The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled a trial judge was correct in awarding nominal damages and more than $115,000 in fees but incorrect in tossing claims for emotional distress and punitive damages for a Florida couple who were repeatedly reported in arrears for a house they no longer owned.

The March 25 opinion said the fee award should also be reopened after the case is litigated, with the sum already granted used as a “floor” for any additional fees.