Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida
Two of my good friends are new residents in Florida from Ohio. Their names are Michael Stischok (53) and his father Joseph Stischok (84). Michael just bought a house in NE Cape, and as a welcome to Florida gift, his father hired a contractor named John Tryon to build a concrete dock off the seawall. Joe wrote 3 checks to John for a total of $7,500. We became worried after he delayed the start and asked for more money. We caught him in several lies.
John last week was supposed to start the job and left a voicemail saying he could not do it. We asked for the money back, and he claims he doesn�t have it. He is always in local bars. My questions is, should I contact the police and sue, just sue, or what should my first step be?
2 Answers from Attorneys
The police will not get involved because it is a civil matter (not criminal). Your friends will need to sue the contractor. I suggest they retain an attorney to obtain the best possible outcome.
Sarah is correct.