Travis S. McConnell
Orlando construction and business lawyer
Travis S. McConnell is a construction and business lawyer located in Orlando, FL. Mr. McConnell founded Ready Legal with the aim of serving small businesses after practicing law at one of the largest law firms in the country. His clients have included a diverse range of companies, such as contractors, suppliers, landlords, retailers, manufacturers, lenders, and developers.
Mr. McConnell has been involved in construction for more than a decade, since joining the U.S. Army Reserve as an Engineer Officer. Before leaving the Army, he served in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps as Trial Counsel, performing litigation and general counsel duties for an engineer command overseeing more than 4,000 Soldiers.
In private practice, Mr. McConnell has served clients across a spectrum of backgrounds, from Fortune-20 corporations, to family-owned operations. As an entrepreneur and attorney, Mr. McConnell contributes to his clients’ success through both legal experience and business judgment.
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Construction Law
- Construction Contracts, Construction Defects, Construction Liens, Construction Litigation
- Real Estate Law
- Condominiums, Homeowners Association, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Florida
- The Florida Bar
- ID Number: 0303702
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Managing Attorney
- Ready Legal
- - Current
- Associate Attorney
- Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
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- Engineer Officer and JAG Officer
- U.S. Army Reserve
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- Associate Attorney
- Lippes Mathias
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- Associate Attorney
- Cotney Construction Law
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- Florida Institute of Technology
- B.S.
- Honors: Summa Cum Laude
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- Florida State University College of Law
- J.D.
- Honors: Cum Laude
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- Rising Stars - Construction Litigation
- Florida Super Lawyers
- Ones to Watch - Construction Law
- Best Lawyers
- Ones to Watch - Regulatory Law
- Best Lawyers
- Ones to Watch - Commercial Litigation
- Best Lawyers
- Rising Stars - Construction Litigation
- Florida Super Lawyers
- The Florida Bar # 0303702
- Member
- - Current
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- Florida’s New Procedure for Removing Squatters Effective in July: Use with Caution
- Daily Business Review
- Essential Practices for Safe Trench Work in Utility Construction
- Ditchmen Magazine
- Safety Compliance in Abrasive Blasting Operations
- CoatingsPro Magazine
- Florida Aims to Standardize Construction Lien Waivers
- Roofing Contractor
- Hiring and Retention Practices in Construction, Monthly Conference, Jacksonville, FL
- North Florida Air Conditioning Contractors Association
- Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course
- U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School
- Licensed to Practice Law in Florida
- The Florida Bar
The Dangerous Contract That Subcontractors Must Watch Out for (Pay-if-Paid) #construction #florida
Think your work guarantees you’ll get paid? Think again. In this video, we break down the real dangers of “Pay-if-Paid” clauses hidden in many subcontractor agreements. These risky clauses allow general contractors to shift the burden of nonpayment onto subcontractors — meaning if the property owner doesn’t pay them, they don’t have to pay you either.
Change Orders 101: Protecting Your Pay in Florida #construction #contracting #florida #realestate
Hit with unexpected conditions on a Florida job site? Subcontractors often rely on change orders to recover extra costs—but getting them approved isn’t always easy. In this video, Travis from Ready Legal breaks down the five key practices every subcontractor should follow when requesting additional compensation. DISCLAIMER: This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Why Elon Musk Hates Cost-Plus Contracts (and you should too!) #construction #florida #realestate
Elon Musk isn’t just known for rockets—he’s also got strong opinions about contracts. When SpaceX was starting out, he refused to use cost-plus contracts because they reward overspending. Fixed-price contracts create the right incentives—and they should be the default for most construction projects. DISCLAIMER: This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
One Contract Clause that Could Cost you EVERYTHING #construction #florida #law #contracting
You didn’t cause the damage—but now you’re getting the bill. If you’re a contractor, this video explains how indemnification clauses in your subcontract could leave you paying for other trades’ mistakes. Learn how to protect yourself before you sign. DISCLAIMER: This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Building a new luxury home? Watch this first!! #construction #florida #customhome #mansion
Building a high-end custom home or mansion in Florida? Here’s why an owner’s representative is critical to protect your investment. Architects and general contractors have roles to play, but only an owner’s rep works solely for you—making sure your build stays on track and on budget. This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Are Verbal Contracts Legal in Florida? #construction #florida #realestate #contracting #law
Verbal agreements can be tricky—but in Florida, they’re often enforceable, especially for service-based contracts like construction. In this video, Travis from Ready Legal explains when verbal agreements can be binding, why proving them can be hard, and how to protect yourself when there’s no paper trail. DISCLAIMER: This is not legal advice. For informational purposes only.
