LIMA v. GARGANO (2024)

Maria Lima appeals a summary final judgment entered against her. We review such order de novo. See Volusia County v. Aberdeen at Ormond Beach, L.P., 760 So. 2d 126, 130 (Fla. 2000). As this court explained, and as Lima noted in her motion for rehearing, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.510(a) requires that “[t]he court shall state on the record the reasons for granting or denying the motion.” The order on appeal contains only “[a] mere pronouncement the court has granted” such motion, which “fails to comply with the rule as it does not contain reasons for granting or denying the motion.” Jones v. Ervolino, 339 So. 3d 473, 475 (Fla. 3d DCA 2022).

While we take no position on the merits of the motion for summary judgment, “[t]he wording of the new rule makes clear that the court's obligation” to state the reasons for granting (or denying) a summary judgment motion “is mandatory.” In re Amends. to Fla. Rule of Civ. Proc. 1.510, 317 So. 3d 72, 77 (Fla. 2021). We therefore vacate the summary final judgment and reverse and remand for entry of an order that complies with the rule.

Reversed and remanded.

PER CURIAM.