Santaniello, Petrillo,Cohen Ball Janik, LLP & Peterfriend 100 Southeast 2d Street, Suite 3310 110 Southeast 6t'th Street, 20tn ith Floor Miami, FL 33131 Tel: 786-770-8665 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Direct: 786-770-8650 Tel: (954) 761-9900 Fax: 407-902-2105 Fax: (954) 761-9940 pjoseph@balljanik.com esmal @ba janik.com drosinsky@insurancedefense.net gcoe ho@ba -an k.com drosenbaum@insurancedefense.net @warng@ba 'ank.corn LUKSFLL-PIeadings@LS-Law.com ngracey@ba -an k.com co ado@ba an k.com cbetancourt@ba janik.com cmarriott@ba janik.com Counsel for Plaintiff Counsel for Fine Line Electric, Inc. Gary Baumann, Esq. Jeremy C. Daniel. Esq. Elizabeth M. White, Esq. Christal R. Tomac, Esq. Baumann, Gant & Keeley,P.A. 1401 East Broward Boulevard, Suite 200 Daniels, Rodriguez,Berkeley,Daniels & Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Cruz, P.A. Tel: (954) 440-4611 4000 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Suite 800 Fax: (954) 440-4613 gbaumann@baumannlegal.com Coral Gables, FL 33146 ewhite@baumann egal.com Tel: (305) 488-7988 dca eca@baumann ega .com Fax: (305) 488-7978 ng oria@baumann ega.com jdaniels@drbc-law.com Counsel for PMG Driftwood. LLC and ctomac@drbc-law.com Glenewinkel Construction Company LLC dortiz@drbc-law.com service-jcd@drbc-law.com service-crt@drbc-law.com Counsel for Urvanx. Inc. Josh M. Rubens, Esq. Sanaz Alempour, Esq. Kluger,Kaplan,Silverman, Katzen & Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Levine, P.L. 201 South ,th Biscayne Boulevard, 27th Floor 600 North Pine Island Road, Suite 500 Miami, Florida 33131 Plantation, Florida 33324 Tel: (305) 379-9000 Tel: (954) 343-3902 jrubens@kluqerkaplan.com Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 13 Fax: (954) 474-7979 Counsel for PMG Driftwood. LLC Sanaz.alempour@csklegal.com Ian.calder@csklegal.com Toni.ortiz@csklegal.com Counsel for Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc. Scott L. Buscemi, Esq. Manuel A. Rodriguez, Esq. Property Markets Group Leslie V. Marenco, 1441 Esq. Brickell Avenue, Suite 1510 Miami, Florida 33131 Trust Counsel Tel: (305) 384-6745 357 Almeria Avenue, Suite 103 sbuscemi@propertymg.com Coral Gables, Florida 33134 General Counsel for PMG Driftwood, Tel: (305) 707-7126 LLC mannyar@gmail.com rodriguez@trustcounsel.com marenco@trustcounsel.com dulce@trustcounsel.com Counsel for Shamrock Engineering Corp. Ryan M. Charlson. Esq. Robert H. de Flesco, Ill,Esq. George R. Truitt Esq. Jana M. Fried, Esq. Anthony Lopez. Esq. Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. 9150 Dadeland Boulevard Suite 1400 600 North Pine Island Road, Suite 600 Miami, Florida 33156 Plantation, Florida 33324 Tel: (305) 350-5300 Fax: (305) 373-2294 Tel: (954) 473-1112 Ryan.Charlson@csklegal.com Fax: (954) 474-7979 george.Truitt@Esl< egal.com Anthony.Lopez@csklega .com Robert.DeFIesco@csklegal.com Nico e.Kaufman@csk ega .com Jana.Fried@csklegal.com ega .com Joeicy.Fanjul@csklegal.com Judith.Gracla@csklepa .com Lisa.Hefte Bibi.Sattaur@csklegal.com @csk eqal.com egal.com Construction.Miami@csklegal.com Counsel for CHM Structural Engineers, LLC Counsel for Bradford Products, LLC Case No.: 20-17530 (07) Sage Beach Condominium Association, Inc. v. PMG Driftwood, LLC, et al Page 14 Kellie A. Caggiano, Esq. Adam C. Linkhorst, Esq. Randell H. Rowe, IV, Esq. R. Scott Clayton, Esq. Tyler R. Bennion. Esq. Moyer Law Group Linkhorst & Hockin, P.A. 801 Third Street South 4495 MilitaryTrail,Suite 106 St. Petersburg,FL 33701 Jupiter,FL 33458 Tel: (727) 310- Fax: (727) 310-2003 Tel: (561) 626-8880 Service-kcaggiano@moyerlawgroup.com Fax: (561) 561) 626-8885 Counsel acl@floridahardhatlaw.com for Construction Specialties, Inc. rsc@floridahardhatlaw.com service@floridahardhatlaw.com Counsel for Sage Advisory Consulting. LLC and Tekton Construction Corp. Brent T. Williams, Esq. Winston A. Taitt. Esq. Taitt Law, P.C. 424 East Central Boulevard, Suite 356 Orlando, FL 32801 Tel: (407) 900-9254 Fax: (407) 386-8358 bwilliams@taittlaw.com Counsel for B. Cody Plumbing, Inc.