The State of Florida is located in the southeastern corner of the United States. Nicknamed the “Sunshine State” due to its magnificent year-round weather conditions, Florida is home to more than 18 million residents, making it the fourth largest state in the country. Although the state’s largest city is Jacksonville, the Miami area is Florida’s largest metropolitan district.

Known for such things as its beaches, its attractions and theme parks, its weather, its status as a spring break hot spot, and its oranges and grapefruits, Florida is famous for many reasons.

However, with a state unemployment rate near 12 percent (above the national average of around 10 percent), one of the hardest hit housing markets in the country, and some of the nation’s most treacherous roadways, Florida faces a number of challenges.

In 2008, 243,342 vehicle crashes occurred on Florida’s roadways. As a result, authorities reported 10,025 crash-related injuries, and 2,983 crash-related fatalities. Alcohol-related fatalities numbered 1,169, a slight decrease from the 1,244 that occurred in 2007.

These figures make Florida’s roadways some of the most dangerous and deadliest in the nation.

Broward County, which includes the City of Fort Lauderdale, reported 26,417 vehicle crashes in 2008. Of these, 228 fatalities occurred. In Palm Beach County, which includes the cities of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth, reported 13,831 vehicle crashes in 2008. As a result, 198 people lost their lives. In Martin County, which includes the City of Stuart, 1,370 crashes occurred, resulting in 30 fatalities.

In addition to Florida’s roadway problems, the state also faces severe difficulties due to the housing crisis. Recent statistics from the Mortgage Bankers Association indicate that 25 percent of mortgages in Florida were at least one payment past due or in foreclosure. This troubling information translates into real problems for many Florida homeowners, and brings to light the increased need for mortgage modification and/or foreclosure defense.

In order to address the needs of clients, LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A. maintains three offices in Florida:

• Palm Beach Gardens Office: 5220 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418;
• West Palm Beach Office: 1665 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Suite #803, West Palm Beach FL, 33401; and
• Boynton Beach Office: 3652 S. Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.