What Is Valuable Consideration?
Valuable consideration is something of real value that each party gives or promises to support a binding contract. Consideration is the "price" of the bargain — money, goods, services, a promise to act, or a promise to refrain from acting. Without valuable consideration on both sides, an agreement is generally just an unenforceable promise to make a gift.
What Counts as Valuable Consideration
- Money or the promise to pay it
- Goods or services, or the promise to provide them
- A promise to do something one is not already obligated to do
- A promise to refrain from doing something one has the right to do (forbearance)
Why It Matters in Florida Contracts and Deeds
Florida courts generally do not weigh whether the consideration was a "good deal" — even nominal consideration can support a contract — but there must be a genuine bargained-for exchange. In real estate, deeds often recite consideration (sometimes a nominal "$10 and other good and valuable consideration") to show the transfer was for value. A transfer for valuable consideration can also affect a buyer's protected status against unrecorded claims.
Related Terms
- Consideration — The broader contract element
- Offer and Acceptance — The other essential elements of a contract
- Nominal Consideration — A small recited amount, as in deeds
Barnes Walker
Barnes Walker's attorneys draft enforceable contracts and deeds supported by valid consideration for Florida clients. Request a legal inquiry for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC