Shawn Ahearn, on behalf of himself and all etc. v. Mayo Clinic, a Florida Corporation Mayo etc. , 180 So. 3d 165 ( 2015 )

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL
FIRST DISTRICT, STATE OF FLORIDA
SHAWN AHEARN, ON NOT FINAL UNTIL TIME EXPIRES TO
BEHALF OF HIMSELF AND FILE MOTION FOR REHEARING AND
ALL OTHERS SIMILARLY DISPOSITION THEREOF IF FILED
SITUATED,
CASE NO. 1D14-4256
Appellant,
v.
MAYO CLINIC, A FLORIDA
CORPORATION; MAYO
CLINIC JACKSONVILLE, A
FLORIDA CORPORATION,
Appellees.
_____________________________/
Opinion filed November 6, 2015.
An appeal from the Circuit Court for Duval County.
Virginia B. Norton, Judge.
Bryan S. Gowdy of Creedy and Gowdy, P.A., Jacksonville, for Appellant.
John A. Tucker of Foley & Lardner, LLP, Jacksonville; James A. McKee and
Benjamin J. Grossman of Foley & Lardner, LLP, Tallahassee; Marjorie C. Allen of
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, for Appellees.
BILBREY, J.
Appellant, Shawn Ahearn, individually and as a putative class
representative, appeals the final summary judgment issued by the trial court which
found that all of the causes of action asserted in Ahearn’s complaint were moot as
to him individually, and as such, he lacked standing to assert claims for a similarly
situated class. We agree with the trial court that certain claims were rendered moot
when, after Ahearn commenced litigation but before a class was certified, the
Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville and Mayo Clinic of Florida (collectively “Mayo
Clinic”) waived Ahearn’s balance owed to Mayo Clinic and offered to pay
attorney’s fees. However, we do not agree that the claim for declaratory and
injunctive relief by Ahearn as an allegedly aggrieved party under the Florida
Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (“FDUTPA”), section 501.211(1),
Florida Statutes, was extinguished by the Mayo Clinic’s actions. We therefore
reverse that portion of the final summary judgment.
Background and the Complaint
On September 14, 2013, Ahearn received emergency medical treatment at
the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. Because he was not covered by health insurance
or any governmental healthcare program, Ahearn was personally billed $5,953.26
for the treatment he received. On December 23, 2013, Ahearn, through counsel,
filed a complaint raising four causes of action premised in the allegations that
Mayo Clinic charged him and other uncovered patients rates in excess of the
reasonable value of the services provided and substantially higher than rates Mayo
2
Clinic charges those patients covered by insurance or a governmental healthcare
program. 1
On March 14, 2014, Mayo Clinic, while continuing to deny fault, informed
Ahearn that it was waiving the $5,623.26 which Ahearn still owed for the
treatment following his payment of $330.00. 2 Mayo Clinic then moved for
summary judgment and agreed to pay Ahearn’s attorney’s fees and costs, or allow
the trial judge to assess them if an agreement could not be reached. At no time
before the final summary judgment issued did Ahearn attempt to certify the class
pursuant to rule 1.220(d), Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.
Summary Judgment and Standard of Review
Summary judgment “shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings and
summary evidence on file show that there is no genuine issue as to any material
fact and that the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fla. R.
Civ. P. 1.510(c). On an appeal of the entry of summary judgment “[w]e view the
facts in a light most favorable to the nonmoving party and conduct a de novo
1
The final summary judgment did not address whether there was a cause of action
arising out of such allegations. Mayo Clinic filed a motion to dismiss which
argued that the allegation of disparate billing rates does not give rise to a cause of
action. Following entry of the final summary judgment, the trial court denied as
moot Mayo Clinic’s motion to dismiss. We do not address the issue of whether the
allegations give rise to any cause of action.
2
Ahearn has not alleged that the $330.00 which he paid was an unreasonable
amount.
