Breach of Contract Attorneys
Representing businesses and business owners when a contract is broken, on both sides of the dispute, in Florida from our Miami office and in Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, and New York.
A breach of contract case is decided by three things: what the contract says, what each side actually did, and what the correspondence shows they understood at the time. Industria Business Lawyers represents companies and their owners in contract disputes as the party enforcing the agreement and as the party accused of breaking it, in Florida’s courts, in arbitration, and on appeal.
This page explains the kinds of contract disputes IBL handles, the deadlines that apply under Florida law, the remedies a court can order, the statutes that shift fees and costs, and what to bring to the first call. Every statute cited was read on the Florida Legislature’s site on 16 September 2026. Contracts governed by the law of Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, or New York are handled through attorneys admitted in those jurisdictions.
Every matter is assessed on its own facts. Some contract disputes are better resolved by a demand letter and a renegotiated agreement than by a lawsuit, and IBL says so at the outset when that is the case.
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Discuss Your Contract Dispute with Our Team
Contract Disputes We Handle
Most commercial contract disputes fall into a small number of patterns. The pattern decides the evidence that matters and the remedy that fits.
Non-Payment and Non-Performance
The other side did not pay, did not deliver, or delivered late. Supply and service agreements, licences, leases, and purchase agreements. The performance record and the invoices are the evidence; the question is usually whether a condition to payment was met and whether the non-performing party had an excuse the contract allows.
Defective Performance
What was delivered was not what was promised: goods that did not conform, services that did not meet the specification, software that did not work. Notice provisions, cure periods, and warranty terms decide these, which is why the contract is read before the complaint.
Anticipatory Breach and Termination Disputes
One side announced it would not perform, or terminated the agreement on grounds the other side disputes. Whether the termination was valid, and what each side owes after it, turns on the termination clause and the notices exchanged.
Oral and Implied Contracts
Deals that were never fully written down. Florida enforces oral agreements in many circumstances, subject to the statute of frauds, and an action on a contract not founded on a written instrument must be brought within four years under section 95.11(3)(j), Florida Statutes.
Guaranties, Notes, and Commercial Collection
Promissory notes, personal guaranties of business debt, and unpaid invoices, through judgment and collection. A judgment is a piece of paper until it is collected, so whether the other side has assets is assessed before suit.
Fraud in the Inducement and Rescission
A contract signed because of a statement that was not true. The remedy may be damages or rescission, which unwinds the deal. An action founded on fraud, and an action to rescind a contract, must each be brought within four years under sections 95.11(3)(i) and (k).
Deadlines, Remedies, and the Statutes That Shift Costs
Three parts of Florida law shape every contract case before it is filed.
The deadlines. Under section 95.11(2)(b), Florida Statutes, an action on a contract, obligation, or liability founded on a written instrument must be brought within five years. Under section 95.11(3)(j), an action on a contract not founded on a written instrument must be brought within four years. Fraud and rescission carry four years under sections 95.11(3)(i) and (k). The period usually runs from the breach, but a contract’s own notice and cure provisions can change when a breach occurs, and a party that waits to see whether the other side will make good can find that the waiting has consumed the time it had.
The remedies. Money damages that put the injured party where it would have been had the contract been performed, including consequential damages and lost profits where the contract and the governing law allow them. Specific performance where money is not an adequate substitute, such as the transfer of a unique asset. Rescission where the contract was induced by fraud or mistake. Injunctions where a party is about to do something the contract forbids. Attorney fees where the contract provides for them, which many commercial contracts do.
The cost-shifting statutes. Section 768.79, Florida Statutes, allows either side to serve a formal offer of judgment; a party that rejects it and then does worse at trial by the statutory margin can be made to pay the other side’s fees and costs from the date of the offer. Section 57.105 allows a court to award fees against a party and its lawyer for a claim or defence with no support in fact or law. Section 44.102 requires a court to refer a civil action for damages to mediation on a party’s request, and Florida courts order it before trial in nearly every business case. Together these statutes mean a contract case in Florida is rarely fought to the end without a serious settlement conversation.
