Living in Miami, we know firsthand how hurricanes and extreme weather can throw a wrench in construction plans. From supply chain disruptions to work stoppages during storm season, unexpected events can derail your project timeline and budget. That’s why smart construction professionals protect themselves with force majeure clauses in their contracts.
What are force majeure clauses?
Think of a force majeure clause as your safety net when events beyond your control impact your project. Here in Florida, these clauses typically protect you from:
- Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and storm surges
- Acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest
- Government actions or regulations
- Health emergencies like pandemics
- Supply chain disruptions
These clauses help you plan for the unexpected and spell out what happens when disaster strikes.
How force majeure clauses protect your business
Living in hurricane territory means dealing with weather delays and disruptions. A well-written force majeure clause can:
- Give you extra time to complete projects
- Pause your contract obligations during emergencies
- Let you end the contract if problems persist too long
- Set clear steps for getting back to work afterward
Without this protection, you might face penalties for missing deadlines, even when Mother Nature had other plans.
Optimize your force majeure clause
In a state where hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding pose regular threats to construction projects, your force majeure clause needs careful attention. The clause must specify exactly when severe weather qualifies as force majeure and outline notification requirements during storm threats. You’ll need clear terms for handling project delays during hurricane season and detailed procedures or timelines for resuming work once the danger passes.
Courts scrutinize force majeure claims, so working with an experienced construction attorney helps ensure your clause provides real protection when storms hit. A small investment in proper contract language now can save you major headaches during Florida’s unpredictable storm seasons.