The decisions
- In re Adoption of K.E. (4th DCA, August 26, 2026) — Undefined common-law terms in Florida statutes carry their common-law meaning. Under chapter 63, degrees of consanguinity follow the common-law method, so first cousins once removed are third-degree relatives. Read it →
- McAllister v. Holman Automotive, Inc. d/b/a Lauderdale BMW of Fort Lauderdale (4th DCA, August 19, 2026) — Dealership loaners provided under signed agreements identifying consideration, including the servicing opportunity, are Graves Amendment rentals. Section 324.021(9)(c)3. independently shields dealers providing temporary replacement vehicles. Read it →
- Warner v. Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts (11th Cir., August 17, 2026) — Clerks forfeiting registry funds under section 116.21 must give individualized notice reasonably calculated to reach owners, using available e-filing contacts. Deficient notice renders forfeiture an uncompensated taking. Read it →
- In re: Amendments to Florida Probate Rules - 2026 Legislation (FL Supreme Court, August 7, 2026) — Effective immediately, the summary administration threshold rises to $150,000 and disposition without administration to $20,000. Section 733.612 enforcement proceedings are presumptively adversary. Read it →
- Ferrari Financial Services, Inc. v. Auto Vault, Inc. (1st DCA, August 26, 2026) — Database searches plus a seller's oral assurance do not establish bona fide purchaser status as a matter of law. Inquiry notice is ordinarily a fact question informed by buyer sophistication. Read it →
- Yellowfin Yachts, LLC v. Carl Austin Rosen (3rd DCA, August 26, 2026) — Under section 768.72(1), trial courts view only the claimant's proffer in the light most favorable to the plaintiff and do not weigh a defendant's competing proffer, applying Perlmutter. Read it →
Plus 8 more business and commercial decisions in August 2026 — all in the tracker.
The practical upshot
- Clients depositing funds into court registries should keep e-filing contact data current and track balances after dismissal to guard against section 116.21 forfeiture.
- When buying vehicles or equipment from recent owners lacking title, document inquiry beyond database searches. Lenders can cite Ferrari against bona fide purchaser summary judgments.
- When opposing punitive damages amendments, challenge the legal sufficiency of the claimant's own proffer rather than relying on a competing evidentiary record.
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