Case ID: so2d_458/html/1177-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "BARKETT, Judge. \n      GLICKSTEIN, Judge,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

VILLA SORRENTO, INC., Appellant, v. John ELDEN, et al., Appellees.
    No. 84-425.
    District Court of Appeal of Florida, Fourth District.
    Nov. 7, 1984.
    Joseph A. Hubert and James D. Rudd of Watson, Hubert & Clark, Fort Lauderdale, for appellant.
    Anthony J. Beisler, III of Anthony J. Beisler, III, P.A., Fort Lauderdale, for ap-pellees.
   BARKETT, Judge.

This appeal arises from an action between a cooperative association and a unit owner. The cooperative association prevailed on the merits. The lower court failed to award attorney’s fees in accordance with section 719.303, Florida Statutes (1983). We reverse.

Appellees suggest that the statutory language in question, “[t]he prevailing party is entitled to attorney’s fees,” is not mandatory. Appellee suggests that the trial courts have discretion to determine whether to award fees. We disagree. The statutory language is mandatory. The discretion of the trial court exists only to the extent of determining the reasonableness of the amount in light of the circumstances.

Accordingly, we reverse and remand for the assessment of a reasonable fee.

REVERSED AND REMANDED.

HURLEY, J., concurs.

GLICKSTEIN, J., concurs specially with opinion.

GLICKSTEIN, Judge,

specially concurring.

I hesitate to write because of concern for detracting from the majority opinion, in which I concur. Nevertheless, I add a thought that should be obvious to litigants; namely, that in resolving differences by way of settlement which the parties wish the trial court to ratify by order, litigants may agree that each party shall bear his own costs and attorney’s fees.