Can I force a buyer to close on my Florida property?

2026-07-03T14:58:12Z

Selling your property can feel frustrating when a buyer misses the closing date or backs out without a valid reason. You may also face an escrow dispute if the buyer demands the return of the earnest money deposit. Although every situation differs, Florida law may provide options that could help you protect your interests after a buyer breaches the purchase agreement.

Assessing your options after a buyer defaults

A buyer who fails to complete the sale does not always avoid consequences. The purchase agreement often outlines the remedies available if the buyer breaches the contract. Depending on the terms of the agreement, you may have two possible options:

Keep the earnest money deposit as liquidated damages: Some Florida purchase agreements allow you to keep the earnest money deposit as compensation if the buyer defaults without legal justification. This option often depends on the contract language and the circumstances surrounding the failed transaction.
Seek specific performance: You may ask a court to require the buyer to complete the purchase. Courts generally reserve this remedy for certain situations, and the outcome often depends on the facts of the case.

Under Florida law, contracts involving the sale of real property generally must satisfy the requirements of the Statute of Frauds. In most cases, the agreement must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement is sought. A valid written contract may become an important factor if the dispute reaches court.

Reviewing contract deadlines and your rights

Real estate purchase agreements often include deadlines for financing, inspections and other contingencies. These deadlines frequently determine when a buyer may cancel the agreement without penalty. If those deadlines pass without proper notice or action, the buyer may lose certain contractual protections. At the same time, waiting too long to respond to a breach could affect the remedies available to you. Reviewing the contract timeline may help you better understand where each party stands before an escrow dispute becomes more complicated.

Resolving escrow funds when they remain frozen

An escrow dispute may continue even after the transaction falls apart. In some situations, the escrow agent cannot release the earnest money deposit until both parties agree or a legal process resolves the dispute. Depending on the circumstances, the matter could proceed through:

Participating in mediation to help the parties reach an agreement.
Filing an interpleader action so a court can determine who should receive the escrow funds.
Pursuing litigation if the buyer breached the agreement without a legal basis.

Each option serves a different purpose and the most appropriate approach often depends on the contract terms and the facts surrounding the failed closing.

Understanding your next steps

A failed real estate sale does not always mean you must accept the loss. Florida law and the terms of your purchase agreement may provide options for keeping the earnest money deposit, resolving an escrow dispute or seeking completion of the sale. Understanding your rights early may help you make informed decisions as the real estate dispute moves forward.

When Your Child Turns 18: What Every Parent Needs To Know Before College

2025-12-19T16:33:00Z

You’ve packed the dorm supplies, paid the tuition bill, and hugged your child goodbye as they step into their next chapter. It’s an exciting milestone, and for many parents, an emotional one too.

But here’s something most families don’t realize: the day your child turns 18, everything changes in the eyes of the law.

What Changes at 18?

At 18, your child is considered a legal adult. That means you, as their parent, no longer have automatic authority to:

🚑 Make medical decisions on their behalf
💳 Access their bank or financial accounts
📚 View their academic records—even if you’re footing the tuition bill

For parents sending a teen off to college, this can be a startling shift. You’ve spent nearly two decades protecting and guiding them, but suddenly, the law puts up barriers that can leave you sidelined.

The Real Risks Parents Face

This isn’t just a technicality, it’s a reality that plays out every day.

Medical Emergencies: Imagine your child is rushed to the hospital after an accident. You call for updates, but the doctors legally can’t share details or let you make decisions without prior authorization.
Financial Barriers: A bill goes unpaid, their debit card is compromised, or there’s an issue with their lease...but you don’t have the legal authority to step in.
Academic Roadblocks: Even if you’re paying thousands for tuition, the college registrar can’t release grades, transcripts, or disciplinary records without your child’s written consent.

It’s not about trust. It’s about the law. And without the right documents, you may find yourself powerless in moments when your child needs you most.

How Estate Planning Protects College Students

The good news? There’s a simple solution. With your child’s consent, a Young Adult Estate Plan ensures you can step in if life takes an unexpected turn.

Here’s what it typically includes:

📝 Durable Power of Attorney – Allows you to help with finances or legal matters.
💉 Healthcare Surrogate & Living Will – Ensures someone they trust can make medical decisions and that their wishes are respected.
📚 FERPA Authorization – Grants you access to academic records.
🔐 HIPAA Release – Permits doctors to share medical information with you.

Extra Layers of Protection

Depending on your child’s lifestyle, additional tools may also make sense:

✈️ Travel Medical Directive – Crucial for students studying abroad or taking extended trips.
💻 Digital Legacy Plan – Outlines what happens to social media and online accounts.
🐾 Pet Directive – Ensures someone is legally responsible if your child owns a pet.

Why Parents Choose to Plan

Parents tell us the same thing over and over: estate planning for their college student gave them peace of mind.

✅ It protects your child’s independence while giving you a legal safety net.
✅ It eliminates red tape in an emergency, when time matters most.
✅ It reassures both you and your child that you’ll always be able to step in if needed.

This isn’t about control—it’s about care. It’s about knowing that no matter what happens, you’re not left helpless in a moment of crisis.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Emergencies don’t wait until your child is “older.” The moment they turn 18, the law changes. Taking steps now means you’ll never be caught off guard.

As you prepare them for classes, dorm life, and everything in between, don’t forget this one essential step: prepare legally, too.

Contact Us

At Coleman Law, we created the Young Adult Essentials Plan because we believe one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child is protection. Independence, with a safety net.

✨ Ready to learn more? 📲 Contact Coleman Law today at (850) 688-8651 to schedule a consultation.

Coleman Law, P.A. Where excellence and empathy go hand in hand.