Civil litigation in Florida, especially as it pertains to businesses, involves the legal process of resolving disputes between companies or between a business and another party through the court system. Here's a summary tailored to businesses:

What Is Civil Litigation for Businesses in Florida?
Civil litigation refers to non-criminal legal disputes. For businesses, this can include:

  • Contract disputes
  • Partnership or shareholder disagreements
  • Employment issues
  • Intellectual property claims
  • Real estate or land-use conflicts
  • Consumer complaints

Key Stages of Business Litigation in Florida:
  • Pre-Litigation Negotiations: Often begins with a demand letter and attempts to resolve the issue without court involvement.
  • Filing a Complaint: If unresolved, the plaintiff (e.g., a business) files a formal complaint in court.
  • Response: The defendant responds with an answer or a motion to dismiss.
  • Discovery: Both sides exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and gather facts. This phase can be lengthy and costly.
  • Motions: Either party may file motions, such as for summary judgment, to resolve the case without a trial.
  • Mediation or Arbitration: Courts often require alternative dispute resolution before trial. Mediation is non-binding; arbitration can be binding.
  • Trial: If no settlement is reached, the case goes to trial before a judge or jury.
  • Appeal: The losing party may appeal the decision to a higher court.

Why It Matters for Businesses
Cost and Time: Litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, often lasting months or years.

Reputation: Public lawsuits can affect a company’s image.
Risk Management: Understanding the process helps businesses prepare and potentially avoid litigation through better contracts and compliance.

Practical Advice
Legal Counsel: Having experienced business litigation attorneys is crucial.
Documentation: Keep thorough records of contracts, communications, and transactions.

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Consider mediation or arbitration to save time and costs.
What are common business disputes?

What are Common Business Disputes?
Common business disputes in Florida typically fall into three broad categories: contractual, tort-based, and statutory claims. Here are the most frequent types of disputes businesses face:

Breach of Contract
One of the most common disputes. Occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a written, oral, or implied agreement. Remedies may include monetary damages or contract rescission.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Arise when someone in a position of trust (like a partner, director, or officer) acts in their own interest rather than the business’s.

Common in shareholder or partnership disputes.

Business Torts
Includes wrongful acts like:
Fraudulent misrepresentation: Knowingly providing false information to induce a contract.
Negligent misrepresentation: Providing false information without verifying its truth.
Tortious interference: Wrongfully interfering with another business’s contracts or relationships.

Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Disagreements over profit sharing, management roles, or business direction.
Often involve breaches of operating agreements or bylaws.

Employment Disputes
Issues like wrongful termination, discrimination, or wage disputes.
It can also involve non-compete or confidentiality agreement violations.

Real Estate and Lease Disputes
Common for businesses that lease commercial property.
Disputes may involve lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, or eviction.

Intellectual Property Disputes
Involves unauthorized use of trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets.
Especially relevant for tech, media, and branding-heavy businesses.

Florida Commercial Litigation Attorneys
At BusinessLegal PC, we represent businesses across Florida in a wide range of commercial disputes. Whether you're facing contract breach, partnership conflict issue or other commercial litigation matter, our experienced litigators are here to protect your interests and resolve disputes efficiently.

What Is Commercial Litigation?
Commercial litigation involves legal disputes between businesses or between a business and another party. These are civil (non-criminal) matters typically resolved through Florida’s court system or alternative dispute resolution methods.

Common Types of Business Disputes in Florida
Our firm handles a broad spectrum of commercial litigation cases, including:
  • Breach of Contract: Disputes over failure to perform under written, oral, or implied agreements.
  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Claims involving partners, officers, or directors acting against the business’s best interests.
  • Business Torts: Including fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and tortious interference with contracts or business relationships.
  • Shareholder & Partnership Disputes: Conflicts over profit sharing, management roles, or violations of operating agreements.
  • Employment Disputes: Issues such as wrongful termination, wage claims, and non-compete violations.
  • Real Estate & Lease Disputes: Common in commercial leasing, involving terms, maintenance, or eviction.
  • Intellectual Property Disputes: Unauthorized use of trademarks, copyrights, or trade secrets.

Why It Matters for Your Business
  • Cost & Time: Litigation can be lengthy and expensive—lasting months or even years.
  • Reputation: Public legal battles can impact your brand and customer trust.
  • Risk Management: Proactive legal strategies and strong contracts can help avoid disputes altogether.

Our Approach to Business Litigation
We guide clients through every stage of the litigation process, including:
  • Pre-suit negotiations and demand letters
  • Filing and responding to lawsuits
  • Discovery and evidence gathering
  • Mediation, arbitration, or trial

We also advise on compliance and contract structuring to reduce future legal exposure.

Protect Your Business with Proven Legal Counsel
If your business is facing a legal dispute—or you want to prevent one—our commercial litigation attorneys are ready to help. We combine deep legal knowledge with practical business insight to deliver results.