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Glossary

Florida eminent domain glossary

The terms that appear in notices, appraisals, offers and pleadings, defined in plain language.

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A

Article X section 6

The provision of the Florida Constitution governing takings. It permits a taking only for a public purpose and requires full compensation, paid to each owner or secured by deposit in the registry of the court and available to the owner.

B

Business damages

Compensation for damage to a business operating on the property, allowed under section 73.071(3)(b) subject to conditions including the period the business has been established. Unusual among states.

C

Chapter 73

The part of the Florida Statutes governing eminent domain proceedings, from presuit negotiation through trial, costs and attorney fees.

Chapter 74

Proceedings supplemental to eminent domain. The order of taking procedure that allows possession and title before final judgment against a deposit.

Condemnation

The court proceeding through which the power of eminent domain is exercised.

Condemnor

The party exercising the power to take. Usually an agency, locality or authorised entity.

Cost to cure

The cost of a practical fix that reduces or removes damage to the remainder, where such a fix exists and is genuinely workable.

D

Declaration of taking

The document filed under chapter 74 that begins the order of taking process.

E

Easement

A right to use land for a defined purpose while the owner keeps the ground. What the document permits decides what it costs you.

Eminent domain

The power of government, and of certain authorised bodies, to take private property for a public purpose on payment of compensation.

F

Fair market value

The price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, neither under compulsion and both reasonably informed.

Fee simple

Full ownership of land, as distinct from an easement or a lesser interest.

Full compensation

The Florida constitutional standard. Broader than market value alone, reaching the effect on everything the owner keeps.

H

Highest and best use

The most profitable legally permissible and physically possible use of the land. The assumption that moves a valuation most.

I

Inverse condemnation

A claim brought by an owner where a public body has taken or damaged property without bringing a condemnation proceeding.

J

Just compensation

Used interchangeably with full compensation in ordinary speech, though Florida constitutional text uses the word full.

L

Loss of access

The loss or impairment of the ability to reach a property, through relocated driveways, closed medians or changed turning movements.

O

Order of taking

The court order under chapter 74 permitting possession and title in advance of final judgment against a deposit.

P

Partial taking

An acquisition of part of a property, leaving a remainder. The commonest pattern in highway and utility work.

Permanent easement

An easement with no end date, running with the land indefinitely.

Presuit offer

The written offer, supported by the appraisal relied on, that section 73.015 requires before a petition is filed.

Public purpose

The constitutional requirement that a taking serve the public. Section 73.014 excludes eliminating nuisance, slum or blight conditions.

R

Remainder

Another name for the remaining property. The land left after a partial taking.

Right of way

The corridor of land a road or utility project occupies, and the interest acquired in it.

S

Section 73.013

Restricts conveyance of property taken by eminent domain to private entities, with defined exceptions.

Section 73.014

Prohibits the use of eminent domain to eliminate nuisance, slum or blight conditions.

Section 73.015

Requires presuit negotiation in good faith, with a written offer and the appraisal relied on.

Section 73.071

Provides for jury determination of compensation, including severance damages and business damages.

Section 73.091

Places reasonable costs of the defence on the condemning authority.

Section 73.092

Governs attorney fees, calculated on the benefit obtained for the owner.

Severance damages

The reduction in value of the property left behind after a partial taking.

T

Temporary construction easement

A time limited right to use land during construction, which should end and be restored on completion.

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