People and companies in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, experiencing losses as a result of property injury usually require specialised authorized counsel. One of these legal professional possesses experience in Florida regulation pertaining to varied types of property injury, together with these attributable to pure disasters, negligence, accidents, or contractual breaches. Examples of instances dealt with by these authorized professionals embody these involving water injury, fireplace injury, hurricane injury, and development defects. They advocate for purchasers to get well compensation for repairs, misplaced revenue, and different associated bills.
Securing competent authorized illustration in such circumstances is significant for navigating the complexities of insurance coverage claims, constructing codes, and potential litigation. A talented legal professional can present worthwhile help in assessing damages, negotiating with insurance coverage corporations, and pursuing authorized motion when needed. Traditionally, the frequency and severity of property injury claims in South Florida have underscored the essential function performed by attorneys specializing on this space. Their involvement can considerably affect the result of a case and assist purchasers receive honest and simply settlements.
This text will additional discover related features of property injury regulation in Fort Lauderdale, together with frequent causes of property injury, the method of submitting a declare, and the significance of retaining skilled authorized counsel. It should additionally deal with steadily requested questions and provide sensible recommendation for these dealing with property injury points.
1. Expertise
Within the realm of property injury regulation, expertise serves as a vital differentiator. For these in search of authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale, an legal professional’s expertise straight correlates with their potential to successfully navigate the complexities of Florida regulation, insurance coverage insurance policies, and native court docket procedures. A seasoned practitioner gives a definite benefit in securing optimum outcomes for purchasers.
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Years of Apply
The variety of years an legal professional has devoted to property injury instances supplies perception into their gathered information and experience. An legal professional with a decade of expertise will seemingly possess a deeper understanding of case precedents, negotiation techniques, and native laws in comparison with a lawyer newly admitted to the bar. This gathered information can show invaluable in advanced property injury claims, similar to these arising from catastrophic occasions like hurricanes.
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Case Historical past
A lawyer’s monitor file of profitable case resolutions gives tangible proof of their potential to successfully advocate for purchasers. Analyzing an legal professional’s case historical past can present worthwhile insights into their areas of experience inside property injury regulation, whether or not or not it’s fireplace injury, water injury, or development defects. For example, expertise with large-loss claims demonstrates a capability to deal with intricate authorized proceedings and negotiations.
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Data of Native Courts and Procedures
Familiarity with the native court docket system, together with judges, court docket personnel, and established procedures, can considerably affect the effectivity and effectiveness of a authorized technique. An skilled Fort Lauderdale property injury legal professional possesses this very important native information, permitting them to navigate the authorized panorama extra successfully and doubtlessly expedite the claims course of.
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Understanding of Insurance coverage Practices
Property injury claims usually contain intricate interactions with insurance coverage corporations. An skilled legal professional understands insurance coverage coverage nuances, frequent techniques employed by insurers, and methods to successfully counter them. This information permits them to barter from a place of power and safe honest settlements for his or her purchasers. Expertise in coping with appraisal processes and litigation in opposition to insurance coverage corporations supplies a big edge.
These sides of expertise coalesce to kind a complete understanding of property injury regulation in Fort Lauderdale. Selecting an legal professional with a confirmed monitor file and in-depth information of the native authorized setting considerably will increase the probability of a good end result in property injury claims.
2. Native Experience
Native experience performs a vital function within the effectiveness of authorized illustration for property injury instances in Fort Lauderdale. Understanding the nuances of native laws, court docket procedures, and customary practices inside the Fort Lauderdale authorized neighborhood gives distinct benefits. This localized information base considerably influences case methods, negotiation techniques, and general outcomes.
Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, Florida, has particular constructing codes, zoning laws, and environmental concerns that may affect property injury claims. An legal professional unfamiliar with these native intricacies could overlook vital features of a case. For instance, information of Fort Lauderdale’s stringent hurricane constructing codes can show essential in instances involving storm injury. Equally, understanding the native allowing course of for repairs is important for navigating post-damage reconstruction. Attorneys training domestically develop relationships with native officers, insurance coverage adjusters, and different key gamers inside the Fort Lauderdale authorized ecosystem. These established connections can streamline communication, facilitate negotiations, and contribute to extra environment friendly case decision. Actual-life examples embody familiarity with native contractors who can present correct injury assessments and restore estimates, which strengthens a shopper’s case.
