Home Owner Sues Andrea D’Alessio, The Inspirata Group, Deere Construction, and Others in $50M+ Miami Beach Estate Fraud and Defects Case
Miami Beach, FL July/August 2025
A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding over two ultra-luxury waterfront estates on Pine Tree Drive, with billionaire Russell G. Weiner—founder of Rockstar Energy Drink—accusing developer Andrea D’Alessio, his firm The Inspirata Group, and multiple contractors of orchestrating a scheme of fraud, misrepresentation, and catastrophic construction defects that could cost tens of millions to fix.
The lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court by Pine Tree Development, LLC, seeks over $50 million in damages for what it describes as one of South Florida’s most egregious high-end construction failures.
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The Rise and Collapse of Trust
Weiner’s complaint alleges that D’Alessio gained his trust during the acquisition of 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive by presenting himself as a licensed, elite luxury home builder.
In reality, plaintiffs say D’Alessio failed the Florida General Contractor exam multiple times and had no legal license to design or build homes.
In November 2021, Inspirata signed a $40,833/month fixed-fee contract to manage every aspect of the development—from demolition to final completion—while assuring Weiner of higher quality at lower cost.
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The Deere Connection: Secret Substitutions
The lawsuit claims D’Alessio and Inspirata:
- Installed Deere Construction, LLC as General Contractor of Record without the owner’s approval.
- Installed Deere Industries, LLC as Marine Contractor of Record, also without approval.
- Paid both Deere entities—controlled by licensed contractor Ryan Prendes—up to $40,000 per month each from Weiner’s funds, while still billing Inspirata’s project management fees.
- Represented both entities as “alter egos” performing overlapping work with no operational separation.
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Defects, Violations, and Dangerous Conditions
The allegations include severe deficiencies:
- Over 400 pilings installed without proper site preparation; dozens abandoned and replaced.
- Site improperly filled, compacted, and graded, causing soil instability, erosion, and sinkholes after rain.
- Foundations poured without permits, triggering stop-work orders and potential demolition.
- Sewer lines installed incorrectly, left open and filled with debris, requiring full reinstallation.
- Missing or improperly designed drainage systems.
- Unauthorized installation of a generator pad.
- Overbuilt guest house using excessive gauge steel and wrong materials, complicating mechanical and drywall installation.
- Elevator shafts non-compliant, walls not plumb, electrical conduits misplaced.
- Historic boathouse reconstructed with unapproved variances and zoning violations.
- Other structures built without required building permits or approvals.
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Historic Preservation Element
The estates include the historic Collins Estate, designed by architect Russell Pancoast in the 1920s. Weiner had the landmark relocated on-site, but claims unpermitted work and code violations compromised its preservation.
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Legal Claims
The complaint asserts:
- Breach of Contract (Inspirata)
- Negligence (Inspirata, Deere Construction, Deere Industries, BACO Engineering)
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty (D’Alessio, Inspirata)
Damages sought include:
- Direct financial losses
- Rebuild costs
- Expert and engineering fees
- Delay-related damages
- Attorneys’ fees and court costs
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Ripple Effects in the Luxury Market
If proven, the allegations could reverberate through Miami’s luxury real estate and development circles.
The combined claims of fraudulent inducement, secret contractor substitutions, and massive structural failures highlight the vulnerability of even billionaire-funded projects when trust replaces transparency.