Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company

Supreme Court of Florida
____________
No. SC16-1420
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ALTMAN CONTRACTORS, INC.,
Appellant,
vs.
CRUM & FORSTER SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY,
Appellee.
[December 14, 2017]
POLSTON, J.
Altman Contractors, Inc., the general contractor for the construction of a
condominium, was insured by Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company
(“C&F”) on a general liability policy. C&F had a duty to defend Altman in any
“suit,” as defined by the policy, arising from the project.
Altman claims that this duty to defend was invoked when the property
owner served it with several notices under chapter 558, Florida Statutes, a statutory
process for resolving construction defect claims that is a condition precedent to
filing a lawsuit. There are no issues presented to us that would bring into question
whether there is underlying coverage under the policy for at least some of the
claims.
We review the following question of law certified by the United States Court
of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit (rephrased only to match references within this
opinion):
Is the notice and repair process set forth in chapter 558, Florida
Statutes, a “suit” within the meaning of the commercial general
liability policy issued by C&F to Altman?
Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum & Forster Specialty Ins. Co., 832 F.3d 1318,
1326 (11th Cir. 2016).1 We answer this question in the affirmative because the
chapter 558 presuit process is an “alternative dispute resolution proceeding” as
included in the policy’s definition of “suit.” However, we do not address whether,
in this case, C&F consented to Altman’s participation in the chapter 558 process,
thereby giving rise to its duty to defend, because it is outside the scope of the
certified question and an issue of fact disputed by the parties.
BACKGROUND
Altman was the general contractor for the construction of a high-rise
residential condominium in Broward County, Florida, Sapphire Condominium
(“Sapphire”). Altman was insured by C&F for the Sapphire project through seven
1. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 3(b)(6), Fla. Const.
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consecutive one-year commercial general liability (CGL) insurance policies, all of
which were materially the same (“the policy”). These policies were in effect from
February 1, 2005, through February 1, 2012.
The policy provided in pertinent part:
We will pay those sums that the insured becomes legally
obligated to pay as damages because of “bodily injury” or “property
damage” to which this insurance applies. We will have the right and
duty to defend the insured against any “suit” seeking those damages.
However, we will have no duty to defend the insured against any
“suit” seeking damages for “bodily injury” or “property damage” to
which this insurance does not apply. We may, at our discretion,
investigate any “occurrence” and settle any claim or “suit” that may
result.
(Emphasis added.) The policy defined the term “suit” as follows:
“Suit” means a civil proceeding in which damages because of “bodily
injury,” “property damage” or “personal and advertising injury” to
which this insurance applies are alleged. “Suit” includes:
a. An arbitration proceeding in which such damages are
claimed and to which the insured must submit or does submit with our
consent; or
b. Any other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in which
such damages are claimed and to which the insured submits with our
consent.
The policy did not provide further definitions for “civil proceeding” or “alternative
dispute resolution proceeding” as used within this definition of “suit.”
Between April 2012 and November 2012, Sapphire served Altman with
several chapter 558 notices of claim, which cumulatively claimed over 800
construction defects in the Sapphire project. On or about January 14, 2013,
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Altman notified C&F of Sapphire’s claims and demanded, pursuant to the policy,
that C&F defend and indemnify Altman as to Sapphire’s claims. C&F denied that
Sapphire’s notices of claim invoked its duty to defend because the notices did not
constitute a “suit.” When C&F refused to defend Altman, it retained counsel to
defend the notices of claim.
On May 28, 2013, Sapphire served Altman with a supplement to the
November 2012 notice, claiming thirteen additional deficiencies in the Sapphire
project. Sapphire demanded that Altman “take all measures necessary to correct
the identified construction and/or design defects.”
On August 5, 2013, C&F, maintaining its position that Sapphire’s notices of
claim did not invoke its duty to defend Altman under the policy, hired counsel to
defend the claims. According to C&F, it retained counsel for Altman under a
reservation of rights in anticipation of possible litigation. Altman objected to
C&F’s selection of counsel, demanded that its original counsel be paid to continue
defending, and requested reimbursement from C&F for the fees and expenses
incurred since notifying C&F of Sapphire’s notices of claim. C&F denied
Altman’s requests. Ultimately, Altman settled all of Sapphire’s claimed
construction defects without any lawsuit being filed and without C&F’s
involvement.