3
review of such a judgment.” Maronda Homes, Inc. of Fla. v. Lakeview Reserve
Homeowners Ass’n, Inc., 127 So. 3d 1258, 1268 (Fla. 2013).
Breach of Contract Count
Ahearn’s first count was for breach of contract. As to Ahearn individually,
this became moot upon Mayo Clinic’s waiver and agreement to pay attorney’s
fees. “An issue is moot when the controversy has been so fully resolved that a
judicial determination can have no actual effect.” Godwin v. State, 593 So. 2d
211, 212 (Fla. 1992) (citing DeHoff v. Imeson, 153 Fla. 553, 15 So. 2d 258
(1943)). On appeal, Ahearn raises the possibility that he might face some
unspecified tax liability based on Mayo Clinic’s waiver of the balance of the bill.
However, he did not assert any claim below for possible tax liability or attempt to
amend his complaint to assert such a claim. Since Ahearn did not plead these
special damages, they are not recoverable. See Precision Tune Auto Care, Inc. v.
Radcliffe, 804 So. 2d 1287, 1292 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002) (“Evidence of special
damages is inadmissible if those damages are not pled in the complaint.”); see also
Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.120(g).
Additionally, the agreement by Mayo Clinic to pay reasonable attorney’s
fees and costs, or submit the issue to the trial judge, made the fees and costs issue
moot. See Ramon v. Aries Ins. Co., 769 So. 2d 1053 (Fla. 3d DCA 2000). In
discussing whether an adjudication on the merits was complete even though a
4
determination of the amount of attorney’s fees due remained, the United States
Supreme Court has stated,
As a general matter, at least, we think it indisputable that a claim for
attorney's fees is not part of the merits of the action to which the fees
pertain. Such an award does not remedy the injury giving rise to the
action, and indeed is often available to the party defending against the
action.
Budinich v. Becton Dickinson & Co., 486 U.S. 196, 200 (1988).
As no further relief could be granted to Ahearn individually on the breach
of contract claim, it was therefore appropriate to grant summary judgment as to
Ahearn individually on that count. See Cox v. CSX Intermodal, Inc., 732 So. 2d
1092 (Fla. 1st DCA 1999). “A moot case generally will be dismissed.” Godwin v.
State, 593 So. 2d at 212.
Ahearn asserts that even if the breach of contract cause of action as to him
individually was rendered moot by the actions of Mayo Clinic, he still had standing
to assert breach of contract as a class representative. Ahearn contends that Mayo
Clinic should not benefit from its action of “picking off” a putative class
representative. Ahearn cites to various federal cases to support his proposition.3
3
Appellant cited in support of his argument Weiss v. Regal Collections, 385 F.3d
337 (3d Cir. 2004); Pitts v. Terrible Herbst, Inc., 653 F.3d 1081 (9th Cir. 2011);
Lucero v. Bureau of Collection Recovery, Inc., 639 F.3d 1239 (10th Cir. 2011);
and Stein v. Buccaneer Ltd. P’ship, 772 F.3d 698 (11th Cir. 2014). He
acknowledged that Damasco v. Clearwire Corp., 662 F.3d 891 (7th Cir. 2011), did
not support his position. We note that after oral argument was completed in this
cause, Damasco was overruled by Chapman v. First Index, Inc., 796 F.3d 783 (7th
5
A majority of federal cases seems to support Ahearn’s argument that a
defendant cannot “pick off” a putative class representative by rendering moot the
individual claim, even if the class has not yet been certified. However, we are
compelled to follow Florida Supreme Court precedent which sets forth a bright-
line rule. In Sosa v. Safeway Premium Fin. Co., 73 So. 3d 91, 116 (Fla. 2011), the
Court held before a class can be certified the putative class representative must
have standing and “[t]o satisfy the standing requirement for a class action claim,
the class representative must illustrate that a case or controversy exists between
him or her and the defendant, and that this case or controversy will continue
throughout the existence of the litigation.” In Sosa, the putative class
representative had an existing case or controversy because he had a claim for an
actual injury. Id. at 117. Since Ahearn no longer has a claim for individual
damages for breach of contract, standing to serve as a class representative on that
count is lacking as he has no case or controversy as to that claim.