Selecting an legal professional with established native experience in Fort Lauderdale supplies purchasers with a big benefit. This deep understanding of the native authorized panorama, mixed with established relationships inside the neighborhood, permits for more practical illustration and will increase the probability of reaching favorable outcomes in property injury claims. Failing to contemplate native experience can result in delays, missed alternatives, and doubtlessly much less advantageous settlements. Due to this fact, prioritizing native experience when choosing authorized illustration is paramount in Fort Lauderdale property injury instances.
3. Case Varieties
A Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer’s effectiveness hinges on their expertise dealing with numerous case sorts. Property injury encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions, every with distinctive authorized concerns. Understanding the nuances of varied case sorts is important for efficient authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale.
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Hurricane Injury
Fort Lauderdale’s vulnerability to hurricanes necessitates authorized experience in dealing with advanced claims associated to wind injury, flooding, and property destruction. These instances usually contain disputes with insurance coverage corporations over protection and the extent of injury. An legal professional specializing in hurricane injury understands the precise authorized procedures and insurance coverage coverage interpretations related to hurricane-related claims. For example, expertise navigating flood insurance coverage claims by means of the Nationwide Flood Insurance coverage Program is essential.
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Hearth Injury
Hearth injury instances require investigation into the reason for the fireplace, evaluation of the injury, and negotiation with insurance coverage corporations or accountable events. These instances can contain advanced authorized points associated to negligence, arson, and subrogation claims. A lawyer skilled in fireplace injury instances understands the method of gathering proof, working with fireplace investigators, and pursuing authorized motion in opposition to negligent events if needed. An instance is likely to be a case involving a hearth attributable to defective wiring in a rental property.
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Water Injury
Water injury claims come up from numerous sources, together with plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and flooding. These instances usually contain disputes over the supply of the water injury, the extent of the injury, and the accountability for repairs. An legal professional specializing in water injury understands the complexities of constructing codes, mould remediation, and insurance coverage protection for several types of water injury. An instance could possibly be a case involving a burst pipe in a condominium advanced that triggered intensive water injury to a number of items.
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Building Defects
Building defect instances contain disputes over defective workmanship, substandard supplies, or design flaws that lead to property injury. These instances could be advanced, requiring skilled testimony from engineers and development professionals. An legal professional specializing in development defects understands the related constructing codes, the method of pursuing claims in opposition to contractors and builders, and the intricacies of development litigation. An instance is likely to be a case involving a newly constructed house with a faulty basis.
Potential purchasers ought to search attorneys whose expertise aligns with the precise nature of their property injury declare. Selecting a lawyer with demonstrated success in related case sorts considerably improves the prospects of a good end result in Fort Lauderdale. The variety of potential property injury instances highlights the significance of choosing an legal professional with a confirmed monitor file within the particular space of regulation related to the shopper’s scenario. This focused experience will increase the probability of profitable declare decision and maximizes the shopper’s potential restoration.
4. Insurance coverage Claims
Insurance coverage claims characterize a central element inside property injury regulation in Fort Lauderdale. Property homeowners steadily depend on insurance coverage insurance policies to cowl losses stemming from numerous incidents, together with hurricanes, fires, and water injury. Nonetheless, navigating the claims course of could be advanced and infrequently results in disputes between policyholders and insurance coverage corporations. That is the place the experience of a Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer turns into important.
