Opinion ID: 1675551
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Rawlins v. Valley (1911156)

Text: In a three-count cross-complaint, the Rawlinses sued Valley, alleging fraud in Valley's preparation and issuance of a termite letter. The Rawlinses presented no substantial evidence that Valley intentionally, recklessly, or innocently misrepresented any facts to the Rawlinses. Noteworthy in this regard is the fact that the Rawlinses were aware of both termite letters prepared by Valley. In fact, the Rawlinses requested the second letter after having received (and presumably having read) the first. Moreover, it is undisputed that the Rawlinses knew, at a minimum, that the house had been infested with termites in 1986. It is also undisputed that the Rawlinses knew, at some time before March 16, 1988, that there had been a problem with moisture and fungus or mildew under the house. Even if the Rawlinses had presented evidence that Valley had negligently failed to detect termite infestation during its 1988 inspection or had negligently failed to treat the house for termites in 1986, they still failed to present any evidence that Valley made any misrepresentations to them about the condition of the house. Accordingly, we affirm the summary judgment on the Rawlinses' cross-claim insofar as it alleged fraud. West v. Founders Life Assurance Co. of Florida, 547 So.2d at 871; Yarbrough v. C & S Family Credit, Inc., 595 So.2d at 881. The Rawlinses also alleged that Valley breached the contract that required it to issue a letter accurately representing the condition of the house at the time of the closing. The evidence supporting the Rumfords' breach of contract claim brought by them as third-party beneficiaries also supports a claim by the Rawlinses, as primary parties to the letter contract, against Valley for breach of contract. Thus, as to the Rawlinses' breach of contract claim against Valley, the summary judgment on the cross-claim is reversed, and the cause is remanded.