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Altman filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of Florida seeking a declaration that C&F owed a
duty to defend and to indemnify it under the policy. Altman moved for partial
summary judgment “solely on the issue of whether [C&F’s] duty to defend its
insured, [Altman], was triggered when [Altman] demanded a defense to the”
notices of claim. Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum & Forster Specialty Ins. Co.,
124 F. Supp. 3d 1272, 1275 (S.D. Fla. 2015). C&F also moved for summary
judgment. Id.
The federal district court concluded that nothing in chapter 558 precludes
coverage during the chapter 558 presuit process “if the policy otherwise would
provide for coverage.” Id. at 1278. Looking to the terms of the policy, the federal
district court found “no ambiguity in the policy provisions at issue” and concluded
that “[n]othing about the Chapter 558 process satisfies th[e] definition” of “civil
proceeding.” Id. at 1279. Thus, the federal district court denied Altman’s motion
for partial summary judgment and granted summary judgment for C&F. Id. at
1282-83.
Altman appealed to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit, and the Eleventh Circuit certified the legal issue before us. 832
F.3d at 1326.
ANALYSIS
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Whether C&F has a duty to defend Altman during the chapter 558 process is
determined by whether the process is a “suit” as defined by the policy.
“[I]nsurance policy interpretation . . . is a question of law, subject to de novo
review.” Penzer v. Transp. Ins. Co., 29 So. 3d 1000, 1005 (Fla. 2010). We
construe insurance contracts according to their plain language. Fayad v. Clarendon
Nat’l Ins. Co., 899 So. 2d 1082, 1086 (Fla. 2005). And the parties do not dispute
that Florida law controls.
A. Chapter 558 Process
Chapter 558, titled “Construction Defects,” sets forth procedural
requirements before a claimant may file an action for a construction defect. See
§ 558.003, Fla. Stat. (2012). Specifically, a claimant must “serve written notice of
claim on the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design professional, as
applicable” before the claimant may file an action for a construction defect.
§ 558.004(1), Fla. Stat. (2012).
When Altman received Sapphire’s first notice of claim, section 558.001,
Florida Statutes (2012), provided the following legislative findings and
declaration:
The Legislature finds that it is beneficial to have an alternative
method to resolve construction disputes that would reduce the need
for litigation as well as protect the rights of property owners. An
effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in certain
construction defect matters should involve the claimant filing a notice
of claim with the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design
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professional that the claimant asserts is responsible for the defect, and
should provide the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design
professional with an opportunity to resolve the claim without resort to
further legal process.
(Emphasis added.)2
Upon receipt of a chapter 558 notice of claim, the recipient “must serve a
written response to the claimant” within the statutorily specified time-period,
providing either an offer “to remedy the alleged construction defect at no cost to
the claimant,” “to compromise and settle the claim by monetary payment,” “to
compromise and settle the claim by a combination of repairs and monetary
payment,” a statement disputing the claim, or a statement that any monetary
payment will be determined by the recipient’s insurer. § 558.004(5), Fla. Stat.
2. In 2015, the Legislature amended section 558.001 as follows (additions
underlined):
The Legislature finds that it is beneficial to have an alternative
method to resolve construction disputes that would reduce the need
for litigation as well as protect the rights of property owners. An
effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in certain
construction defect matters should involve the claimant filing a notice
of claim with the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design
professional that the claimant asserts is responsible for the defect, and
should provide the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design
professional, and the insurer of the contractor, subcontractor, supplier,
or design professional, with an opportunity to resolve the claim
through confidential settlement negotiations without resort to further
legal process.
Ch. 2015-165, § 1, Laws of Fla.
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(2012). Once the claimant “receives a timely settlement offer,” the claimant “must
accept or reject the offer” in writing. § 558.004(7), Fla. Stat. (2012).
“[T]he claimant may, without further notice, proceed with an action” against
the recipient if the parties either agree to “a partial settlement or compromise of the
claim,”3 the recipient “disputes the claim and will neither remedy the defect nor
compromise and settle the claim,” or the claimant does not receive a response
“within the time provided.” § 558.004(6), Fla. Stat. (2012). If the offeror satisfies
the parties’ agreement within a reasonable period of time, “the claimant is barred
from proceeding with an action for the claim described in the notice of claim or as
otherwise provided in the accepted settlement offer.” § 558.004(8), Fla. Stat.