A property injury lawyer performs a number of essential roles within the insurance coverage claims course of. Initially, the lawyer assists in completely documenting the injury, making certain all losses are precisely assessed and accounted for. This detailed documentation supplies a robust basis for the declare. Subsequent, the lawyer interprets the insurance coverage coverage, figuring out relevant protection provisions and potential exclusions. This evaluation is vital for understanding the extent of the insurance coverage firm’s obligations. Subsequently, the lawyer negotiates with the insurance coverage firm to achieve a good settlement that covers the shopper’s losses. This negotiation course of usually includes presenting proof, authorized arguments, and value determinations to help the declare. If negotiations fail to provide a passable settlement, the lawyer can provoke litigation in opposition to the insurance coverage firm to pursue the shopper’s rightful compensation. For instance, a lawyer would possibly characterize a house owner whose declare for hurricane injury was unfairly denied as a result of a misinterpretation of the coverage’s windstorm protection. In one other occasion, a lawyer would possibly litigate in opposition to an insurance coverage firm that undervalues the restore prices for fireplace injury.
Understanding the interaction between insurance coverage claims and the function of a property injury lawyer is essential for property homeowners in Fort Lauderdale. Efficient authorized illustration can considerably affect the result of an insurance coverage declare, making certain that policyholders obtain the total advantages they’re entitled to below their insurance policies. Failure to hunt authorized counsel could lead to undervalued settlements or denied claims, leaving property homeowners with important monetary burdens. Due to this fact, partaking a talented property injury lawyer early within the claims course of is commonly a prudent funding that protects property homeowners’ rights and maximizes their potential restoration.
5. Litigation
Litigation represents a vital side of a Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer’s follow. Whereas negotiation and settlement are sometimes most popular, litigation turns into needed when insurance coverage corporations deny claims unfairly, undervalue damages, or have interaction in dangerous religion practices. A talented property injury lawyer understands the intricacies of the litigation course of in Broward County courts and possesses the expertise to successfully advocate for purchasers’ rights in a courtroom setting.
A number of components would possibly necessitate litigation. Disputes over the reason for property injury, the extent of the injury, or the interpretation of insurance coverage coverage language can result in authorized motion. For example, if an insurance coverage firm denies a declare for hurricane injury, arguing that the injury was pre-existing, litigation could also be required to show the hurricane straight triggered the injury. Equally, disputes over the worth of repairs, significantly in advanced instances involving structural injury or specialised restoration, usually require court docket intervention to find out honest compensation. Instances involving development defects steadily necessitate litigation to carry negligent contractors or builders accountable. An actual-life instance would possibly contain a house owner whose insurance coverage firm denies a declare for water injury attributable to a defective roof set up, prompting the house owner to file a lawsuit in opposition to each the insurance coverage firm and the roofing contractor.
Understanding the potential for litigation underscores the significance of partaking a property injury lawyer with confirmed litigation expertise. Efficient courtroom advocacy requires specialised expertise in authorized analysis, proof presentation, and persuasive argumentation. A lawyer’s potential to successfully navigate the complexities of the litigation course of can considerably affect the result of a case. Failure to adequately put together for litigation can jeopardize a shopper’s potential to get well honest compensation. Due to this fact, choosing a Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer with a robust litigation background supplies essential safety for property homeowners dealing with advanced authorized disputes associated to property injury.
6. Negotiation Abilities
Efficient negotiation types a cornerstone of profitable property injury illustration in Fort Lauderdale. A talented Fort Lauderdale property injury legal professional leverages negotiation expertise to safe favorable outcomes for purchasers with out the necessity for protracted litigation. These expertise are important for interacting with insurance coverage adjusters, opposing counsel, and different events concerned in property injury claims. Negotiation experience considerably influences the quantity of compensation purchasers get well and the effectivity with which claims are resolved. For example, a talented negotiator would possibly efficiently persuade an insurance coverage firm to cowl beforehand denied bills by presenting compelling proof and authorized arguments, thereby maximizing the shopper’s restoration with out resorting to a lawsuit.
