Russell Weiner, the founder of Rockstar Energy Drink, has filed a new lawsuit against parties involved in the construction of his Miami Beach estate, alleging defective work and lack of proper permits. The suit was brought by Pine Tree Development, Weiner’s company, against Andrea D’Alessio and his Inspirata Management Company, Deere Construction/Deere Industries, and Baco Engineering Contractor.
The complaint centers on two properties at 5011 and 5111 Pine Tree Drive where Weiner plans to build a major waterfront estate. According to the lawsuit, structures were constructed without required building permits or zoning approvals. Some work was reportedly done using private providers and phased permits that allow owners to use third-party inspections instead of city oversight.
Additional allegations include improper installation of over 400 piles; inadequate site filling and grading that led to sinkholes and soil instability after rain; incorrectly installed sewer lines resulting in a stop-work order; an unapproved generator pad; issues with reconstructing a historic boat house; discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction at the Collins estate; missing drainage; and other alleged construction problems.
Inspirata Management Company and D’Alessio have moved to dismiss the complaint. A judge has not yet ruled 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 vindicated in court and will seek legal fees from Weiner.
Weiner declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
Plans for relocating and preserving the Collins estate on site were previously documented by local preservation groups. The original structure was designed by Russell Pancoast in the 1920s for Irving Collins, son of Miami Beach’s founding father John Collins.
Last year, some neighbors raised concerns about construction activity at the site, including an allegedly forged notice of commencement filed with Miami-Dade County—a document required when starting permitted construction projects.
This latest legal action follows previous lawsuits initiated by Weiner’s company last fall after media coverage highlighted potential issues at the property. An amended complaint later accused D’Alessio and related parties of fraud through overbilling and self-dealing.
According to court filings from December, D’Alessio presented himself as an experienced designer but lacked Florida licenses or certifications until May this year. He denied wrongdoing, saying Weiner knew he was not acting as general contractor during much of the project timeline.
Deere Construction’s lawyer declined substantive comment but stated via email that they intend “to aggressively defend against Plaintiff’s spurious claims.”
Weiner purchased both lots from David and Leila Centner in 2021, hiring Inspirata as project manager with compensation set at nearly $41,000 per month tied to various phases of development.
The current complaint alleges breach of contract, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty. In their response seeking dismissal, Inspirata’s attorneys argue that Pine Tree Development did not meet state requirements for such claims and note that their agreement specified Inspirata was not responsible for actual construction work.
The properties are adjacent to another home at 5101 Pine Tree Drive—also owned by Weiner following foreclosure proceedings—which separates them. Demolition has begun on this middle parcel as part of ongoing redevelopment efforts under city rules allowing aggregation of contiguous lots for expanded estate uses if certain conditions are met.