(2012). “[A]ny offer or failure to offer . . . to remedy an alleged construction
defect or to compromise and settle the claim by monetary payment does not
constitute an admission of liability with respect to the defect and is not admissible”
in a subsequent lawsuit. § 558.004(9), Fla. Stat. (2012). “If a claimant initiates an
action without first accepting or rejecting the offer, the court shall stay the action
upon timely motion until the claimant complies with this subsection.”
§ 558.004(7), Fla. Stat. (2012). “In the event of . . . litigation,” the trial court may
3. In such case, the action may proceed only “on the unresolved portions of
the claim.” § 558.004(6), Fla. Stat. (2012).
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order sanctions for failing to provide requested discovery during the chapter 558
process. § 558.004(15), Fla. Stat. (2012).
B. “Suit” within the Policy’s Definition
As stated above, the policy defines “suit” as follows:
“Suit” means a civil proceeding in which damages because of “bodily
injury,” “property damage” or “personal and advertising injury” to
which this insurance applies are alleged. “Suit” includes:
a. An arbitration proceeding in which such damages are
claimed and to which the insured must submit or does submit with our
consent; or
b. Any other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in which
such damages are claimed and to which the insured submits with our
consent.
Initially, the policy defines “suit” as “a civil proceeding in which damages because
of ‘bodily injury,’ ‘property damage’ or ‘personal and advertising injury’ to which
this insurance applies are alleged.” (Emphasis added.) Therefore, to qualify as a
“suit” within this initial portion of the definition, the chapter 558 process must
constitute a “civil proceeding.”
In Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. v. Phillips, 126 So. 3d 186, 190
(Fla. 2013) (quoting Black’s Law Dictionary 1324 (9th ed. 2009)), this Court
employed a definition of “proceeding” as “[a]ny procedural means for seeking
redress from a tribunal or agency.” The Court also noted that a “proceeding” is “a
particular step or series of steps in the enforcement, adjudication, or administration
of rights, remedies, laws, or regulations.” Id. n.4 (quoting Merriam-Webster’s
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Dictionary of Law 387 (1996)). The term “civil proceeding” was added in the
Tenth Edition of Black’s Law Dictionary and is defined as “[a] judicial hearing,
session, or lawsuit in which the purpose is to decide or delineate private rights and
remedies, as in a dispute between litigants in a matter relating to torts, contracts,
property, or family law.” Black’s Law Dictionary, 300 (10th ed. 2014).
In light of these definitions, the chapter 558 notice and repair process cannot
be considered a civil proceeding under the policy terms because the recipient’s
participation in the chapter 558 settlement process is not mandatory or
adjudicative. See § 558.004(5)-(6), Fla. Stat. (2012). Upon receipt of the required
notice of claim, the recipient may choose to not respond and, thereby, force the
claimant to file a lawsuit to recover for the identified construction defect. Id.
In other words, chapter 558 does not place any obligation on the insured to
participate in the chapter 558 process. The chapter 558 framework has never been
anything other than a voluntary dispute resolution mechanism on the part of the
insured, despite its requirement that the claimant serve the insured with a notice
before initiating a lawsuit. Further, the chapter 558 process does not take place in
a court of law or employ any type of adjudicatory body. Nor does the chapter 558
process produce legally binding results. Rather, chapter 558 sets forth a presuit
process whereby the claim may be resolved solely by the parties through a
negotiated settlement or voluntary repairs without ever filing a lawsuit. Therefore,
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the chapter 558 process is not a “civil proceeding” within the policy definition of
“suit.”
However, in subparagraph (b),4 the policy broadens the definition of “suit”
to “include[],” “[a]ny other alternative dispute resolution proceeding in which such
damages are claimed and to which the insured submits with our consent.” Looking
to the plain meaning of the policy’s terms, “alternative dispute resolution” means
“[a] procedure for settling a dispute by means other than litigation.” Black’s Law
Dictionary 91 (9th ed. 2009).
Chapter 558 falls within this definition as a statutorily required presuit
process aimed to encourage the claimant and insured to settle claims for
construction defects without resorting to litigation. See §§ 558.001, 558.004.
Indeed, the Legislature explicitly described chapter 558 as “[a]n effective
alternative dispute resolution mechanism,” intended to be beneficial for reducing
construction defect litigation. § 558.001 (emphasis added); see also Specialty
Eng’g Consultants, Inc. v. Hovstone Props. Fla., LLC, 968 So. 2d 680, 681 (Fla.
