On November 18, 1975, Chet Moody was born in Gainesville, Florida. Chet attended elementary, middle, and high school at P.K. Yonge in Gainesville. Chet won the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award his senior year of high school for superior musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. Chet enrolled in the University of Florida and graduated, Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1998. Chet attended and graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in 2001.
Since 2002, Chet has been dedicated to representing the interests of those in the construction industry. Chet earned Board Certification by The Florida Bar in Construction Law in 2010. A Board Certified Specialist (“B.C.S.”) is recognition of an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency in a particular area of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Board Certification is the highest level of evaluation The Florida Bar bestows on members for competency and experience in a particular area of law.
In 2011, Chet founded C. Moody, P.A., where he continued his practice focused on construction law. In 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, Chet was named in Florida Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list, which is published annually in The Wall Street Journal recognizing the top young attorneys in Florida as selected by peer recognition and professional achievement.
In 2018, Chet and Rusty founded Moody & Graf, P.A., a firm devoted to the practice of construction law. The firm provides legal services to owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, insurers, sureties, and all others engaged in design or construction within the State of Florida.
With all of his achievements and success, Chet is most proud of his devotion as a loving husband to his extraordinary wife, Sarah, and as a loving father to his two children, Shayla and Chase.
Chet regularly attends his daughter, Shayla’s dance competitions and his son, Chase’s travel baseball tournaments. Chet is also an avid college sports fan, a donor and season ticket holder for Florida Gators football. In his free time, Chet enjoys playing golf with friends and taking family vacations.
Professional or Trade Affiliations
- Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist, Construction Law, 2010 – Present
- Orange County Bar Association (“OCBA”)
- Construction Law Committee Member for OCBA
Honors & Accolades
- Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist, Construction Law, 2010 – Present
- Florida Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- John Philip Sousa Award, P.K. Yonge High School, 1994
Representative Experience
- Won motion for summary judgment on statute of limitations issue on behalf of defendant painting subcontractor against a Homeowners’ Association in Orange County Circuit Court – Business Court Division. Avoided judgment in this multi-million dollar lawsuit.
- Won motion for summary judgment on behalf of defendant contractor against plaintiffs on a negligence claim in Lake County Circuit Court. Avoided judgment in this multi-million dollar lawsuit.
- Won bench trial on behalf of plaintiff electrical contractor against defendant business owner on a non-payment claim in Seminole County Circuit Court. Secured and recovered payment on full judgment on behalf of electrical contractor for principal, attorneys’ fees, costs, and interest.
- Won motion for summary judgment on behalf of defendant contractor in construction defect lawsuit on construction of two 30,000 sq. ft. shell buildings and 6,000 sq. ft. tenant improvement. Successfully argued against Plaintiff’s appeal before the 5th DCA. The Court affirmed defendant’s summary judgment, per curiam.
- Won jury trial on behalf of defendant roofing subcontractor against plaintiff in building collapse lawsuit in Orange County Circuit Court. Secured a zero-liability jury verdict in this multi-million dollar lawsuit.
- Routinely secures favorable negotiated settlements on behalf of clients before, during, and after mediation.
Community Involvement
- Chet and his family regularly support and donate to STOP! Children’s Cancer, for which Chet’s late mother, Susan Sheads Boate, served as Executive Director for many years before she passed in 2019.
- Chet and his family regularly support and donate to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation and One Heart for Women and Children.
Press Mentions
- The Wall Street Journal – Florida Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars List, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Speaking Engagements
- Lien Law Overview – Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Central Florida, 2008