The forum. A contract dispute in Florida is heard in circuit court under section 26.012 when the amount in controversy exceeds $50,000, and in county court under section 34.01 when it does not. Many commercial contracts select a different forum or require arbitration; the dispute resolution clause is the first thing IBL reads.
Next question: How is a judgment collected in Florida? Then: How is a commercial case assessed and run?
What Our Clients Say About Us
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I would recommend working with Aaron and team.”
Julien Genestoux from Unlock, Inc
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Their expertise supports every aspect of our corporate legal needs, and they consistently deliver thorough, cost-effective, and timely work. For any small business looking for dependable and knowledgeable corporate counsel, we wholeheartedly recommend IBL.”
Felipe Pinto from Revolve Labs
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In a world surrounded by corporate lawyers, IBL stands out as a very human firm. As a result, we’ve continued to rely on them as our go-to legal counsel for ongoing corporate matters.”
Zachary Panos from Fourcaster LLC
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From the very beginning, their team demonstrated exceptional expertise and a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape surrounding our Fund.
The attorneys were incredibly responsive, guiding me through every step of the process with clarity and professionalism.
They took the time to address all my questions and concerns, ensuring that I felt confident in each decision we made. Their attention to detail and thoroughness were evident in the documents they prepared, which gave me peace of mind knowing that everything was handled properly. What stood out most was their commitment to my vision. They not only provided legal advice but also offered valuable insights into the industry, helping me navigate potential challenges and seize opportunities. Their strategic approach was instrumental in setting up a robust fund structure that aligns with my goals.
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Tell Us About Your Matter
How We Work a Contract Dispute
Contract and Performance Review +
The agreement with every amendment, the performance record, and the correspondence, read together. Most contract cases are decided by the order of those three things.
Written Assessment +
The claims, the defences, the forum, the deadline, the likely damages, whether fees shift, and whether the other side can pay: a recommendation to demand, renegotiate, or file.
Demand and Cure +
A written demand that sets out the breach, the amount, and a deadline, and that satisfies any notice and cure provision in the contract. Many disputes end here.
Filing or Response +
The complaint in the court the contract points to, or, when IBL is defending, the answer or motion to dismiss inside the deadline, with any counterclaim.
Discovery +
Contracts, correspondence, accounting records, and depositions of the people who negotiated and performed the agreement.
Mediation and Offers of Judgment +
Court-ordered mediation with the damages evidence in hand, and a section 768.79 offer timed to shift the risk of trial onto the other side.
Trial, Judgment, and Collection +
Cases that do not settle are tried; a judgment is enforced through post-judgment discovery, garnishment, and liens.
FAQ
01 • Litigation Is an oral agreement enforceable in Florida?
Often, yes, subject to the statute of frauds, which requires certain agreements to be in writing. The evidence is the correspondence and the parties’ conduct. An action on an oral contract must be brought within four years under section 95.11(3)(j), Florida Statutes.
02 • Litigation The contract says nothing about attorney fees. Can I recover them?
In Florida, fees shift to the winning party only where a contract or a statute provides for it. Section 768.79 (offers of judgment) and section 57.105 (unsupported claims) are the two statutes most often used in a contract case.
03 • Litigation How long does a breach of contract case take in Florida?
It depends on the court’s calendar, the complexity of discovery, and whether the parties mediate early. Some matters resolve within months at the demand stage; a contested case that goes through discovery and trial takes considerably longer. IBL gives an estimate for the specific matter once it has reviewed the documents.
04 • Litigation What does it cost?
Court fees are public and set by the clerk. How an engagement with IBL is structured depends on the matter. Contact the firm to discuss your situation.
05 • Litigation What should I bring to the first call?
The contract with every amendment; the emails and messages in which the deal and the dispute were discussed, in date order; invoices, statements, and payment records; any demand letters or court papers; and a one-page timeline with a rough figure for the amount in dispute.
Talk to a Breach of Contract Attorney
Offices in Miami, Washington, D.C., and New York. Call (202) 860-1210 or send the contract and a short description of the dispute through the form. Every matter is reviewed on its own facts.
This page provides general information about breach of contract claims and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Last reviewed 16 September 2026. Florida statutes cited: sections 26.012, 34.01, 44.102, 57.105, 95.11, and 768.79, Florida Statutes (2025).