A series of lawsuits involving developers, lenders, and property owners has been filed across South Florida, according to a report released on March 29. The legal actions come as deal volume in the region slows but disputes over construction issues and loan defaults increase.
The recent lawsuits highlight ongoing challenges for both buyers and developers. In one case, buyers sued an affiliate of the Trump Group over alleged construction problems at the Estates at Acqualina condominium towers in Sunny Isles Beach. One buyer, Ruben Salama, claimed that continuous repairs prevented his family from enjoying their four-bedroom unit between 2023 and 2025 and caused him to lose $1 million when he sold the property. Another buyer led by Gerardo Gonzalez Ziron also alleges that his condo was incomplete when he closed on it in 2024. The Trump Group has reportedly been involved in litigation with Suffolk Construction regarding delays and quality issues for years.
Lenders are also pursuing legal action to recover debts. Monroe Capital filed a lawsuit against the developer of Mondrian Hallandale Beach Residences seeking repayment of a $70 million mezzanine loan after alleging that payments were missed earlier this year. Monroe is seeking full repayment totaling about $72.7 million plus additional costs.
In another dispute, CIM Group escalated its legal efforts against Goodtime Hotel’s owners by filing a $149.3 million foreclosure complaint to seize the Miami Beach property after alleging failure to meet forbearance agreements on a previous loan since 2024.
On the residential side, Robert Pelier filed suit against Mast Capital and a condo association challenging an amendment lowering termination thresholds at Amethyst condos from unanimous approval to two-thirds majority—a move linked to Mast’s ongoing buyout efforts begun in 2021.
Despite these disputes, significant transactions continue: A waterfront mansion at 870 South Ocean Boulevard sold for $37.1 million while Reuben Brothers acquired The Esplanade shopping center for $200 million—both deals occurring in Palm Beach.
