On December 31, 2020, the Supreme Court of Florida adopted the federal summary judgment standard as articulated by Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317 (1986) and its progeny, effective May 1, 2021. This seminar will focus on the nuances of the federal summary judgment standard, including the applicability of the “directed verdict” standard at summary judgment, the extent to which a moving party is required to “negate” an element which the non-moving party has the burden of proving, and the quantum of evidence needed to demonstrate the existence of a “genuine issue of material fact.” Finally, this seminar will survey selected real property and construction litigation from the federal courts which may have applicability under Florida’s “new” summary judgment standard.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
The Federal Summary Judgment Standard and Real Property LitigationChristopher W. Smart, Tampa12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
The Federal Summary Judgment Standard and Construction LitigationAmanda B. Buffinton, Tampa