It is not only private, for-profit Florida businesses and organizations that regularly engage in contractual relationships but governmental and non-profit organizations as well. As with any contract, a dispute can arise at any time, pitting two entities at odds against each other. It is during these situations that the power of an original contract can truly be put to the test.
An example of this can be seen in a case regarding a contract between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a non-profit group called Rebuild Northwest Florida. The latter is an entity that seeks to help people and communities not only recover from hurricane or tornado damage but guard their structures against future damage in the eye of these natural disasters. As part of its work, Rebuild Northwest Florida received federal grant money from FEMA to complete mitigation work. The goal was to work on as many as 14,000 homes overall.
Now, however, the agency is in a dispute with FEMA as it alleges that the government entity has unfairly withheld money it needs to complete its stated work. After being denied funds, Rebuild Northwest Florida appealed to FEMA but its appeal efforts have also resulted in a denial of funds. As such, the non-profit group has filed a lawsuit in federal court against FEMA in its latest effort to obtain money it says it is owed per their contract.
When two parties in a contract do not agree on how the terms of a contract are meant to be realized, it may be wise to consult with an attorney before taking action.
Source: Pensacola News Journal, “Rebuild Northwest Florida suing FEMA for leftover hurricane funds,” Kevin Robinson, July 1, 2017