Admittedly, Sosa did not involve the picking off of a putative class
representative. However, other Florida district courts of appeal faced with the
issue have held that if the claim of the putative class representative is extinguished
before class certification, then the putative representative cannot bring a claim on
behalf of a class. For instance, in Taran v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.,
Cir. 2015).
6
685 So. 2d 1004 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997), plaintiffs, individually and as putative class
representatives, brought statutory claims for allegedly being charged excessive
health insurance premiums. After suit was filed, Blue Cross issued refunds to the
plaintiffs, thereby extinguishing their individual causes of action and picking them
off. Id. at 1007. “[I]f none of the named plaintiffs purporting to represent a class
establishes a requisite of a case or controversy with the defendant, none may seek
relief on behalf of himself or any other member of the class.” Id. at 1006 (quoting
O'Shea v. Littleton, 414 U.S. 488, 494, 94 S. Ct. 669, 675, 38 L. Ed. 2d 674, 682
(1974)) (footnote and citations omitted). See also Chinchilla v. Star Cas. Ins. Co.,
833 So. 2d 804 (Fla. 3d DCA 2002); Graham v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 813
So. 2d 273 (Fla. 5th DCA 2002); Syna v. Shell Oil Co., 241 So. 2d 458 (Fla.
1970). 4
Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Ahearn’s second count was for breach of the implied covenant of good faith
and fair dealing. “Florida contract law does recognize an implied covenant of
good faith and fair dealing in every contract.” QBE Ins. Corp. v. Chalfonte Condo.
Apartment Ass'n, Inc., 94 So. 3d 541, 548 (Fla. 2012). However, “a duty of good
faith must relate to the performance of an express term of the contract and is not an
4
“Picking off” the class representative after certification of the class does not
deprive the class representative of standing to continue the class action. Allstate
Ind. Co. v. De La Rosa, 800 So. 2d 245 (Fla. 3d DCA 2001).
7
abstract and independent term of a contract which may be asserted as a source of
breach when all other terms have been performed pursuant to the contract
requirements.” Hospital Corp. of Am. v. Florida Med. Ctr., Inc., 710 So. 2d 573,
575 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).
Since Ahearn’s individual breach of contract claim was extinguished, any
claim for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing is also
extinguished. See Insurance Concepts & Design, Inc. v. Healthplan Services, Inc.,
785 So. 2d 1232, 1234 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001) (“[A] claim for breach of the implied
covenant of good faith and fair dealing cannot be maintained under Florida law
absent an allegation that an express term of the contract has been breached.”).
Likewise, since Ahearn’s individual claim was extinguished before a class was
certified, under Sosa and Taran, Ahearn cannot purport to represent the class on
claim of breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing without
having a case or controversy of his own.
Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act Claim
Ahearn’s third count alleged violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair
Trade Practices Act (“FDUTPA”), sections 501.201 through 501.213, Florida
Statutes. In that count, Ahearn sought monetary damages, and declaratory and
injunctive relief. Although combined in one count, these allegations implicate two
separate paragraphs of FDUTPA, each of which requires separate analysis.
8
Section 501.211(2), Florida Statutes, provides in part, “[i]n any action
brought by a person who has suffered a loss as a result of a violation of this part,
such person may recover actual damages, plus attorney’s fees and court costs.” As
is the case with Ahearn’s breach of contract claim, his claim under section
501.211(2) for damages was made moot when Mayo Clinic waived his balance and
agreed to pay attorney’s fees and costs. Since he has no claim for actual damages,
and only the amount of fees and costs is left to determine, he has no claim under
section 501.211(2). Since he has no individual claim for damages, Ahearn has no
standing to sue on behalf of a class for damages under section 501.211(2). See
Baptist Hosp. Inc. v. Baker, 84 So. 3d 1200 (Fla. 1st DCA 2012) (holding lack of
actual injury by class representative precluded class action for damages under
section 501.211(2)).