A number of key negotiation techniques contribute to profitable outcomes in property injury instances. Thorough preparation, together with meticulous documentation of damages and complete understanding of relevant insurance coverage insurance policies, supplies a robust basis for negotiation. Clear and concise communication ensures all events perceive the problems at stake and facilitates productive dialogue. A capability to anticipate and deal with counterarguments strengthens the negotiator’s place. Goal evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of every social gathering’s case permits for life like assessments of potential outcomes and informs strategic decision-making. Flexibility and a willingness to discover artistic options can bridge gaps between opposing positions and facilitate mutually agreeable resolutions. For instance, a lawyer would possibly negotiate a lowered restore price with a contractor in trade for immediate fee, benefiting each the shopper and the contractor.
The flexibility to barter successfully straight impacts the general success of property injury claims. Expert negotiators usually obtain favorable settlements that keep away from the time, expense, and uncertainty of litigation. This leads to faster resolutions and lowered stress for purchasers. Conversely, insufficient negotiation expertise can result in protracted disputes, undervalued settlements, or pointless lawsuits, doubtlessly diminishing the shopper’s final restoration. Due to this fact, purchasers in search of authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale ought to prioritize attorneys who possess demonstrated negotiation experience. This vital ability set performs a pivotal function in maximizing shopper compensation and reaching environment friendly decision of property injury claims.
7. Shopper Communication
Efficient shopper communication represents a cornerstone of profitable authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale property injury instances. A robust attorney-client relationship constructed on clear, constant, and empathetic communication fosters belief, reduces shopper nervousness, and contributes to optimistic case outcomes. Open communication channels guarantee purchasers stay knowledgeable concerning the progress of their instances, perceive advanced authorized procedures, and really feel empowered to take part in decision-making processes. This collaborative method empowers purchasers to make knowledgeable decisions aligned with their finest pursuits. For example, a lawyer explaining the implications of accepting a settlement provide versus continuing to trial empowers the shopper to make a well-considered resolution.
A number of key features of shopper communication contribute to efficient authorized illustration. Common updates concerning case developments, together with insurance coverage firm interactions, skilled consultations, and court docket proceedings, maintain purchasers knowledgeable and scale back uncertainty. Plain language explanations of authorized ideas and procedures demystify the authorized course of, enabling purchasers to grasp the complexities of their instances. Immediate responses to shopper inquiries and considerations exhibit responsiveness and respect for the shopper’s time and anxieties. Lively listening ensures the lawyer understands the shopper’s wants and targets, permitting for a tailor-made authorized technique. Empathy and sensitivity to the emotional affect of property injury acknowledge the shopper’s expertise and foster a supportive attorney-client relationship. A sensible instance would possibly contain a lawyer proactively informing a shopper about potential delays within the insurance coverage declare course of as a result of a excessive quantity of hurricane-related claims, thereby managing shopper expectations and minimizing frustration.
Prioritizing shopper communication considerably impacts the general expertise and end result of property injury instances. Clear and proactive communication builds belief, reduces stress, and empowers purchasers to actively take part of their authorized journey. Conversely, poor communication can result in misunderstandings, shopper dissatisfaction, and doubtlessly unfavourable impacts on case outcomes. Shoppers could really feel alienated from the authorized course of, resulting in frustration and mistrust. Due to this fact, people in search of authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale ought to prioritize attorneys who exhibit a dedication to clear, constant, and empathetic shopper communication. This give attention to communication fosters a robust attorney-client relationship, contributing to a extra optimistic and profitable authorized expertise.
8. Payment Buildings
Understanding payment constructions is essential when choosing a Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer. Authorized charges characterize a big side of the general price of pursuing a property injury declare. Transparency and readability concerning payment preparations are important for establishing a robust attorney-client relationship constructed on belief and mutual understanding. Completely different legal professionals make use of numerous payment constructions, and choosing a construction that aligns with the shopper’s monetary scenario and the character of the case is paramount.
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Hourly Charges
Legal professionals charging hourly charges invoice purchasers based mostly on the time spent engaged on their instances. Charges fluctuate relying on the lawyer’s expertise, status, and the complexity of the case. This construction supplies transparency concerning the price of authorized providers, as purchasers obtain detailed invoices outlining the time spent on particular duties. For instance, a lawyer would possibly cost $300 per hour for reviewing paperwork, conducting authorized analysis, and speaking with the insurance coverage firm. Hourly charges are frequent in advanced property injury instances requiring intensive investigation and litigation.
