A legal battle has erupted over a failed real estate deal and alleged construction defects, as plaintiffs accuse two companies of fraud and breach of contract. Richard and Sarah Goldman filed a complaint on December 27, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Belleair FL, LLC and Accubuilding, LLC.
The Goldmans allege that they were induced to purchase a property at 220 Howard Drive for $2 million—$400,000 above market value—based on promises that they would receive a credit if they hired Accubuilding to construct a new home. The complaint states that this promise was never fulfilled. Instead, the couple claims they suffered financial losses when they sold the property for $1.6 million and never received the promised credit toward their new home's construction at 234 Howard Drive.
The lawsuit details how the defendants allegedly conspired to sell the overpriced property by promising a substantial credit that was never honored. "Defendants' promise of the $400,000 credit was false," reads the complaint. The Goldmans also cite numerous construction defects in their newly built home at 234 Howard Drive, including issues with guardrails, roofing tiles, plumbing fixtures, and more—violations of good building practices and the Florida Building Code.
In addition to breach of contract and fraud claims against both Belleair FL and Accubuilding LLC, the Goldmans are seeking damages for unjust enrichment and conversion. They argue that it would be inequitable for the defendants to retain benefits from these transactions without providing them with due compensation. The plaintiffs are asking for monetary damages exceeding $50,001 plus interest and costs associated with this action.
Represented by attorneys Alan P. Gustafson Jr. and Daniel E. Kennell from Herman & Wells P.A., the Goldmans are demanding judgment against both companies involved in this contentious real estate dispute. The case is being presided over by Judge Ken Burke under Case ID: 24-005670-CI.