Case ID: fla-supp-2d_22/html/0177-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "PER CURIAM.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

OBERS, et al. v PRINCE
    Case No. 86-112 AP (County Court Case No. 85-23340SP05)
    Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Appellate Division, Dade County
    April 13, 1987
    APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL
    John R.' Greenwood for appellants.
    No appearance for appellee.
    Before RIVKIND, NADLER, FEDER, JJ.
   OPINION OF THE COURT

PER CURIAM.

Appellant successfully recovered their security deposit from their landlord after a non-jury trial.

The trial judge denied their application for legal fees. Section 83.49(3)(c), Florida Statutes (1985), provides for the prevailing party to recover legal fees in residential tenancy actions concerning the retention of security deposits.

An award of attorney’s fees pursuant to this statute is mandatory, not discretionary. See Durene v. Alcine, 448 So.2d 1208 (Fla. 3d DCA 1984).

We note that Appellee has not favored this court with a brief. Therefore, on the record presented, we have not been apprised of any legal basis for the trial court’s rejection of the application for legal fees.

We reverse and remand with directions to award appellants reasonable legal fees for services rendered in the trial court to recover the security deposit.

Reversed and remanded with directions.