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Contingency Charges
Contingency payment preparations contain legal professionals receiving a proportion of the shopper’s restoration if the case is profitable. If the shopper doesn’t obtain compensation, the lawyer doesn’t obtain a payment. This construction makes authorized illustration accessible to purchasers who can not afford upfront authorized prices. For example, a lawyer would possibly conform to a 33% contingency payment, that means they obtain one-third of the settlement or court docket award. Contingency charges are prevalent in property injury instances the place the potential restoration is substantial.
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Flat Charges
Flat charges contain a predetermined fastened payment for particular authorized providers, similar to drafting a requirement letter or reviewing an insurance coverage coverage. This construction supplies readability and predictability concerning authorized prices. For instance, a lawyer would possibly cost a flat payment of $500 to overview an insurance coverage coverage and advise the shopper on protection points. Flat charges are sometimes used for discrete authorized duties moderately than complete illustration all through all the claims course of.
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Retainer Charges
Retainer charges contain purchasers paying an upfront sum to safe the lawyer’s providers. The retainer is then drawn down because the lawyer works on the case. This construction supplies the lawyer with an preliminary fee and ensures ongoing availability for the shopper. For instance, a shopper would possibly pay a $2,000 retainer, and the lawyer then payments in opposition to the retainer at their hourly price. Retainers are frequent in ongoing authorized issues requiring continued illustration.
Choosing a Fort Lauderdale property injury lawyer requires cautious consideration of payment constructions. A transparent understanding of the totally different payment preparations and their implications permits purchasers to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their monetary circumstances and the precise necessities of their instances. Brazenly discussing payment constructions with potential legal professionals ensures transparency and establishes a strong basis for a productive attorney-client relationship. Selecting a payment construction that balances affordability with the complexity and potential restoration of the case is essential for maximizing shopper satisfaction and reaching favorable outcomes in property injury claims.
Regularly Requested Questions
Navigating property injury claims in Fort Lauderdale usually presents quite a few questions. This part addresses frequent inquiries, offering concise but informative solutions to help people and companies in search of authorized counsel.
Query 1: How is the worth of broken property decided?
Property valuation includes assessing restore or substitute prices, contemplating components like depreciation, market worth, and particular damages. Insurance coverage insurance policies usually stipulate valuation strategies, and disputes could necessitate value determinations or skilled testimony.
Query 2: What’s the typical timeline for resolving a property injury declare?
Declare decision timelines fluctuate considerably based mostly on components such because the complexity of the injury, insurance coverage firm responsiveness, and potential litigation. Simple claims would possibly resolve inside months, whereas advanced instances might lengthen for a 12 months or extra.
Query 3: What sorts of damages could be recovered in a property injury declare?
Recoverable damages can embody restore prices, substitute prices, non permanent housing bills, misplaced revenue, and, in some instances, emotional misery or punitive damages, relying on the circumstances and relevant regulation.
Query 4: When is it needed to rent a property injury lawyer?
Whereas not at all times necessary, authorized illustration is commonly advisable, particularly in advanced instances, disputes with insurance coverage corporations, or conditions involving important monetary losses. Authorized experience can considerably affect declare outcomes.
Query 5: What are the frequent pitfalls to keep away from through the claims course of?
Frequent pitfalls embody accepting preliminary lowball settlement gives, offering incomplete documentation, failing to seek the advice of with specialists, and delaying needed repairs. These actions can considerably undermine a declare’s potential worth.
Query 6: What’s the function of an insurance coverage adjuster in property injury claims?
Insurance coverage adjusters examine claims on behalf of insurance coverage corporations, assessing damages and figuring out protection. Their assessments could not at all times align with the policyholder’s pursuits, highlighting the significance of unbiased authorized counsel.
Understanding these steadily requested questions supplies a foundational understanding of the property injury claims course of. Looking for steering from a professional authorized skilled is at all times really useful for situation-specific recommendation.