4th DCA 2007) (recognizing that “the Florida Legislature created an alternative
method to resolve construction disputes involving multiple parcels” (emphasis
added)). Therefore, we conclude that the chapter 558 process is an “alternative
4. We do not address the policy’s definition of “suit” under subparagraph
(a) because the chapter 558 process is clearly not an “arbitration proceeding.”
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dispute resolution proceeding” within the plain meaning of this policy term, the
same as mediation would be.5
The next part of the policy’s definition of “suit” under subparagraph (b)
requires that “such damages” be claimed in the “alternative dispute resolution
proceeding.” Chapter 558 explicitly provides for claimants seeking damages. In
fact, section 558.002(3) defines a “claimant” as one asserting a “claim for
damages.” Likewise, the notice of claim “must describe the claim in reasonable
detail sufficient to determine the general nature of each alleged construction defect
and a description of the damage or loss resulting from the defect.” § 558.004(1).
Further, section 558.004(5) includes “monetary payment” as a potential resolution
of a chapter 558 claim. Thus, chapter 558 provides for damages, as required by the
policy’s definition of “suit” under subparagraph (b).
Finally, the policy’s definition of “suit” under subparagraph (b) requires
C&F’s consent to Altman’s submission to the “alternative dispute resolution
proceeding” in order to invoke C&F’s duty to defend Altman under the policy.
However, we do not address whether, in this case, C&F consented to Altman’s
5. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution proceeding that is not
adjudicative, and could contractually be made a condition precedent to bringing
suit, but is not a civil proceeding as contemplated by the policy.
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participation in the chapter 558 process because it is outside the scope of the
certified question and an issue of fact disputed by the parties.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, we answer the certified question in the affirmative and hold that
the notice and repair process set forth in chapter 558 constitutes a “suit” within the
meaning of the commercial general liability policy issued by C&F to Altman.
Although the chapter 558 process does not constitute a “civil proceeding,” it is
included in the policy’s definition of “suit” as an “alternative dispute resolution
proceeding” to which the insurer’s consent is required to invoke the insurer’s duty
to defend the insured. Accordingly, we remand this case to the United States Court
of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit for further proceedings.
It is so ordered.
LABARGA, C.J., and LEWIS, QUINCE, and CANADY, JJ., concur.
LEWIS, J., concurs with an opinion.
PARIENTE, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion.
LAWSON, J., concurs in part and dissents in part with an opinion.
NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO FILE REHEARING MOTION AND,
IF FILED, DETERMINED.
LEWIS, J., concurring.
Although I agree fully with the result reached by the majority today, I write
separately to emphasize that there are multiple steps in the final analysis that must
be crossed to find the proper conclusion under Florida law. Namely, without first
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determining if coverage exists at all, it is difficult to simply proceed to answer the
question of whether that coverage applies to the alleged defects at issue in this case
in the chapter 558, Florida Statutes, notice of claim process.
This Court has, in the past, explained that commercial general liability
(CGL) policies typically do not cover workmanship defects:
The majority view holds that the purpose of this comprehensive
liability insurance coverage is to provide protection for personal
injury or for property damage caused by the completed product, but
not for the replacement and repair of that product.
To interpret the policy as providing coverage for construction
deficiencies, as asserted by the petitioners and a minority of states,
would enable a contractor to receive initial payment for the work from
the homeowner, then receive subsequent payment from his insurance
company to repair and correct deficiencies in his own work. . . . We
agree with the explanation of this type of coverage as stated by the
Supreme Court of New Jersey in Weedo v. Stone-E-Brick, Inc., 81
N.J. 233, 405 A.2d 788 (1979), in which it said:
An illustration of this fundamental point may serve to
mark the boundaries between “business risks” and
occurrences giving rise to insurable liability. When a
craftsman applies stucco to an exterior wall of a home in
a faulty manner and discoloration, peeling and chipping
result, the poorly-performed work will perforce have to
be replaced or repaired by the tradesman or by a surety.
On the other hand, should the stucco peel and fall from
the wall, and thereby cause injury to the homeowner or
his neighbor standing below or to a passing automobile,
an occurrence of harm arises which is the proper subject
of risk-sharing as provided by the type of policy before
us in this case.
