Hopps v. Smith, 520 So. 2d 673

Donald E. Christopher of Litchford, Christopher & Milbrath, Orlando, for appellant.

Jack B. Nichols, P.A., Orlando, for appellees.

COBB, Judge.

Based on Dickson v. Dunn, 399 So.2d 447 (Fla. 5th DCA 1981), we reverse the award of attorney‘s fees to appellees, Kip and Robin R. Smith. The lower court improperly determined that the litigation arose out of a contract for sale and purchase. In actuality, the cause of action asserted in this case was for alleged misrepresentation in the inducement of that contract. A misrepresentation action does not arise out of the contract itself; thus, there is no basis for an award of fees. See also Location 100, Inc. v. Gould S.E.L. Computer Systems, Inc., 517 So.2d 700 (Fla. 4th DCA 1987); Keys Lobster, Inc. v. Ocean Divers, Inc., 468 So.2d 360 (Fla. 3d DCA), review denied, 480 So.2d 1295 (Fla. 1985). Accordingly, the judgment entered below is

REVERSED.

DAUKSCH and ORFINGER, JJ., concur.

Case Details

Case Name: Hopps v. Smith

Court Name: District Court of Appeal of Florida

Date Published: Feb 25, 1988

Citations: 520 So. 2d 673; 1988 WL 13054; 87-780

Docket Number: 87-780

Court Abbreviation: Fla. Dist. Ct. App.