Section 520.73 of the Florida Statutes
Home improvement contract; form and content; separate disclosures.
(1) Every home improvement contract shall be evidenced by a written agreement and shall be signed by the parties. The home improvement contract shall be in the form approved by the office and shall contain:
(a) The name, address, and license number of the home improvement finance seller;
(b) The names of the home improvement finance seller's employees who solicited or negotiated the home improvement contract;
(c) The approximate dates when the work will begin and will be completed; and
(d) A description of the work to be done and the materials to be used.
(2) The home improvement contract shall also contain:
(a) The "amount financed," using that term, and a brief description such as "the amount of credit provided to you or on your behalf." The amount financed is calculated by:
1. Determining the cash price, and subtracting any down payment;
2. Adding any other amounts that are financed by the creditor and that are not part of the finance charge; and
3. Subtracting any prepaid finance charge;
(b) The "finance charge," using that term, and a brief description such as "the dollar amount the credit will cost you";
(c) The "total of payments," using that term, and a descriptive explanation such as "the amount you will have paid when you have made all scheduled payments";
(d) In a credit sale, the "total sale price," using that term, and a descriptive explanation, including the amount of any down payment, such as "the total price of your purchase on credit, including your down payment of $_____." The total sale price is the sum of the cash price, the items described in subparagraph (a)2., and the finance charge disclosed under paragraph (b);
(e) The amount of any money provided for debt consolidation;
(f) The interest charge for the amount advanced for debt consolidation;
(g) The total amount due under the home improvement contract, which shall be stated as a sum in dollars, less any down payment;
(h) The number of monthly payments and the amount of each payment; and
(i) The description of any collateral security taken or to be taken for the owner's obligation under the home improvement contract.
Except for the requirements of subsection (1) and the provisions of subsection (3) which provide for a separate written itemization of the amount financed, a contract which complies with the federal Truth in Lending Act, 15 U.S.C. ss. 1601 et seq., or any accompanying regulations shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this subsection and subsection (3). However, in any proceeding to enforce the provisions of this section, the burden of alleging and proving compliance with the federal Truth in Lending Act shall be on the party claiming compliance.
A template for a home improvement contract is a pre-designed document that outlines the agreed-upon terms and conditions between a homeowner and a contractor for a home improvement project. This contract ensures that all parties involved are aware of their rights, responsibilities, and expectations throughout the project duration. A comprehensive template includes various sections to cover every aspect of the project, making it easier to avoid potential misunderstandings or disputes. The main components of a home improvement contract template typically include: 1. Contact Information: Contact details of both the homeowner and the contractor, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. 2. Project Description: A detailed description of the home improvement project, including the scope of work, materials to be used, and any specific requirements or preferences indicated by the homeowner. 3. Project Timeline: A clear timeline or schedule for the project, including the expected start and completion dates, key milestones, and any intermediate deadlines or phases. 4. Payment Terms: A breakdown of the project cost, payment methods, and schedule. This section may include details about deposits, progress payments, and the final payment upon completion. It should also mention any penalties or fees for late payments or changes to the scope of work. 5. Permits and Licenses: Documentation of any necessary permits or licenses required for the home improvement project. This ensures that the contractor is compliant with local regulations and responsible for obtaining the appropriate permissions. 6. Changes and Modifications: A provision for handling changes, modifications, or additions to the original project scope. It should outline the procedure to request changes, associated costs, and how these changes will be documented and approved. 7. Insurance and Liability: Confirmation that the contractor has appropriate liability insurance coverage to protect against any damages, injuries, or accidents that may occur during the project. It should also specify the homeowner's responsibility to maintain homeowner's insurance for the property. 8. Dispute Resolution: A clause outlining the process for resolving any disputes that may arise during the project. This may include methods such as mediation or arbitration to avoid costly and time-consuming litigation. Additional types or variations of home improvement contract templates may include: 1. Home Renovation Contract Template 2. Kitchen Remodeling Contract Template 3. Bathroom Renovation Contract Template 4. Roofing Contract Template 5. Flooring Installation Contract Template 6. Painting Contract Template 7. Electrical Work Contract Template 8. Plumbing Services Contract Template 9. Outdoor Landscaping Contract Template 10. Pool Installation Contract Template Each of these templates may have specific provisions or clauses tailored to the unique requirements and potential risks associated with the particular type of home improvement project.