What is a 558 Notice? Florida Contractors, Listen Up #construction #florida #law
Just finished a Florida construction project and received a Chapter 558 Notice? Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it. In this video, we break down what a 558 Notice is, what your rights and obligations typically are under the law, and how to protect yourself with photos, inspections, and timely responses. Like and subscribe for more construction legal tips and videos. Questions? Drop them in the comments—this is not legal advice. DISCLAIMER: This video is for general informational purposes on
Construction Lien Waivers (and why you must get them!!) #construction #florida #realestateinvesting
Thinking of building or renovating in Florida? Before you cut that final check to your contractor, STOP! In this video, we break down: What lien waivers are Why they protect YOU, the property owner What can go terribly wrong if you don’t get them Hint: You could end up paying twice for the same work
Buying a house with your BF/GF? Stop!!! Don't get into a partition case. #realestate #florida #law
Thinking of buying a house with your boyfriend or girlfriend? Hold up! Before you sign on that dotted line, watch this! Breaking up after buying property together can lead to a partition lawsuit—a messy, expensive legal battle you definitely don’t want. Even if you move out, you’re still on the hook for the mortgage, and your credit could take a serious hit.
Florida Squatters Get The Boot Under New Law #realestate #florida #eviction #squatters #legalnews
Someone broke into your Florida vacation home and won’t leave? Until now, you’d be stuck in a legal nightmare. But starting July 1, 2024, Florida law is changing — and fast-tracking squatter removals. In this video, we break down House Bill 621, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which gives property owners powerful new rights under Florida Statute § 82.036. Learn how you can now request immediate removal of unlawful occupants—without filing a lawsuit.
Avoid this $100K mistake when setting up your business #entrepreneur #florida #startup #realestate
Thinking about setting up an LLC in Florida? Before you rush to file your Articles of Organization, watch this! A lot of new business owners make the mistake of thinking that forming an LLC is as simple as filling out an online form. But if you don’t set up your LLC properly—and follow key legal formalities—you could lose the very protection you were trying to create.
Managing contractors as a real estate investor: 2 key protections #realestateinvesting #construction
Hiring contractors can make or break your real estate investment — but smart investors know how to protect themselves. In this video, we cover two critical protections: having a strong written contract that clearly outlines expectations, and controlling payments with small upfront deposits and milestone-based payouts. By holding the purse strings and setting clear terms, you can avoid common contractor pitfalls and keep your projects on track and on budget.
- Q. Pool contract delays: How can I get contractor to finish work?
- A: Construction delay disputes in Florida are generally governed by the terms of the construction contract and applicable state laws, including consumer protection statutes. For example, Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes regulates contractor conduct and may impose professional penalties for project abandonment. When a contractor significantly exceeds the agreed timeline and stops responding, it may raise legal concerns involving breach of contract or potential licensing violations. In such situations, it is advisable to consult with a construction lawyer who practices in your area, particularly one with experience handling delay claims and contractor disputes. This comment is for general informational ... Read More
- Q. Will the Release Of Lien form in FL Statutes 713.20 protect me from GC and subcontractors' claims after payment?
- A: Florida lien releases under Chapter 713 come in various forms—partial or final, and conditional or unconditional—depending on the stage of payment and whether the release is contingent on receipt of funds. While using the statutory forms may be appropriate, owners typically need to collect proper lien releases from every contractor, subcontractor, and supplier in the payment chain. Importantly, simply obtaining a release from the general contractor may not eliminate the lien rights of lower-tier subcontractors or suppliers if they haven’t been paid. This is a technical area of law, and making payments without the right documentation can expose owners to the risk of paying twice for the ... Read More
- Q. How can I recover over $15,000 for sod sold without a signed agreement?
- A: In Florida, verbal agreements are generally enforceable, with limited exceptions, such as the Statute of Frauds (which typically applies to contracts that cannot be performed within one year or involve the sale of real estate). A claim for breach of oral contract may be available when one party provides goods, like sod, with the understanding it would be paid for within a set time, even if nothing is signed. Additionally, a seller may have a claim for unjust enrichment if the buyer accepted and benefited from the sod without paying. The first step is usually to issue a written demand for payment, documenting the amount owed and the basis for the claim. If the demand is ignored, the seller can ... Read More