As to Ahearn’s claim in count three for declaratory and injunctive relief
under FDUTPA, such claims are governed by section 501.211(1), which provides,
[w]ithout regard to any other remedy or relief to which a person is
entitled, anyone aggrieved by a violation of this part may bring an
action to obtain a declaratory judgment that an act or practice violates
this part and to enjoin a person who has violated, is violating, or is
otherwise likely to violate this part.
The term “aggrieved” is not defined in FDUTPA. Mayo Clinic contends
that “aggrieved” has the same meaning as “harmed,” “adversely affected,” or
“suffered damages.” Such an argument is unpersuasive given the Legislature’s use
9
of the distinctive wording of subsections (1) and (2) of section 501.211. As
indicated, subsection (1) affords declaratory relief to “anyone aggrieved” by a
violation of FDUTPA. On the other hand, subsection (2) provides that a person
may recover “actual damages” for a “loss as a result of a violation” of FDUTPA.
“It is well settled that legislative intent is the polestar that guides a court’s statutory
construction analysis.” State v. J.M., 824 So. 2d 105, 109 (Fla. 2002).
“[L]egislative intent may be discerned from the Legislature’s election to use
different words to convey different meanings within a statute.” Dep’t of Revenue
v. Central Dade Malpractice Trust Fund, 673 So. 2d 899, 901 (Fla. 1st DCA 1996).
“[W]here the document has used one term in one place, and a materially different
term in another, the presumption is that the different term denotes a different idea.”
A. Scalia & B. Garner, Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts § 25, p.
170 (2012).
Since it is presumed that the Legislature intentionally used different
terminology in subsections (1) and (2), the question becomes how to define these
terms. Black’s Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) defines “aggrieved” as “1. (Of a
person or entity) having legal rights that are adversely affected; having been
harmed by an infringement of legal rights. 2. (Of a person) angry or sad on
grounds of perceived unfair treatment.” 5 The first definition in Black’s would be
5
The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines aggrieved as “feeling
10
synonymous with damaged or suffered a loss. If the Legislature intended such, it
would have said “suffered a loss” or “damaged” based on the text of 501.211(2).
The second definition in Black’s is more consistent with the meaning of aggrieved
in the context of the statute. It is this meaning we adopt as the meaning of
“aggrieved” under section 501.211(1).
This definition of “aggrieved” as being more expansive than “damaged” or
“suffered a loss” is consistent with cases from this and other courts analyzing
FDUTPA. In Davis v. Powertel, Inc., 776 So. 2d 971, 975 (Fla. 1st DCA 2000),
we did not precisely define “aggrieved” but held,
it follows that an aggrieved party may pursue a claim for declaratory
or injunctive relief under the Act, even if the effect of those remedies
would be limited to the protection of consumers who have not yet
been harmed by the unlawful trade practice. 6
Clearly, Davis construed “aggrieved” to be broader than “suffered a loss.”
In Davis, Judge Webster wrote a concurring opinion and expressed concern that
the expansive view of the meaning of aggrieved and broad standing allowed under
this provision of FDUTPA provided “the potential for mischief.” Id. But Judge
Webster felt “compelled by the remarkably broad language of the Florida
Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act” to reverse. Id. Judge Webster further
resentment at having been unfairly treated.” Merriam-Webster,
http://www.merriam-webster.com (last visited August 20, 2015). This definition is
consistent with the second definition in Black’s.
6
We note that the trial court was not provided Davis by either of the parties below.
11
noted that if the Davis court was giving too broad a reading of FDUTPA, the
Legislature could always remedy the problem. In the over fourteen years since
Davis was decided, the Legislature has not limited the definition of “aggrieved” in
section 501.211(1).
In Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc. v. Timeshares Direct, Inc., 123 So. 3d
1149 (Fla. 5th DCA 2012), the Fifth District Court of Appeal was faced with the
question of whether an aggrieved party had to suffer monetary damages to be able
to maintain an action for an injunction under section 501.211(1). It was alleged
that Timeshares Direct used stolen information from Wyndham to solicit owners of
Wyndham timeshares to use Timeshares Direct’s services. Id. at 1150. Similar to
the instant case, the trial court ruled in Wyndham that because Wyndham could not
prove actual damages on its FDUTPA claims, injunctive relief under FDUTPA
was precluded as a matter of law. Id. at 1151. In reversing the trial court, our
sister court reviewed the purpose of FDUTPA and held, as we hold here, that
“regardless of whether an aggrieved party can recover ‘actual damages’ under
section 501.211(2), it may obtain injunctive relief under section 501.211(1).” Id. at
1152 (citing Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. v. Dole Food Co., Inc., 136 F. Supp. 2d
1271, 1292-93 (S.D. Fla. 2001), and Big Tomato v. Tasty Concepts, Inc., 972 F.
Supp. 662, 664 (S.D. Fla. 1997)). Furthermore, in Kelly v. Palmer, Reifler, &
Assocs., P.A., 681 F. Supp. 2d 1356 (S.D. Fla. 2010), the federal district court held
12
that a party is aggrieved for purposes of section 501.211(1) even though the
offending conduct was voluntarily ceased.
We do not attempt here to establish a bright-line test as to when a person is
or is not aggrieved under FDUTPA. We note that for someone to be aggrieved, the
injury claimed to have been suffered cannot be merely speculative. Macias v.
HBC of Florida, Inc., 694 So. 2d 88 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997). It should be emphasized
the plain language of section 501.211(1) offers declaratory and injunctive relief
against a party “who has violated, is violating, or is otherwise likely to violate this
part.” (Emphasis added). Thus, the deliberate use of the past tense establishes that
the offending conduct need not be continuing in order to seek declaratory or
injunctive relief. But, an “aggrieved” person for purposes of section 501.211(1)
nevertheless must be able to demonstrate some specific past, present, or future
grievance, otherwise the statute would have no meaning in violation of settled rules
of statutory construction. See Unruh v. State, 669 So. 2d 242 (Fla. 1996)
(explaining courts should avoid reading a statute in a manner which renders part of
the statute meaningless).
We are guided by the definition of “aggrieved” in the context of “standing to
enforce local comprehensive plans through development orders,” which is
contained in section 163.3215(2), Florida Statutes. This statute provides in
pertinent part,
13
As used in this section, the term “aggrieved or adversely
affected party” means any person or local government that will
suffer an adverse effect to an interest protected or furthered by
the local government comprehensive plan, including interests
related to health and safety, police and fire protection service
systems, densities or intensities of development, transportation
facilities, health care facilities, equipment or services, and
environmental or natural resources. The alleged adverse
interest may be shared in common with other members of
the community at large but must exceed in degree the
general interest in community good shared by all persons.7
(Emphasis added).
Therefore, a material issue of fact remains as to whether Ahearn was
“aggrieved” under section 501.211(1). Since Ahearn individually has a case or
controversy as to his claim for declaratory and injunctive relief under section
501.211(1), he may also attempt to assert a claim as class representative for this
relief pursuant to Sosa and Taran. We do not address whether certification of the
class is appropriate per rule 1.220, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, as this issue is
not before us. The summary judgment granted by the trial court as to count three
of the complaint is reversed as to the claims for declaratory and injunctive relief
both individually and as putative class representative.
Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Under Chapter 86
7
In Nassau County v. Willis, 41 So. 3d 270 (Fla. 1st DCA 2010), we found
standing under section 163.3215(2) where a party's interest exceeded the interest of
the general public.
