Construction Law

Did You Receive a Stop Work Order? Here’s What You Need to Know featured image

Did You Receive a Stop Work Order? Here’s What You Need to Know

For contractors working on government projects, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that a stop work order can be issued at any time to temporarily, and sometimes permanently, suspend all work. The stop work order is typically sent to a contractor to protect the workers on site, the project’s infrastructure, or the surrounding environment. In this brief article, a stop work order attorney in Florida will discuss a few important points for dealing with a stop work order in Florida for a federal project. If you are working on a project and have received a stop work order, consult a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.

Why Were You Issued a Stop Work Order?

Stop work orders can be issued for a variety of reasons. Here are some common reasons why work is ceased on a project:

  • Inspection failure
  • Violation of building codes
  • Hazardous chemicals located onsite
  • Infrastructure issues
  • Public endangerment
  • Not in compliance with zoning ordinances
  • Environmental concerns
  • Change to the scope of the work

What is in a Stop Work Order?

If you are a contractor and receive a stop work order, you likely have many questions. Here are some basic questions you may have about the items in the document that need to be resolved:

  • What’s on hold? The stop work order will detail what activity is being suspended. This may be for a segment of the project or the entire project. Regardless, the contractor needs to be informed of what activities need to be ceased.  
  • What’s next? The stop work order will explain what the contractor must do to honor their contractual agreement. For example, this often relates to permitting issues, services, and active subcontracts that the contractor needs to resolve.
  • Should the contract be terminated? In some cases, it may be best for the contractor to move on to another project and terminate their agreement. The stop work order should feature how this option can be successfully performed by the contractor.
  • Can the problem be resolved? The stop work order should detail exactly how the contractor can correct the current problem. Moreover, the stop work order should also detail how the contractor can implement a re-inspection process after resolving these issues.
  • What are the penalties? Lastly, the stop work order document should clearly define the penalties that the contractor will incur if they neglect to make the corrective actions requested in the form. This is a serious issue that requires the attention of an experienced stop work order attorney in Florida.  

If you have received a stop work order in Florida, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.