We are a general contractor in the state of GA. We signed a contract with another GA company to erect a hangar building in the state of Florida.
Our contract stated specific prices for each part of work on the project, erection, electrical, plumbing, etc.
The owner paid one of our subcontractors directly for the price they quoted us and cut us out of our profits altogether. This left them owing us approx. 65,000.00 of profit (contracted amount vs. amount we were to pay our subcontractor). Our contract also prohibited this.
We are currently in arbitration concerning this matter.
In answer to our demand for arbitration they stated that " we cannot recover under any of the counts raised in the demand because we are not a licensed and qualified general contractor in the state of florida and pursuant to fl stat ch 489, cannot enforce our contract in law or in equity"
Our contract specifically states that we will be working as a subcontractor under a licensed florida general contractor. This was done because we are not licensed as a general contractor in florida. However we are registered in the state of florida and authorised to conduct business there pursuant to fl stat 607.1501; we were a subcontractor under a licensed general contractor for this project as stipulated in the contract and per fl stat 489.113; and should have the same rights and restrictions as a domestic corporation of like character pursuant to fl stat 607.1505.
We thought we did everything required by the state of Florida. My question is Are they right, can we not enforce our contract? Does our case hold merit? Please help!!!!! Any advice on this is greatly appreciated. We donot want to pay additional monies for arbitration if we have no chance to win......