The next part delves additional into particular authorized concerns associated to property injury in Fort Lauderdale.
Ideas for Navigating Property Injury Claims in Fort Lauderdale
Efficiently navigating property injury claims requires proactive measures and a transparent understanding of authorized processes. The following pointers present worthwhile steering for people and companies in Fort Lauderdale in search of to guard their pursuits and maximize potential restoration.
Tip 1: Doc All the pieces Completely
Meticulous documentation types the cornerstone of a robust property injury declare. Pictures, movies, and detailed written descriptions of all injury ought to be compiled instantly following the incident. This complete file preserves essential proof and helps correct injury assessments.
Tip 2: Contact Your Insurance coverage Firm Promptly
Well timed notification to insurance coverage corporations is important for initiating the claims course of. Delays in reporting can jeopardize protection and create pointless problems. Policyholders ought to report incidents as quickly as moderately doable, offering correct and detailed data.
Tip 3: Assessment Your Insurance coverage Coverage Rigorously
Understanding the specifics of insurance coverage insurance policies, together with protection limits, deductibles, and exclusions, is essential. Policyholders ought to rigorously overview their insurance policies to grasp their rights and obligations concerning property injury claims. Looking for clarification from insurance coverage representatives or authorized counsel can deal with any ambiguities.
Tip 4: Seek the advice of with a Certified Fort Lauderdale Property Injury Lawyer
Authorized experience can considerably affect the result of property injury claims. Consulting with an skilled legal professional specializing in property injury instances in Fort Lauderdale ensures correct authorized illustration and maximizes potential restoration. Authorized counsel can help with insurance coverage declare negotiations, litigation, and different authorized processes.
Tip 5: Acquire Impartial Injury Assessments
Impartial value determinations from certified professionals, similar to contractors or engineers, present goal assessments of the injury. These unbiased assessments function worthwhile proof, significantly in disputes with insurance coverage corporations concerning the extent or worth of repairs.
Tip 6: Mitigate Additional Injury
Taking affordable steps to stop additional injury is important. This will contain non permanent repairs, securing the property, or eradicating broken objects. Failure to mitigate additional injury might negatively affect the declare and doubtlessly scale back recoverable losses.
Tip 7: Preserve Organized Data
Sustaining organized information of all communications, documentation, and bills associated to the property injury declare is significant. This organized record-keeping facilitates environment friendly case administration and ensures easy accessibility to essential data all through the claims course of.
Tip 8: Do not Settle for the First Settlement Provide
Preliminary settlement gives from insurance coverage corporations could not absolutely replicate the extent of damages or relevant protection. Negotiation, usually with the help of authorized counsel, may end up in extra favorable settlements that adequately compensate policyholders for his or her losses.
Following the following tips strengthens property injury claims and will increase the probability of favorable outcomes. Proactive measures and knowledgeable decision-making contribute considerably to defending property homeowners’ rights and reaching honest compensation for his or her losses.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and gives ultimate suggestions for these navigating property injury claims in Fort Lauderdale.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of property injury claims in Fort Lauderdale necessitates a complete understanding of authorized processes, insurance coverage insurance policies, and potential litigation. Entry to a talented property injury lawyer gives invaluable help in defending property homeowners’ rights and maximizing potential restoration. This exploration has highlighted essential features of authorized illustration in Fort Lauderdale, encompassing expertise, native experience, numerous case sorts, insurance coverage declare complexities, the potential for litigation, the significance of negotiation expertise, efficient shopper communication, and numerous payment constructions. Cautious consideration of those components empowers property homeowners to make knowledgeable choices when choosing authorized counsel.
Defending property investments requires proactive measures and knowledgeable authorized steering. Fort Lauderdale property homeowners dealing with property injury ought to prioritize securing competent authorized illustration to navigate the usually intricate claims course of successfully. Thorough preparation, clear communication, and strategic authorized counsel considerably contribute to favorable outcomes, making certain honest compensation and defending property rights inside the dynamic authorized panorama of Fort Lauderdale.