14
Without specifically reciting statutory authority, count four asserted a claim
for a declaratory judgment and also sought injunctive relief to enforce the
anticipated declaratory judgment. Although the remedy sought is identical to a
claim for declaratory and injunctive relief under FDUTPA in count three, we
analyze count four under Chapter 86, Florida Statutes, which authorizes courts to
issue declaratory judgments. See § 86.011, Florida Statutes.
We agree with the trial court that the lack of a present controversy precludes
Ahearn from having standing to seek a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief
under Chapter 86. As the Florida Supreme Court has stated,
Before any proceeding for declaratory relief should be entertained it
should be clearly made to appear that there is a bona fide, actual,
present practical need for the declaration; that the declaration should
deal with a present, ascertained or ascertainable state of facts or
present controversy as to a state of facts; that some immunity, power,
privilege or right of the complaining party is dependent upon the facts
or the law applicable to the facts; that there is some person or persons
who have, or reasonably may have an actual, present, adverse and
antagonistic interest in the subject matter, either in fact or law; that the
antagonistic and adverse interests are all before the court by proper
process or class representation and that the relief sought is not merely
the giving of legal advice by the courts or the answer to questions
propounded from curiosity.
May v. Holley, 59 So. 2d 636, 639 (Fla. 1952).
Here, there is no actual, present need for a declaration under Chapter 86.
Since Mayo Clinic waived the balance owed and agreed to pay fees and costs, no
right of Ahearn is dependent on the facts or law applicable to the facts. Ahearn no
15
longer has an actual, present, adverse, and antagonistic interest to Mayo Clinic.
See Martinez v. Scanlan, 582 So. 2d 1167, 1171 (Fla. 1991) (explaining that to
seek a declaratory judgment there “must exist some justiciable controversy
between adverse parties that needs to be resolved for a court to exercise its
jurisdiction”). Given the lack of an actual controversy, any declaration under
Chapter 86 would be an advisory opinion, which this Court has repeatedly stated is
inappropriate. See Apthorp v. Detzner, 162 So. 3d 236 (Fla. 1st DCA 2015); see
also McCarty v. Myers, 125 So. 3d 333 (Fla. 1st DCA 2013). Again, since Ahearn
has no individual case or controversy, he cannot assert a claim as class
representative. Sosa.
Conclusion
For the reasons set forth above, we affirm the final summary judgment as to
the breach of contract count, the breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair
dealing count, the actual damages portion of the FDUTPA count, and the
declaratory judgment count under Chapter 86, Florida Statutes. We reverse the
final summary judgment as to FDUTPA count to the extent it seeks declaratory and
injunctive relief for Ahearn individually and as a putative class representative as an
allegedly aggrieved person.
AFFIRMED in part, REVERSED in part, and REMANDED.
SWANSON, J., CONCURS, ROWE, J., CONCURS IN RESULT IN PART AND
DISSENTS IN PART WITH OPINION.
16
ROWE, J., Concurring in result in part and dissenting in part.
I concur with the majority’s conclusions that the trial court properly granted
summary judgment because Ahearn’s individual and class action claims for breach
of contract, for breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for
money damages pursuant to FDUTPA, and for declaratory and injunctive relief
pursuant to chapter 86 were moot. However, contrary to the majority’s holding, I
would also conclude that Ahearn’s individual and class actions claims for
declaratory and injunctive relief pursuant to FDUTPA were barred because Ahearn
cannot establish that he is an aggrieved party pursuant to section 501.211(1),
Florida Statutes.
FDUTPA authorizes private causes of action for both injunctive and
declaratory relief and for actual damages. Section 501.211 provides:
(1) Without regard to any other remedy or relief to which a person is
entitled, anyone aggrieved by a violation of this part may bring an
action to obtain a declaratory judgment that an act or practice violates
this part and to enjoin a person who has violated, is violating, or is
otherwise likely to violate this part.
(2) In any action brought by a person who has suffered a loss as a
result of a violation of this part, such person may recover actual
damages, plus attorney's fees and court costs as provided in s.
