Background
Michael A. Rhein and Donna L. Rhein appealed from a decision of the Circuit Court for St. Johns County. Circuit Judge Howard M. Maltz presided over the lower-court proceeding, which was docketed as case number 2021-CA-000300.
The appellate opinion identifies Daniel Haralambou, Raquel Haralambou—individually and as natural parent and guardian of M.H.—and Brittany Dunmire—individually and as personal representative of the Estate of James Knippenberg—as appellees. Because the Fifth District issued no factual discussion, the opinion does not disclose the underlying claims, procedural history, or grounds for appeal.
The Court’s Holding
The Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s decision in a per curiam disposition. Chief Judge Jay and Judges Eisnaugle and Soud concurred.
The court supplied no reasoning and announced no rule of law. Accordingly, the opinion establishes only that the challenged lower-court result was affirmed; it does not reveal which arguments the court accepted or rejected.
Key Takeaways
- The Fifth District affirmed the circuit court’s decision.
- The court resolved the appeal through a per curiam affirmance without a written explanation.
- The disposition provides no factual analysis, legal reasoning, or express precedent on the underlying issues.
Why It Matters
The decision leaves the circuit court’s result in place, subject to disposition of any timely and authorized motion under Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure 9.330 or 9.331. Its practical significance is primarily to the parties because the Fifth District did not explain its reasoning or articulate a broader legal principle.