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Crestview II, Ltd. v. TotalBank

Citations: 87 So. 3d 10; 2012 Fla. App. LEXIS 3576; 37 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. D 560Docket: No. 3D11-1768

Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida; March 6, 2012; Florida; State Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

In this case, Crestview II, Ltd., Marsol One LLC, and Marcial Solis appealed a non-final order which granted TotalBank's motion to appoint a receiver following a default on a $32 million loan. The court affirmed the appointment, noting that the loan documents explicitly provided for such a measure in the event of default. The trial court's decision was based on the necessity of managing the property, collecting rents, and preserving its value, as Crestview had failed to pay property taxes and the property's market value was less than the debt owed. The order specified the receiver's powers, which included maintaining the properties and making necessary repairs, with constraints on incurring expenses without prior approval. Crestview challenged specific aspects of the receiver's authority, but the appeal was rejected, confirming the trial court's delineation of duties as consistent with the loan terms. The receiver, Tony Palumbo, was appointed to take control of the properties, with authority to manage them efficiently and seek necessary permits, while adhering to financial and contractual limitations. The court's decision underscores the enforceability of loan agreement provisions concerning receivership upon default, emphasizing the importance of contractual compliance in financial agreements.

Legal Issues Addressed

Appointment of Receiver Under Loan Agreement

Application: The court upheld the appointment of a receiver as outlined in the loan documents, which allowed for such a measure upon default.

Reasoning: The court affirmed the order, citing TotalBank's rights as outlined in the loan documents, including a construction loan agreement that allowed for a receiver's appointment in the event of default.

Authority to Enter Service Contracts

Application: The receiver's authority to enter into service contracts was contingent on specific terms to avoid penalties upon contract termination, requiring court or TotalBank approval for significant contracts.

Reasoning: The Receiver is restricted from entering into service contracts for the Properties that cannot be canceled without penalty upon the termination of the receivership or with thirty days' notice, unless approved by the Court or agreed upon in writing by TotalBank.

Default on Promissory Notes

Application: The court determined that the promissory notes executed by the defendants matured and were unpaid, resulting in default that triggered the appointment of a receiver.

Reasoning: It determined that the promissory notes executed by Defendants Crestview II, Ltd., Crestview, and Marsol One, LLC, in favor of TotalBank matured in 2008 and were not paid, resulting in default by Crestview and Marsol.

Receiver's Operational Powers and Limitations

Application: The receiver was authorized to manage, maintain, and make repairs to the properties, with financial limitations and requirements for court or TotalBank approval for significant expenditures.

Reasoning: The Receiver is tasked with taking immediate possession of all related real and personal property and is empowered to oversee the operation, maintenance, and administration of the properties.

Scope of Receiver's Authority

Application: The trial court's delineation of the receiver's powers was found to be consistent with the terms of the loan agreements and necessary for property management.

Reasoning: Crestview's appeal, challenging the scope of the receiver's authority as defined in the trial court's order, was rejected, leading to the affirmation of the trial court's decision.