Jupiter Hills Club, Inc. v. Brinsfield
Jupiter Hills Club, Inc. v. Brinsfield
Opinion of the Court
This dispute between a member of a country club and the club is over the “couple” membership which the club issued to appel-lee and his fiancee, then withdrew based upon the club’s governing documents because the couple was not married. The trial court held that the club could not rescind the “couple” membership.
We believe that the trial court came to the correct conclusion and that its reason — expressed on rehearing — was similarly correct; namely, “classic” estoppel. Accordingly, we affirm.
We are not persuaded by appellant’s position that the case is governed by the club’s governing documents, nor section 725.01, Florida Statutes (1989). Instead, we find the evidence to be clear that appellee verbally asked the club manager if the club would extend couple privileges to his fiancee and himself; and informed the club manager that if such could be accomplished, appellee would then build a home upon the lot he owned in the development where the club was located. The manager presented appellee’s request to the club’s governing body, which verbally
If the club’s position were to prevail, it could rescind its position — by change of mind or board composition — notwithstanding a substantial change of position by the person dealing with the board and justifiably relying upon the same or the previous board’s action. Justice will not permit such conduct.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.