501.2105. However, damages, fees, or costs are not recoverable under
this section against a retailer who has, in good faith, engaged in the
dissemination of claims of a manufacturer or wholesaler without
actual knowledge that it violated this part.
§ 501.211, Fla. Stat. (2013) (emphasis added).
17
By the express terms of the statute, plaintiffs seeking actual damages under
FDUTPA must allege they have “suffered a loss,” while plaintiffs seeking
injunctive and declaratory relief under the act need only demonstrate that they are
“aggrieved.” In comparing the terms “suffered a loss” and “aggrieved,” as those
terms are used in FDUTPA, the majority concludes that a plaintiff seeking
injunctive/declaratory relief need not demonstrate that they have been adversely
affected or harmed. Citing Black’s Law Dictionary, the majority concludes that
the first definition of the term “aggrieved,” which includes persons whose rights
are adversely affected or who have been harmed, is synonymous with the term
“suffered a loss” as that term is used in FDUTPA’s damages provision. Thus, the
majority posits that an “aggrieved” party seeking injunctive/declaratory relief
under FDUTPA must be someone other than a party who has been harmed or
whose rights have been adversely affected. Turning to the second definition
offered by Black’s, the majority concludes that the term “aggrieved,” as it is used
in FDUTPA’s injunctive/declaratory provision, must refer to a party who is “angry
or sad on grounds of perceived unfair treatment.” Notwithstanding the differing
terminology used by the Legislature in the two provisions, I cannot agree with the
majority’s construction of the term “aggrieved” as it is used in FDUTPA. This
construction is at odds with the plain language of the statute and the case law
interpreting both the damages and injunctive/declaratory provisions of FDUTPA.
18
The plain language of FDUTPA limits relief under the damages provision to
those plaintiffs that can establish actual damages. The relief provided under the
injunctive/declaratory provision of the statute is far broader and is available to any
plaintiff “aggrieved” by a violation of FDUTPA. See Wyndham Vacations
Resorts, Inc. v. Timeshares Direct, Inc., 123 So. 3d 1149, 1152 (Fla. 5th DCA
2011) (“[R]egardless of whether an aggrieved party can recover ‘actual damages’
under section 501.211(2), it may obtain injunctive relief under section
501.211(1).”); Smith v. Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., 663 F. Supp. 2d 1336, 1339 (S.D. Fla.
2009) (concluding that FDUTPA makes “declaratory and injunctive relief available
to a broader class of plaintiffs than could recover damages.”) (citations omitted).
Accordingly, it follows that a plaintiff who suffers a loss and sustains actual
damages as a result of a violation of FDUTPA may seek relief under both the
damages provision and under the injunctive/declaratory provision.
The majority’s conclusion that “suffered a loss,” as that term is used under
the damages provision, is synonymous with being adversely affected or harmed
ignores the fact that many adversely affected parties may not seek damages under
FDUTPA because they are unable to allege and prove actual damages. For
example, plaintiffs suing under the damages provision of FDUTPA may not
recover consequential damages. Kia Motors Am. Corp. v. Butler, 985 So. 2d 1133,
1140 (Fla. 3d DCA 2008) (holding that actual damages under FDUTPA do not
19
include consequential damages, such as repair or resale damages); accord Ft.
