Fla. Drywall Judge Sides With Builders on Economic, Nuisance, Strict Liability Claims

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A state court judge has dismissed claims for economic damage, nuisance and strict liability brought against homebuilders in a group of Chinese drywall lawsuits filed in Florida. Bennett, et al. v. Centerline Homes Inc., et al., No. 502009CA014458 (Fla. Cir. Ct., Palm Beach Cty.).

Palm Beach County Circuit Court Judge Glenn D. Kelley held in an omnibus order Nov. 5 that the plaintiffs' economic damage claims - including those for inadequate value, cost of repair and replacement and loss of profits - are barred by the privity economic loss rule. However, Judge Kelley ruled that …