LaMarche v. Shelby Mut. Ins. Co., 390 So. 2d 325, 326-27 (Fla. 1980) (quoting
Weedo, 405 A.2d at 791-92).
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Chapter 558, Florida Statutes, concerns actions arising as a result of
construction defects. § 558.001, Fla. Stat. (2016). Specifically, the term
“construction defect” is defined as follows:
(5) “Construction defect” means a deficiency in, or a deficiency
arising out of, the design, specifications, surveying, planning,
supervision, observation of construction, or construction, repair,
alteration, or remodeling of real property resulting from:
(a) Defective material, products, or components used in the
construction or remodeling;
(b) A violation of the applicable codes in effect at the time of
construction or remodeling which gives rise to a cause of action
pursuant to s. 553.84;
(c) A failure of the design of real property to meet the
applicable professional standards of care at the time of governmental
approval; or
(d) A failure to construct or remodel real property in accordance
with accepted trade standards for good and workmanlike construction
at the time of construction.
§ 558.002(5), Fla. Stat. Furthermore, “ ‘Action’ means any civil action or
arbitration proceeding for damages . . . caused by an alleged construction defect,
but does not include any administrative action or any civil action or arbitration
proceeding asserting a claim for alleged personal injuries arising out of an alleged
construction defect.” § 558.002(1) (emphasis added). Based on its application
only to construction defects and the explicit limitation included in the definition of
an “action,” it is not clear that chapter 558, Florida Statutes, applies to the CGL
policy at issue in this case at all.
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Thus, the initial question that must be answered is whether the CGL policy
covers the chapter 558, Florida Statutes, notices of claims at issue here, which
appears to be a dispute involved in the federal litigation. Additionally, it is
important to determine the scope of an insurance company’s duty to defend under
Florida law when there may be claims that are both within and beyond the
coverage of the CGL policy.
These questions are not before us today and thus are not considered in the
majority’s analysis, based on the limited certified question presented here. Instead,
the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has asked only for a
very limited opinion on a limited specific legal issue in an otherwise highly factual
case. The factual issues described above are beyond the question before this Court
today and should instead be resolved in federal court based on Florida law.
Therefore, in this sterile environment before us today, I concur with the majority’s
conclusion.
PARIENTE, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
I agree that the chapter 558 process can be considered an “alternative dispute
resolution proceeding.” However, I dissent from the majority’s narrow
construction of the commercial general liability policy so as to relieve the insurer
of its duty to defend the insured in the chapter 558 process absent the insurer’s
consent to the insured’s participation in the mandatory presuit process. To the
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extent there is any ambiguity in the policy’s definition of “suit,” I would construe
the policy language broadly in favor of coverage, as our precedent directs. See,
e.g., State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Menendez, 70 So. 3d 566, 570 (Fla. 2011);
Travelers Indem. Co. v. PCR Inc., 889 So. 2d 779, 785-86 (Fla. 2004); State Farm
Fire & Cas. Co. v. CTC Dev. Corp., 720 So. 2d 1072, 1076 (Fla. 1998).
The majority reaches its conclusion that the chapter 558 process is not a
“civil proceeding” within the policy’s definition of “suit” by discounting the
purpose and procedures of chapter 558, Florida Statutes, as set forth by the
Legislature. Every aspect of the chapter 558 process envisions active participation
by the contractor and, therefore, its insurer if the terms of the applicable policy
provide coverage. See § 558.004(13), Fla. Stat. (2012). For example, section
558.001, Florida Statutes (2012), states the Legislature’s finding “that it is
beneficial to have an alternative method to resolve construction disputes that would
reduce the need for litigation as well as protect the rights of property owners,” and
this method “should provide the contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or design
professional with an opportunity to resolve the claim without resort to further legal
process.” Id. § 558.001.
Chapter 558 unquestionably creates a mandatory presuit procedure for
construction defect claims by requiring the claimant to serve the insured with a
notice of claim before filing a construction defect lawsuit. See id. § 558.004(1);
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majority op. at 10. As the majority recognizes and the United States Court of
Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit emphasized, chapter 558 limits any construction
defect lawsuit to defects that have been properly identified in a chapter 558 notice
of claim. See § 558.003, Fla. Stat. (2012); Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum &
Forster Specialty Ins. Co., 832 F.3d 1318, 1320 (11th Cir. 2016); majority op. at 8.
