Could Economic Troubles Make Florida Courts too Expensive?
The economic crunch facing both Florida and the nation at large has led many Floridians to reconsider what once were normal expenses, as people are forced to forego a meal at a nice restaurant, have their cable television service disconnected, or perhaps let their gym membership lapse. Those who have lost jobs or face reduced work hours may even have to sacrifice their automobile or move into a smaller home or apartment. As Florida’s budget crisis worsens, however, could the next sacrifice Floridians be forced to make lie in access to the state’s court system? Traditionally, state court workloads get heavier during economic hard times. The recent burst of the housing bubble has led to skyrocketing mortgage foreclosure claims. Tightening in the credit market has forced individuals and companies to file an increasing number of contract claims while people tend not to fight over contracts when times are good, placing the long-term benefit to relationships over short-term financial gain, t
