State, Department of Transportation v. Young

The appellant, Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), challenges the trial court’s final order granting a directed verdict for the appellees, Iris Hart Young and others. We reverse.

DOT filed a petition seeking condemnation of land owned by the appellees alleging that it was necessary for the public purpose of replacing an inadequate and unsafe bridge. The appellees claimed that DOT was acting in bad faith and grossly abusing its discretionary powers because the land it wanted to take through eminent domain was not required for any public purpose. The cause proceeded to hearing on the…