Tom verbally agrees to sell his Florida beachfront condo to Sally for $500,000. Sally immediately pays Tom $50,000 as a down payment, takes possession of the property, and makes $75,000 in improvements. When Tom later refuses to transfer title, Sally sues for specific performance. What is the likely outcome under Florida law?
Correct Answer
B) Sally wins due to the doctrine of part performance
Correct: B - Florida recognizes the doctrine of part performance as an exception to the Statute of Frauds. Sally's payment, possession, and improvements constitute sufficient part performance to enforce the oral contract. Why not A: While the Statute of Frauds requires written contracts, part performance creates an exception. Why not C: Part performance allows enforcement of the entire contract, not just money recovery. Why not D: The remedy includes specific performance of the sale, not limited to improvement value.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
An option contract gives one party the exclusive right, but not the obligation, to purchase or lease a property at a specified price within a specified time period. The buyer pays option consideration to keep the option open.
A purchase agreement is a legally binding contract between a buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale of real property. It is also commonly called a sales contract, purchase and sale agreement, or earnest money agreement.
Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy that compels the breaching party to fulfill their obligations under the contract rather than simply paying monetary damages. It is an equitable remedy used when monetary damages would be inadequate.
More Real Estate Contracts Questions
All of the following are required elements of a valid Florida real estate purchase contract EXCEPT:
A seller accepts a buyer's offer on their Florida home but dies before closing. The seller's estate representative wants to cancel the contract. What is the legal status?
The FAR/BAR residential contract requires earnest money held by:
A buyer signs a Florida purchase contract for a condo and learns during the inspection period about a special assessment of $10,000. The seller knew but didn't disclose this. What are the buyer's rights?
A buyer and seller in Florida agree to extend the closing date by 10 days. The original contract had a 'time is of the essence' clause. What must they do to make this extension valid?
- → A Florida real estate licensee prepares a purchase agreement that includes a financing contingency. The buyer fails to apply for financing within the specified timeframe. What is the legal consequence under Florida contract law?
- → Under Florida law, all of the following would typically survive the closing of a real estate purchase agreement EXCEPT:
- → Broker Sarah receives a $5,000 earnest money deposit from buyer Johnson for a property purchase. The contract states the deposit should be held in escrow. According to Florida law, what must Sarah do with this deposit?
- → A buyer in Fort Lauderdale breaches a residential purchase contract by refusing to close without legal justification. The contract contains a liquidated damages clause equal to the earnest money deposit of $5,000. What is the seller's most likely remedy?
- → A seller in Florida fails to deliver clear title by the closing date due to an unexpected lien. The buyer wants to proceed but needs more time. What is the most appropriate course of action?
- → Under Florida law, a real estate purchase contract may be rescinded for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
- → Under Florida real estate law, all of the following are acceptable remedies for contract breach EXCEPT:
- → In Gainesville, a buyer discovers that the seller's agent failed to disclose a material fact about flooding history. The buyer wants to cancel the contract before closing. Under Florida law, what is the buyer's strongest legal basis?
- → A 17-year-old inherits a property in Florida and wants to sell it. The minor enters into a sales contract with a buyer. Under Florida law, what is the status of this contract?
- → Audit memo Harbor Case highlights this Florida rule. In a Tallahassee transaction, a closing coordinator wants the Florida rule on offer. Which statement is correct?
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