Jury Finds Pinellas County Breached Construction Contract With Construction Company
A jury has found that Pinellas County breached its contract with a Miami-based construction company that had been hired to replace two bridges in Palm Harbor.
The verdict stems from a dispute between the county and American Empire Builders, a contractor that had faced criticism and contract disputes over delays on several bridge projects in recent years.
The county awarded American Empire Builders a contract worth more than $4.4 million in 2020 to replace bridges on Westwinds Drive and Crosswinds Drive in the Baywood Village subdivision of Palm Harbor. Those two bridges later became the subject of a lawsuit involving the contractor, Pinellas County and NGM Insurance, which provided performance-related insurance for the project.
Dispute Over Construction Delays and Permitting
Pinellas County terminated its contracts with American Empire Builders in January 2024 after county officials cited delays involving bridge projects in Palm Harbor and Harbor Bluffs.
Later that year, the county filed a lawsuit against American Empire Builders and NGM Insurance, alleging that the contractor had failed to meet its contractual obligations and had breached the agreement.
However, a jury returned a verdict on March 27 finding that American Empire Builders did not breach its contract involving the Baywood Village bridge replacements. Instead, the jury determined that Pinellas County was responsible for the breach.
A central issue in the case involved a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to an attorney representing NGM Insurance, the dispute focused on whether the contractor or the county was responsible for obtaining the necessary permit.
The jury ultimately found that securing the permit was the county’s responsibility. It also found that the county’s breach of contract caused approximately $599,000 in damages to American Empire Builders.
The verdict was expected to be followed by a final judgment, while county attorneys and outside counsel considered the potential next steps.
The dispute is separate from another lawsuit involving a bridge project on Oakwood Drive in Harbor Bluffs. In 2021, Pinellas County entered into another contract with American Empire Builders worth approximately $3.3 million for work on that bridge. Litigation involving that project, American Empire Builders and NGM Insurance remains pending.
Common Causes of Construction Contract Disputes
Construction disputes often focus on missed deadlines, incomplete work or cost overruns. However, delays can also result from issues outside of a contractor’s direct control.
Examples include the following:
- Delays caused by missing permits or government approvals
- Disagreements over project specifications or the scope of work
- Unexpected site conditions
- Changes to the construction schedule
- Payment disputes
- Material shortages or supply chain problems
- Questions about responsibility for additional costs
Contact Us Today
Construction projects are complex and often result in litigation due to various factors. It is not uncommon for breach of contract to occur.
The construction industry has a unique legal landscape, making it important to resolve disputes quickly. A Bradenton construction litigation lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can guide you through the process. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019.
Source:
tampabay.com/news/2026/04/07/pinellas-county-american-empire-builders-palm-harbor/
