Russell Weiner, the billionaire behind Rockstar Energy Drink, has filed a new lawsuit alleging construction defects at his Miami Beach estate, which is valued at over $100 million. The suit was brought by Weiner’s Pine Tree Development against project manager Andrea D’Alessio and his company Inspirata Management Company, as well as Deere Construction/Deere Industries and Baco Engineering Contractor.
The legal complaint centers on two properties at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive. According to the filing, several structures were built without necessary building permits or zoning approvals. While some of the work was performed under a private provider arrangement with phased permitting—a process that allows private parties to review plans and conduct inspections typically handled by city officials—the lawsuit alleges this did not cover all required authorizations.
Additional issues cited in the complaint include improper installation of more than 400 foundation piles, inadequate site preparation leading to sinkholes and soil erosion after rainfall, incorrectly installed sewer lines that resulted in a stop-work order requiring rework of the entire project, and an unapproved generator pad. There are also allegations regarding reconstruction of a historic boat house from the 1920s and discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction at the Collins estate located at 5011 Pine Tree Drive. This property has been recognized as architecturally significant by local authorities.
Inspirata Management Company and D’Alessio have responded by filing a motion to dismiss the case. The court has yet to issue a ruling on this motion.
“Andrea [D’Alessio] is one of the most talented architects I’ve ever seen,” said Glen Waldman, attorney for Inspirata and D’Alessio. “We welcome the opportunity to have the court determine not only did he do nothing wrong, but this is personal vendetta by Mr. Weiner for reasons we can’t understand.”
Waldman added that he expects his clients will be cleared of wrongdoing and intends to seek reimbursement for legal costs from Weiner.
Weiner declined to comment on ongoing litigation.
Plans to relocate and preserve the Collins estate were previously documented by preservation groups. The structure was moved within the property boundaries; it was originally designed in the 1920s by Russell Pancoast for Irving Collins, whose father helped found Miami Beach.
Last year, anonymous neighbors raised concerns about construction practices on these lots, including an allegedly forged notarized notice of commencement—an official document marking the start of construction activity typically required alongside building permits in Miami-Dade County.
This latest lawsuit follows earlier litigation initiated last fall after reporting highlighted potential red flags in project management. In December, an amended complaint accused D’Alessio and his companies of fraudulent billing practices and self-dealing. According to those filings, D’Alessio promoted himself as an accomplished designer and contractor but lacked relevant Florida licenses or certifications until May of this year.
D’Alessio has denied all accusations. He previously stated that Weiner was aware he was not serving as general contractor on the project. State records confirm that D’Alessio obtained his general contractor license recently.
Francisco Touron III, attorney for Deere Construction/Deere Industries, declined comment but said via email that his client “prepared to aggressively defend against Plaintiff’s spurious claims.”
Weiner purchased both parcels from David and Leila Centner in 2021 before hiring Inspirata as project manager with compensation set at nearly $41,000 per month tied to various stages of design through construction.
The current lawsuit includes claims of breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty. Attorneys representing Inspirata argue that Pine Tree Development failed to meet state requirements for such claims under Florida law; they also point out that their agreement specifically states Inspirata bears no responsibility for actual construction work.
Weiner also owns a third adjacent property at 5101 Pine Tree Drive—which separates his other two lots—acquired through foreclosure proceedings. Demolition on this middle home is underway; city rules allow owners who control three contiguous parcels certain flexibilities regarding yard expansion or accessory buildings such as pools or cabanas if one lot is used accordingly.