Also, chapter 558 requires the insured to respond to the claimant, stating that “the
person who was served the notice . . . must serve a written response to the
claimant.” § 558.004(5), Fla. Stat. (2012) (emphasis added). Further, as the
amici—National Association of Home Builders, together with several other
associations of contractors and homebuilders6—explain and the majority
recognizes, section 558.004(15) provides that, in the event of litigation following
the chapter 558 process, the trial court may order sanctions for a party’s failure to
provide discovery requested during the chapter 558 process. Br. of Amici Curiae
Builders at 10; majority op. at 8-9. Thus, the presuit process delineated by chapter
558 is a mandatory prerequisite to construction defect litigation.
6. The associations that joined the National Association of Home Builders
as Amici Curiae are the Construction Association of South Florida, South Florida
Associated General Contractors, Leading Builders of America, and the Florida
Homebuilders Association. For ease of reference, they are referred to as “Amici
Curiae Builders.”
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Precedent also directs that we interpret broadly the term “civil proceeding,”
as used in the policy’s definition of “suit.” In Raymond James Financial Services,
Inc. v. Phillips, 126 So. 3d 186 (Fla. 2013), this Court stated, “Whereas civil
actions may be limited to court cases, a proceeding is clearly broader in scope.”
Id. at 191. Under the definition of “civil proceeding” that this Court noted in
Raymond James and the majority dismisses, the chapter 558 process is the first of a
“series of steps in the enforcement, adjudication, or administration of rights,
remedies, laws, or regulations.” Id. at 190 n.4 (quoting Merriam-Webster’s
Dictionary of Law 387 (1996)); see majority op. at 9-10. Therefore, the chapter
558 process is a “civil proceeding” within the policy’s definition of “suit.”
The majority also erroneously relies, at least in part, on the definition of
“civil proceeding” from the Tenth Edition of Black’s Law Dictionary, which
suggests an adjudication requirement. Majority op. at 10. The federal district
court also found this definition controlling. See Altman Contractors, Inc. v. Crum
& Forster Specialty Ins. Co., 124 F. Supp. 3d 1272, 1279 (S.D. Fla. 2015).
However, this definition did not exist when the policy language, which is
controlling in this case, was written or when the claims in this case arose.
Therefore, the definition of “civil proceeding” from the Tenth Edition of Black’s
Law Dictionary is not controlling or indicative of the “plain language of the
polic[y] as bargained for by the parties.” Auto-Owners Ins. Co. v. Anderson, 756
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So. 2d 29, 34 (Fla. 2000). Rather, at the time the policy was written and bargained
for by the parties, Black’s Law Dictionary had no definition for the term “civil
proceeding.”
Further, the policy does not define “civil proceeding” as an independent
term, although certainly the insurer, as the drafter of the policy, could have further
defined the policy terms to be more specific and provide more clarity. Instead, the
policy’s definition of “suit” broadly “includes” other forms of proceedings. The
term “include indicates that what is to follow is only part of a greater whole.”
Childers v. State, 936 So. 2d 585, 597 (Fla. 1st DCA 2006); see Alligator Enters.,
Inc. v. Gen. Agent’s Inc. Co., 773 So. 2d 94, 95 (Fla. 5th DCA 2000). Thus, the
term “includes,” as used in the policy’s definition of “suit,” broadens the scope of
the insurer’s duty to defend.
While I agree with the majority that the chapter 558 process can certainly be
considered an “alternative dispute resolution proceeding” under subparagraph (b)
of the policy’s definition of “suit,” this alternative provision does not provide any
certain benefit to the insured. Subparagraph (b) requires the insurer to consent to
the insured participating in the proceeding for the duty to defend to arise.
Therefore, subparagraph (b) leaves the insured at the mercy of the insurer, who has
complete power to decide if and when to participate in the mandatory chapter 558
process. So, if the insurer refuses to participate and defend the insured after
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receiving a chapter 558 notice of claim, the insured is left on its own to either
defend itself or settle the claim, with any payments not covered by the policy.
As a result of the majority’s holding, as Amici Curiae Builders argue, an
insured has an incentive to not participate in the chapter 558 process and instead
opt out of the chapter 558 process in favor of subjecting itself to a lawsuit, which
would undoubtedly constitute a “suit” that invokes the insurer’s duty to defend.
