Quantum meruit is an equitable remedy that is based upon the promise implied by law to pay for beneficial services rendered and knowingly accepted. The purpose of this common law doctrine is to prevent a party from being unjustly enriched by retaining the benefits of the performance without paying anything in return.

To recover under a quantum meruit claim, a claimant must prove that: (1) valuable services were rendered or materials furnished; (2) for the person sought to be charged; (3) those services and materials were accepted by the person sought to be charged, and were used and enjoyed by him; and (4) the person sought to be charged was reasonably notified that the plaintiff performing such services or furnishing such materials was expecting to be paid by the person sought to be charged.

Pleading In The Alternative

A party generally cannot recover under a quantum meruit claim when there is a valid contract covering the services or materials furnished. The measure of damages for recovery under a quantum meruit theory is the reasonable value of the work performed and the materials furnished.

But a party to a contract may seek alternative relief under both contract and quasi-contract theories. And pleading in the alternative does not defeat the effect of an arbitration clause that broadly covers all disputes between signatories that arise out of the underlying agreement.

In Florida, quantum meruit is a legal doctrine that allows an individual or entity to recover the reasonable value of services and materials provided to another party, under the premise that the recipient should not be unjustly enriched at the expense of the provider. To succeed in a quantum meruit claim, the claimant must demonstrate that valuable services or materials were provided, that the recipient accepted and benefited from them, and that the recipient was aware that the claimant expected compensation. While a valid and enforceable contract negates the possibility of a quantum meruit claim for issues covered by the contract, Florida law permits a party to plead in the alternative, meaning they can seek recovery under both contract and quasi-contract theories. This does not invalidate any arbitration clauses in the contract, as such clauses typically require that all disputes arising from the agreement be resolved through arbitration, regardless of whether the claims are made under contract law or in the form of quantum meruit.