Q: The buyer in a transaction is a Navy SEAL. The buyer entered into an contract with a seller to buy a home in Florida. Prior to closing, the buyer received permanent change of station orders from his commanding officer, transferring him to California. May the buyer terminate the contract?
A: Yes. Section 689.27(2)(a), Florida Statutes, provides: “Any service member may terminate a contract to purchase property, prior to closing on such property, by providing the seller or mortgagor of the property with a written notice of termination to be effective immediately, if . . . the service-member is required, pursuant to permanent change of station orders received after entering into a contract for the property and prior to closing, to move 35 miles or more from the location of the property.”
Either a copy of the official military orders or a written verification signed by the service member’s commanding officer must accompany the notice.