Br. of Amici Curiae Builders at 8. Creating such disincentives undermines the
Legislature’s intent in enacting chapter 558 to “reduce the need for litigation.”
§ 558.001, Fla. Stat. (2012); accord Br. of Amici Curiae Builders at 7-8.
The unfortunate result of an insurer not having a duty to defend the insured
in the chapter 558 process is demonstrated by the convoluted facts in this case.
The insurer, Crum & Forster Specialty Insurance Company (“C&F”), after
receiving notice of several chapter 558 notices of claim and initially refusing to
defend the insured, Altman Contractors, Inc. (“ACI”), belatedly agreed to take part
in defending the claim, despite maintaining that Sapphire’s notices of claim did not
invoke its duty to defend ACI under the policy. Majority op. at 4.
To be clear, C&F did not refuse to defend ACI because part of Sapphire’s
claim involved defects that required repair. In fact, C&F concedes that some of the
defects noticed by Sapphire were within the policy’s coverage. Nor did C&F
refuse to defend ACI based on lack of proper notice of Sapphire’s claims, despite
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the policy’s requirement that ACI make C&F “immediately” aware of any claims
that may fall under the policy. In fact, if ACI had not given C&F notice of the
claim, C&F may have had a legitimate basis for denying the claim based on
prejudice.
Considering the terms within the policy’s definition of “suit,” coupled with
Florida law requiring that ambiguous policy language be construed broadly in
favor of providing coverage to the insured, I would answer the certified question in
the affirmative, holding that the chapter 558 process is a “civil proceeding” within
the policy’s definition of “suit.”
LAWSON, J., concurring in part and dissenting in part.
I fully agree with the majority that the chapter 558 presuit process for
resolving disputes over “construction defects” is not a “civil proceeding” within
the meaning of this commercial general lines (“CGL”) policy, but disagree with the
majority’s conclusion that the chapter 558 process fits the “alternative dispute
resolution proceeding” portion of the policy definition of “suit,” primarily for
reasons suggested by Justice Lewis’s concurring opinion.
It is axiomatic that when construing a contract, the “entire contract should be
considered and provisions should not be considered in isolation,” Burlington &
Rockenbach, P.A. v. Law Offices of E. Clay Parker, 160 So. 3d 955, 958 (Fla. 5th
DCA 2015), so that the court can “reach a contract interpretation consistent with
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reason, probability, and the practical aspect of the transaction between the parties,”
id. (quoting Whitley v. Royal Trails Prop. Owners’ Ass’n, Inc., 910 So. 2d 381,
383 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005)). As Justice Lewis explains in his concurring opinion,
the CGL policy in this case covers personal injury and property damage claims, but
not construction defect claims. Put simply, a CGL carrier does not insure the
contractor’s performance or the quality of the contractor’s work. Consistent with
the coverage extended in the contract, the parties agreed that the insurer would
defend only covered “suits,” which the contract expressly defines as those “civil
proceeding[s],” “arbitration proceeding[s],” and “other alternative dispute
resolution proceeding[s]” seeking “damages because of ‘bodily injury,’ ‘property
damage’ or ‘personal and advertising injury’ to which this insurance applies.” The
policy even reiterates that the insurer has “no duty to defend the insured against
any ‘suit’ seeking damages . . . to which this insurance does not apply.”
Although chapter 558 created a type of alternative dispute resolution
process, it is a process for resolving construction defect claims “to which this
[CGL] insurance [policy] does not apply.” As such, the process is not a “suit” as
defined by the terms of the policy.
The majority’s contrary analysis on this issue focuses almost exclusively on
the obvious, that chapter 558 creates an alternative dispute process, and concludes
that the insurer had a duty to defend because the potential plaintiff sought
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“damages,” while appearing to overlook that the policy obligates the insurer to
extend a defense only in alternative dispute resolution proceedings seeking covered
damages. As a result, the majority misreads chapter 558 to force-place coverage
that does not exist under the policy.