Lauderdale Lincoln Mercury, Inc. v. Corgnati, 715 So. 2d 311, 314 (Fla. 4th DCA
1998) (holding that consumers are not entitled to recovery of consequential
damages); Urling v. Helms Exterminators, Inc., 468 So. 2d 451, 454 (Fla. 1st DCA
1985) (holding that FDUTPA “entitles a consumer to recover damages attributable
to the diminished value of the goods or services received, but does not authorize
recovery of consequential damages to other property attributable to the consumer’s
use of such goods or services.”). Neither may a FDUTPA plaintiff recover
diminution in value damages or stigma damages under section 501.211(2). See
Rollins, Inc. v. Butland, 951 So. 2d 860, 869-70 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006) (holding that
actual damages under FDUTPA do not include consequential damages, diminution
in value damages, or stigma damages). Also barred from recovery under the
damages provision of FDUTPA are plaintiffs seeking nominal damages. City
First Mortg. Corp. v. Barton, 988 So. 2d 82, 86 (Fla. 4th DCA 2008) (holding that
the damages provision of FDUTPA does not provide for the recovery of nominal
damages, speculative losses, or compensation for subjective feelings of
disappointment). In each of these instances, the plaintiffs have been adversely
affected and/or have suffered losses and yet are barred from recovery under the
damages provision set forth in section 501.211(2).
20
However, despite their inability to recover their losses under the damages
provision of FDUTPA, parties suffering losses in the form of consequential
damages, nominal damages, diminution in value damages, and other non-
recoverable damages remain “aggrieved” within the meaning of FDUTPA and are
not barred from seeking injunctive or declaratory relief pursuant to section
501.211(1). See Wyndham, 123 So. 3d at 1152 (holding that injunctive relief was
available to an aggrieved party even though the aggrieved party had not suffered
actual damages); Klinger v. Weekly World News, Inc., 747 F. Supp. 1477, 1480
(S.D. Fla. 1990) (holding that a professional writer who alleged a lost business
opportunity as a result of newspaper’s alleged deceptive acts stated “an injury
sufficient” to permit the pursuit of injunctive relief under FDUTPA). Contrary to
the argument presented by the majority, I do not believe that the Legislature’s use
of the term “aggrieved” was intended to relieve plaintiffs seeking injunctive or
declaratory relief under FDUTPA from demonstrating that they were adversely
affected or harmed; rather, the use of the term was intended to expand the class of
plaintiffs authorized to bring suit under FDUTPA beyond those suffering actual
damages.
Notwithstanding the breadth of the remedies available under FDUPTA, a
plaintiff seeking relief must demonstrate that they are in “a position to complain”
and that a “violation has occurred, is now occurring, or is likely to occur in the
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future.” Davis v. Powertel, Inc., 776 So. 2d 971, 975 (Fla. 1st DCA 2000). Here,
Ahearn cannot allege that he is in a position to complain because of the mootness
of his claim.
In Florida, every plaintiff must demonstrate that their “case involve[s] a real
controversy as to the issues presented.” Dep’t of Revenue v. Kuhnlein, 646 So. 2d
717, 721 (Fla. 1994); Apthorp v. Detzner, 162 So. 3d 236, 240 (Fla. 1st DCA
2015) (holding that a plaintiff must “allege a present controversy based on
articulated facts which demonstrate a real threat of immediate injury” to invoke the
jurisdiction of the court). A case presents no actual controversy when the issues
have ceased to exist and should be dismissed as moot. Godwin v. State, 593 So.
2d 211, 212 (Fla. 1992). Montgomery v. Dep’t of Health & Rehab. Servs., 468 So.
2d 1014, 1016 (Fla. 1st DCA 1985) (“Mootness has been defined as “the doctrine
of standing set in a time frame: The requisite personal interest that must exist at the
commencement of the litigation (standing) must continue throughout its existence
(mootness).”) (citing Henry P. Monaghan, Constitutional Adjudication: The Who
and When, 82 Yale L.J. 1363, 1384 (1973)). Here, Ahearn’s standing to bring suit
ceased when Mayo Clinic waived the remainder of Ahearn’s medical bill and
agreed to pay his attorney’s fees and costs. Following the cancellation of his debt
and payment of his fees and costs, Ahearn’s claim became moot and he was no
longer in a position to complain. Thus, Ahearn is not an aggrieved party within the
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meaning of section 501.211(1), and he may not pursue injunctive or declaratory
relief under FDUTPA. For these reasons, I would affirm the final order of
summary judgment in all respects.
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