Case Name: Rhonda L. SMYTH, Appellant, v. K-MART CORPORATION, and Cambridge Integrated Services, Appellees
Court: Florida District Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction: Florida
Decision Date: 2005-05-19
Citations: 905 So. 2d 921
Docket Number: No. 1D04-1362
Parties: Rhonda L. SMYTH, Appellant, v. K-MART CORPORATION, and Cambridge Integrated Services, Appellees.
Judges: LEWIS, J., concurs. WOLF, C.J., concurs with written opinion.
Reporter: Southern Reporter, Second Series
Volume: 905
Pages: 921–921

Head Matter:
Rhonda L. SMYTH, Appellant, v. K-MART CORPORATION, and Cambridge Integrated Services, Appellees.
No. 1D04-1362.
District Court of Appeal of Florida, First District.
May 19, 2005.
Rehearing Denied July 6, 2005.
Keith A. Mann, of Mann Legal Group, Sarasota, for Appellant.
Cindy R. Galen, of Eraclides, Johns, Hall, Gelman, Eikner & Johannessen, L.L.P., Sarasota, for Appellees.

Opinion:
BARFIELD, J.
With the exception of the finding regarding the fee rate customarily charged in the locality for similar services, competent substantial evidence supports the factual findings in the appealed order awarding attorney fees to the claimant's counsel. In response to the verified petition and affidavit in which the claimant's counsel stated that the customary fee rate was $250 per hour for similar services, the employer/earrier presented no evidence, only an unsworn memorandum and counsel's argument at the hearing. All other issues raised in this appeal are without merit. The order is REMANDED for a recalculation of the attorney fee, using the fee rate of $250 per hour, but in all other respects, the order is AFFIRMED.
LEWIS, J., concurs. WOLF, C.J., concurs with written opinion.