After Gale Industries damaged electrical wiring in the Tryteks' home, the company and Mr. and Mrs. Trytek disagreed over the cost of repairing the damage. Gale filed a construction lien for its original insulation work and brought suit to foreclose the lien. The Tryteks brought a counterclaim for the cost of repairs. After the offset of the Tryteks' counterclaim, Gale recovered only a small portion of its lien. Both parties claimed to be the "prevailing party" and sought attorney fees and costs. The trial court ruled that the Tryteks were the prevailing party and awarded the Tryteks their fees and costs. Gale Industries appealed to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. The 5th DCA overturned the trial court and certified the issue to be one of great public importance warranting review by this Court.