Posts by Sean Lopez
What to Do if I Bought a Home With Unpermitted Improvements in Florida?
A permit issue discovered after closing on a St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay home often feels like a construction problem. It is usually a disclosure problem first and a construction problem second. Work done without a permit by the previous owner shows up in a few common ways. A home inspector flags a mismatched electrical…
Read MoreCan My Landlord Raise My Rent in Florida?
Reviewed by SeanCarlo Lopez, Esq., Managing Partner, Lopez Law Group Florida law does not set a statewide percentage limit on rent increases. Unlike some states, Florida does not have statewide rent control laws that cap annual rent increases. That does not mean a landlord can raise rent whenever they want or without following the law.…
Read MoreBeing Evicted in Florida: What You Need To Know!
Reviewed by SeanCarlo Lopez, Esq., Managing Partner, Lopez Law Group Receiving an eviction notice is stressful. Whether you rent an apartment, condominium, or single-family home, losing your housing affects nearly every part of your life. Many tenants immediately worry about where they will live, whether they have to leave right away, and what happens if…
Read MoreWhat Should I Do If My Florida Business Gets Sued?: Immediate Steps to Protect Your Company
The process server has just handed you a lawsuit naming your St. Petersburg business as a defendant—the next 24 to 48 hours are crucial. How you respond to this notice determines whether you defend effectively, negotiate favorable terms, or face default judgment and serious consequences. Business lawsuits in Florida move fast, involve strict procedural deadlines,…
Read MoreCan You Handle Probate Without an Attorney in Florida?: When DIY Works and When It Doesn’t
Florida requires an attorney for most probate proceedings, including formal administration and summary administration, unless the personal representative is the sole interested party in the estate. If you are the sole beneficiary of the estate and the only person with any interest in it, you may be able to handle probate without an attorney. But…
Read MoreWhat Are the Differences Between Probation and Parole in Florida?: Supervision, Conditions, and Violations Explained
Your sentencing hearing just ended. The judge said “probation,” but your cellmate keeps talking about “parole.” Your attorney mentioned “community control,” and now you’re not sure what any of it means. Or maybe you’re already under supervision, and someone told you probation and parole are basically the same thing. Probation and parole both involve court-ordered…
Read MoreWhat Happens If You Violate Probation in Florida?: Process, Penalties, and Defense Options
Your probation officer just called and wants to see you immediately. Or maybe you missed a drug test, picked up a new charge, or forgot to report an address change. Perhaps you’re sitting in jail right now on a probation violation warrant with no bond, wondering how long they can hold you and whether you’re…
Read MoreCan You Remove Your Name From the Florida Sex Offender Registry?: Eligibility, Process, and Legal Options
You’ve been on Florida’s sex offender registry for years. Every address change requires notification. Every job application ends when the background check runs. Landlords hang up when they see your name on the public database. You served your sentence, completed probation, and stayed out of trouble, but the registry follows you everywhere. The question keeps…
Read MoreWhat Happens If You’re Charged With a Sex Crime in Florida?: Answers and Next Steps to Your Defense
A detective just called and wants to “ask you a few questions.” Or maybe you’ve already been arrested, booked, and released on bond with a court date you don’t understand. Perhaps someone you care about is sitting in Pinellas County Jail facing charges you never thought possible. Sex crime accusations in Florida move fast, carry…
Read MoreCan a Juvenile Record Be Expunged in Florida?
Yes, a Florida juvenile record may be expunged if the offense meets the eligibility requirements, the juvenile has completed any required diversion program or sentence, and there are no disqualifying convictions. Florida law allows juveniles who were arrested, adjudicated delinquent, or participated in diversion programs to petition the court to seal or expunge their records…
Read More