The Bluegrass State may be the home of the Kentucky Derby, but the equine industry is big business in Florida, too. Florida is home to more than 385,000 horses. The horse industry in Florida generates $6.8 billion annually and creates 244,200 jobs, according to data from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. With so much money at stake, those in the horse industry know the value of creating solid equine lease agreements to protect their assets, financial sustainability, and animals.
At Gueronniere, P.A., our boutique law firm assists those in Florida’s equine industry, helping people protect their investments and animals by providing comprehensive legal services and representation. Our legal team has extensive knowledge of horses and the horse industry. We use this knowledge and our vast legal resources to help equestrians resolve legal issues and disputes.
One of the most common agreements used in the equine industry in Florida is an equine lease agreement. These agreements are legal contracts. Drafting and enforcing these contracts can be complicated, so you need an experienced equine lease agreement attorney working for you. Contact our Wellington office today and arrange a legal consultation.
What Is an Equine Lease Agreement?
Equine lease agreements are legally binding contracts between a horse owner, known as the lessor, and another party, called the lessee. These documents outline the terms and conditions of leasing a horse. The contract protects the lessor and lessee by laying the ground rules for the horse lease. It can include provisions specifying how the lessee can use the horse and when the lessee must notify the owner of health issues or injuries. It should also include information about the responsibilities of the lessee and lessor, such as who feeds and grooms the animal throughout the lease and who is responsible for primary veterinary care. A typical contract also establishes all financial costs and fees for leasing the animal.
A standard equine lease agreement also includes crucial information such as the animal’s registration number, contact information for all parties, and the lease’s effective and termination date. A solid contract should also include provisions for termination and breach of contract if a party cannot fulfill their contractual obligations.
Breach of Contract and Dispute Resolution
Unfortunately, sometimes, an individual does not uphold their end of the contract. Breach of contract can occur for several reasons, including:
- When a party fails to pay agreed-upon lease fees
- When a party uses the animal in a manner not agreed upon by both parties
- When the lease term comes to an end, and the animal is not returned
- When a party fails to adhere to their contractually obligated responsibilities, such as feeding, grooming, or caring for the horse
When a party breaches the equine lease agreement, hiring an experienced equine industry attorney may be necessary to help you resolve the matter. Dispute resolution can be complicated, especially when the contract does not explicitly cover dispute resolution options. An attorney can review your agreement, identify potential issues, and work with you to resolve the dispute. An equine lawyer can also outline the potential remedies that may be available due to the harm caused to you or your animal due to the breach of contract.
Why Do You Need a Florida Equine Lawyer?
A horse is an investment, an asset, a business tool, and a friend. Protecting yourself and your animal when entering an equine lease agreement is essential. Some people want to save a few dollars by using online lease agreements. Unfortunately, these contracts may use archaic or complicated language, confusing you and the other parties involved in the leasing process. These documents may also contain inadequate provisions or be so poorly worded that a court can render the contract agreement unenforceable.
Another problem with the do-it-yourself approach to equine leasing agreements is that many cut-and-paste contracts from the internet cannot address all the potentially relevant aspects of your unique situation. A one-size-fits-all document rarely offers you the protections you need. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to draft a comprehensive equine lease agreement that addresses your concerns and meets your needs, whether you are the lessor or the lessee.
At Gueronniere, P.A., we carefully review your situation and craft personalized equine lease agreements that address vital issues relating to your situation and protect you and your investment. We can also review existing equine agreements and offer guidance and advice to help you make an informed decision about whether you should sign a legally binding contractual agreement.
No matter which side of the fence you are sitting on, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the equine lease process. Getting an attorney on your side early in the process before a dispute occurs is best. Before either party signs anything, talk to an equine lawyer about your situation.
Quality Legal Representation for Florida Equestrian Clients
Whether you want to lease a horse or are considering leasing out one of your valuable animals, you need an experienced equestrian lawyer to help you iron out the details of the transaction. Do not enter into an equestrian lease agreement lightly. These documents are legally binding contracts, If the unexpected happens and you cannot fulfill the terms of the contract, financial issues and heartache can result. Protect yourself, protect your investment, and protect the health and safety of your animal by seeking effective legal representation from Gueronniere, P.A.
Driven by passion and committed to delivering exceptional results, the legal team at Gueronniere, P.A., can deliver a personalized legal approach to equine lease agreements and all your equestrian industry needs. Contact our Wellington office today and arrange an initial legal consultation to discuss your situation.