Of course, a property owner could always mix a covered claim in with its
noncovered construction defect claims for which the statute requires notice. Here,
for example, Altman claimed that sixteen of the roughly 800 identified defects
caused some “property damage to the building.” But, even with that possibility, it
would be inconsistent with “reason, probability, and the practical aspect of the
transaction” to conclude that this policy language was intended by the parties to
put the insurer on the hook for all legal costs incurred as a result of its insured’s
participation in a statutory presuit mechanism for resolving construction defect
claims not covered by its policy. Although that observation should end the inquiry,
analyzing the precise policy language and the chapter 558 process yields three
additional reasons why this court should conclude that the chapter 558 process is
not an “alternative dispute resolution proceeding” for claiming covered “damages”
within the meaning of this policy.
First, the chapter 558 process is not even a “proceeding” as that word is
commonly understood. There is no third-party mediator or other official
facilitating the process. The parties do not gather for mandatory negotiation.
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There is simply a notice given of construction defects, cooperation required in the
exchange of information necessary to respond to the notice, and a response from
the contractor as to whether the contractor will make repairs, offer to settle, or
deny responsibility.
Second, the chapter 558 process does not even contain a mechanism for
determining “damages,” even for noncovered construction defects. Rather, the
process is aimed at giving the contractor an opportunity to “repair” its work prior
to being sued for damages (which, for a construction defect claim, would generally
be the cost to the owner of repairing the defective work itself, using another
contractor).
Finally, the statute makes clear that even if a chapter 558 notice includes a
defect alleged to have caused damage covered by insurance, insurer participation is
not intended. First, the statute provides that the chapter 558 notice “shall not
constitute a claim for insurance purposes.” § 558.004(13), Fla. Stat. (2012). Then,
the statute provides that if the contractor responds to the notice with an offer to
settle, the offer “will not obligate the [contractor’s] insurer[.]” § 558.004(5)(b) -
(c), Fla. Stat. (2012). Finally, if the contractor believes that the chapter 558 notice
includes a defect that has caused damage covered by insurance, it is directed to
respond to the claimant by giving notice that with respect to that part of the claim
any “monetary payment, including insurance proceeds . . . will be determined by
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the [contractor’s] insurer within 30 days after notification to the insurer by means
of serving the claim, which service shall occur at the same time the claimant is
notified of this settlement option.” § 558.004(5)(e), Fla. Stat. (2012) (emphasis
added). In other words, the statute not only prohibits the claimant’s chapter 558
notice from acting as an insurance claim, but expressly directs the contractor to
respond to the notice without involving its insurer and to send notice of any
covered claim only after it has analyzed the notice, exchanged information, and
fashioned its response—at the end of the chapter 558 process. To me, this reflects
the Legislature’s understanding that the singular type of claim for which it was
establishing this process—a construction defect claim—does not generally involve
insurance. And, in light of this understanding, the Legislature very carefully
drafted the statute so as to exclude from the chapter 558 process secondary claims
for personal injury or property damage caused by a construction defect (to which
insurance would typically apply). Therefore, the majority construes the statute as
applying to a type of claim that the plain language of the statute excludes from the
chapter 558 process.
For these reasons, I conclude that the notice and repair process set forth in
chapter 558, Florida Statutes, is not a “suit” within the meaning of this CGL
policy, and would answer “no” to the certified question.
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Certified Question of Law from the United States Court of Appeals for the
Eleventh Circuit – Case No. 15-12816
Adam P. Handfinger and Meredith N. Reynolds of Peckar & Abramson, P.C.,
Miami, Florida,
for Appellant
Kimberly A. Ashby of Foley & Lardner, LLP, Orlando, Florida; and Holly S.
Harvey of Clyde & Co., Miami, Florida,
for Appellee
Gregory D. Podolak of Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C., Naples, Florida, and Brian
J. Clifford of Saxe Doernberger & Vita, P.C., Trumbull, Connecticut,
Amicus Curiae United Policyholders
Mark A. Boyle, Molly Chafe Brockmeyer, and Alexander A. Brockmeyer of Boyle
& Leonard, P.A., Fort Myers, Florida; Christine A. Gudaitis and Ashley B. Jordan
of Ver Ploeg & Lumpkin, P.A., Miami, Florida,
Amici Curiae Construction Association of South Florida, South Florida
Associated General Contractors, Leading Builders of America, Florida
Homebuilders Association, and National Association of Home Builders
W. Gray Dunlap, Jr. of W. Gray Dunlap, Jr., P.A., St. Petersburg, Florida; and
Steven M. Klepper of Kramon & Graham, P.A., Baltimore, Maryland,
Amici Curiae American Insurance Association, Florida Insurance Council,
and Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
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