Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. v. Keathley — affirmed the circuit court’s ruling without a written explanation

Case
Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. v. Debra Keathley, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Philip S. Keathley a/k/a Scott Keathley, Deceased, and the Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida d/b/a University of South Florida
Court
Florida Second District Court of Appeal
Judge
LaRose; Morris; Labrit
Date Decided
September 30, 2026
Docket No.
2D2026-0020
Topics
Civil Appeal; Per Curiam Affirmance
Source
Read the full opinion

Background

Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc. appealed from the Circuit Court for Pinellas County, where Judge Evan G. Frayman presided. The appellees were Debra Keathley, acting as personal representative of the Estate of Philip S. Keathley, also known as Scott Keathley, and the Board of Trustees of the University of South Florida.

The appeal proceeded under Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.130. The opinion does not describe the underlying dispute, the circuit court’s ruling, the issues raised on appeal, or the parties’ arguments.

The Court’s Holding

The Florida Second District Court of Appeal affirmed the circuit court’s ruling in a per curiam decision.

The court provided no reasoning or analysis and did not identify any specific legal rule supporting the disposition. Judges LaRose, Morris, and Labrit concurred.

Key Takeaways

  • The Second District affirmed the circuit court’s ruling.
  • The decision was issued per curiam without a written explanation.
  • The opinion does not disclose the underlying facts, appellate issues, or legal reasoning.

Why It Matters

The decision leaves the circuit court’s ruling in place. Because the appellate court supplied no reasoning, the opinion offers no substantive analysis for attorneys to apply in other cases.

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