COVID-19 Update

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

As we adapt to and deal with this extraordinary situation related to the COVID-19, we want you to know that our firm remains committed to providing to you the same high quality legal services and advice that you deserve and have come to expect from our attorneys and staff. First and foremost is our concern for the health and safety of our employees, clients, family and friends.

We are following and complying with the recommendations and direction from the CDC and all local, state and federal government agencies, as well as those of our State and federal Courts. We are currently limiting the number of people working at and visiting our offices. Many of our attorneys and staff are now working remotely, but all are available for phone calls and virtual meetings. 

We are committed to delivering our services and support to clients without interruption. As we continue to navigate through these uncharted waters, we will be sharing helpful information regarding legal matters that you may be facing related to the COVID-19.

To do our part in flattening the curve, we ask that you please call us to schedule an appointment with one our attorneys via phone call or video chat. If you need assistance with a real estate closing, we are also offering a variety of options to ensure your real estate closing is completed in time and as safely as conditions allow.   

We also recognize you may be dealing with similar concerns for your own employees and other valued connections. To assist with that process, we have developed a client coronavirus task force and resource center. Our lawyers are ready to answer your questions around this evolving situation and its impacts to you. As this situation evolves, we will continue to respond and meet the challenges. Please take care of yourself and your family.

USEFUL LINKS

Coronavirus.gov 

The Governor’s Emergency Orders

Centers for Infectious Disease and Research and Policy

FL Department of Health

CDC

Division of Labor

HUD

NAIOP

CAI (resources for community associations)

Florida Supreme Court 

The Florida Bar

IRS COVID-19 Scams

Paycheck Protection Program Loans FAQs

OSHA: Guidance on Preparing Work Places for COVID-19

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws 

TASK FORCE 

Our COVID-19 task force has the industry-focused resources necessary to help individuals and companies navigate the many interrelated issues impacting their lives, business, and workforce as this pandemic reaches an inflection point. Our attorneys are recognized thought leaders. We can quickly assess the sector-specific implications of COVID-19, help individuals and businesses address these challenges, and work with you and your leadership team to identify commercially viable solutions to achieve sustainability into the future. 

If you have questions or need assistance during these uncertain times relating to: 

Labor & Employment, including issues such as 

• Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
• Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act
• Response Plans
• Furloughs/Layoffs
• Wage and Hour Issues
• Personal Travel Disclosures
• Self-Reporting Diagnoses/Contact with Diagnosed Person(s)
• Employee Quarantines
• Vendor/Contractor Workplace Restrictions & Pre-entrance Inspections
• DOL Guidelines
• Employee Benefits/Leave
• Dependent Care Assistance
• HIPAA Privacy Rules

Please contact Erick Drlicka at emd@esclaw.com or 850.433.3826

Business Law, including issues such as  

• Formations 
• Ownership Changes 
• Contract Disputes     
• Documenting Owner Relationships and Rights 
• What to Plan for Your Business in the Event of Illness or Death 

Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com.  

Insurance Claims/Disputes, including issues such as

• Business Interruption Insurance Claims 
• Health Insurance Disputes  

Please contact T. Shane Rowe at 850.433.3822 or tsr@esclaw.com or Scot B. Copeland at scopeland@esclaw.com or 850.460.8916. 

Creditors Rights, including issues such as 

• Restructures 
• Refinance 
• Forbearances 
• Foreclosures 
• Collections 
• Creditor Representation in Bankruptcy 

Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com.  

Real Estate, including issues such as 

• Sale Contract or Lease Issues, Including Force Majeure  
• Lease or Contract Payment Issues 
• Facility Rental Agreements 
• Commercial Property Quarantine Issues 
• Closings 
• Warranties and Insurance 

Please contact Adam C. Cobb at 850.433.4865 or acobb@esclaw.com or Gregory P. Fayard at 850.433.3827 or gpf@esclaw.com.   

Tax and Estate Planning, including issues such as 

• Deductibility Issues 
• Impending Deadlines & Extensions 
• Timing-Related Issues (i.e., Voluntary and/or Required Elections) 
• Trust Planning 
• Probate Administration 

Please contact Van P. Geeker at 850.460.8914 or vpg@esclaw.com.  

Financial Services, including issues such as 

• Regulatory Considerations 
• Virtual Payment Platform Capacity 
• Loan and Deposit Operations 
• Cash Handling, ATM Policies, and Levels/Availability 

Please contact Sally B. Fox at 850.433.3869 or sfox@esclaw.com.  

Condominium and Homeowner’s Associations, including issues such as 

• Common Amenity Closures and Restrictions for Areas such as the Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center and Community Rooms  
• Property Access for Guests, Contractors, Vendors, Family, Brokers, Housekeepers, and Others 
• Refusal of Residents to Self-Quarantine After Testing Positive  
• Governmental Orders Related to COVID-19 Including Travel or Quarantine Issues  
• Future Assessment Shortfall Strategies  
• Construction Project Considerations  
• Fair Housing Act Issues  
• Maintaining Owner Access to Association Meetings  

Please contact Suzanne Blankenship at 850.444.3853 or association@esclaw.com.  

Workers’ Compensation, including issues such as  

• Lost Wage Benefits to an Injured Worker Due to Income/Job Loss 

Please contact Galen M. Novotny at 850.433.3918 or gnovotny@esclaw.com.  

Family Law, including issues such as 

• Temporary or Permanent Modifications to Spousal or Child Support Obligations Due to Income/Job Loss

Please contact Galen M. Novotny at 850.433.3918 or gnovotny@esclaw.com.  

Construction Law, including issues such as 

• Force Majeure Provisions 
• Delay Claims 
• Warranties and Insurance 
• Contract Frustration 
• Contractor COVID-19 Procedures  

Please contact H. Wes Reeder at 850.433.3806 or hwr@esclaw.com or Adam White at ajw@esclaw.com.   

USEFUL RESOURCES

Keeping Safe During Real Estate Closings

Community Association Updates

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Getting Your Affairs in Order

Evictions on Hold: Landlord Issues Arising from Coronavirus Pandemic

Lender Deferments

CARES Act: Tax-Related Provisions 

Commercial Landlords: Practical Issues to Consider in Uncertain Times 

Please Note: Our COVID-19/Coronavirus-related guidance was current at the time of publication, but please note that this pandemic situation is evolving, and the long-term ramifications are still unknown.