Opinion
No. X-134.
March 31, 1975.
Appeal from the Circuit Court, Bay County, Mercer P. Spear, J.
Jerry W. Gerde of Davenport, Johnston, Harris, Gerde Harrison, Panama City, for appellant.
J. Robert Hughes, of Barron, Redding, Boggs Hughes, Panama City, for appellee.
By this interlocutory appeal appellant seeks review of a trial court's denial of a motion to set aside a default. The facts of this case are remarkably similar to those in Metcalf v. Langston, Fla.App. 1st 1974, 296 So.2d 81, cert. dis. Sup.Ct. Fla. 1974, 302 So.2d 414, wherein we stated, after discussing the applicable law that "Were there nothing more to consider we would be constrained to hold that the learned trial judge erred in denying the motion to set aside the default." However, in that case we affirmed because the appellant had failed to comply with the requisite procedural steps. The record before us sub judice, on the other hand, reveals that the appellant here, defendant below, has not so failed. The affidavit filed in the trial court alleges a meritorious defense, excusable neglect and a willingness to immediately proceed. (See Metcalf v. Langston, supra and North Shore Hospital, Inc. v. Barber, Sup.Ct.Fla. 1962, 143 So.2d 849).
On authority of the above mentioned cases, and the authorities therein cited, we reverse the order here appealed and remand for further proceedings consistent with the authorities herein cited.
It is so ordered.
RAWLS, C.J., and BOYER and McCORD, JJ., concur.