Miami, FL 
Broward, FL 
Orlando, FL 
Palm Beach, FL 
Tampa, FL 
305-928-1077 -
Miami, FL -
Broward, FL -
Orlando, FL -
Palm Beach, FL -
Tampa, FL
Florida Business Law & Commercial Litigation Attorneys
Strategic Counsel. Relentless Advocacy.
At Perez Mayoral, P.A., we represent business owners, investors, and partners in high-stakes commercial disputes. When problems arise, whether it’s a breach of contract, partnership conflict, or corporate misconduct, we act quickly and strategically to safeguard your interests and pursue lasting, business-minded solutions.
Commercial Dispute Resolution
Your property. Your rights. Our fight. | Hablamos Español
Business Litigation Services
Millions Won for Florida Businesses
Contract Disputes
Handling breaches, interpretation issues, and enforcement of contract clauses to protect clients’ rights and obligations.
Shareholder and Partnership Disputes
Representing stakeholders in disputes over management, profit distribution, and breaches of fiduciary duties.
Business Torts
Addressing issues like tortious interference, unfair competition, defamation, fraud, and more to protect clients and recover damages.
Commercial Real Estate Litigation
Managing disputes involving lease issues, zoning, property rights, and eminent domain.
Employment Disputes
Representing businesses in cases of wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and breaches of noncompete or confidentiality agreements.
Corporate Governance and Fiduciary Duty Litigation
Focusing on disputes related to governance, breaches of fiduciary duties, mismanagement, and corporate integrity.
Construction Litigation
Dealing with breaches, construction defects, mechanic’s liens, and payment or performance disputes.
Intellectual Property Litigation
Assisting in the defense and enforcement of trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets.
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FOR FLORIDA BUSINESSES
Strategic Counsel. Relentless Advocacy.
Protecting the interests of Florida businesses, investors, and shareholders through sophisticated representation in state and federal courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions Answered
How do I know if my business has grounds for a lawsuit?
Your business may have grounds for a lawsuit if you’ve experienced financial harm due to another party’s actions or failure to meet their obligations. Common indicators include breach of contract where the other party failed to deliver goods, services, or payments as agreed, fraudulent business practices that caused monetary losses, interference with your business relationships or existing contracts, trademark or copyright infringement affecting your brand, partnership disputes involving mismanagement of funds or breach of fiduciary duties, or employment issues such as trade secret theft by former employees. Additionally, if you’ve suffered damages from construction defects, real estate disputes, or unfair competition practices, you likely have viable legal claims.
The key factors Florida courts consider are whether you can demonstrate actual damages, establish the other party’s legal responsibility, and show a clear connection between their actions and your losses. To determine if your specific situation warrants legal action, gather all relevant documentation including contracts, correspondence, financial records, and evidence of damages. Contact our experienced business litigation attorneys for a consultation where we can evaluate the strength of your potential claims and discuss the most effective legal strategy for your case.
How long does litigation typically take?
Business litigation timelines in Florida vary widely based on the case’s complexity, court schedules, and whether parties reach settlement agreements. Simple contract disputes or straightforward business matters may resolve within 6-12 months, while complex commercial litigation involving multiple parties, extensive discovery, or involved legal issues can take 2-3 years or longer to reach trial. The discovery phase, where parties exchange documents and take depositions, typically accounts for the majority of litigation time and can last 6-18 months depending on the volume of information involved.
Factors that can extend timelines include crowded court dockets, motions practice, appeals, and the opposing party’s cooperation level. Many cases settle during mediation or negotiations before reaching trial, which can significantly shorten the overall process. Federal court cases often move faster than state court matters due to different scheduling practices and case management approaches. Emergency situations may qualify for expedited hearings or temporary injunctions that can provide quicker relief while the main case proceeds. For a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific business dispute, contact our office for a consultation where we can evaluate your case’s unique circumstances and provide a more precise timeframe for resolution.
Can my business recover attorney fees in litigation?
Whether your business can recover attorney fees in litigation depends on the specific circumstances of your case and applicable Florida law. Florida generally follows the “American Rule,” meaning each party pays their own attorney fees unless there’s a specific statute, contract provision, or legal principle that allows fee recovery. Common situations where businesses can recover attorney fees include contracts with prevailing party clauses, cases involving statutory violations like unfair trade practices or certain employment disputes, trademark and copyright infringement claims, and situations where the opposing party acted in bad faith or filed frivolous claims.
Additionally, Florida’s offer of judgment statute allows fee recovery in some cases where a party rejects a reasonable settlement offer and then receives a less favorable judgment at trial. The amount recoverable must be reasonable and necessary, and courts will review fee requests to ensure they’re appropriate for the work performed. To understand your potential for fee recovery in your specific case, contact our team for a consultation where we can review your contracts, assess applicable statutes, and develop a strategy that maximizes your chances of recovering attorney fees along with other damages.
What are the costs associated with business litigation?
Business litigation costs in Florida include several components beyond attorney fees, such as court filing fees ranging from $400-$500 to initiate a lawsuit, deposition costs of $500-$1,500 per witness, expert witness fees that can reach $200-$500 per hour, and expenses for document production, investigations, or forensic analysis when needed. Additional costs may include mediation fees, court reporter charges, and potential bond requirements for certain types of relief. The total expense depends heavily on factors like case duration, the amount of discovery required, number of parties involved, and whether the matter settles early or proceeds to trial.
Simple contract disputes might resolve for under $30,000, while complex commercial matters can cost significantly more depending on their scope and duration. Many cases settle during negotiations or mediation, which typically reduces overall expenses compared to full trial proceedings. To understand the potential costs for your specific situation and discuss our fee structure, schedule a consultation where we can evaluate your case and provide a detailed breakdown of expected expenses and available payment options.
What are my options if the other party isn’t upholding their end of a contract?
When another party breaches a contract, you have several legal remedies available under Florida law depending on the severity of the breach and your specific damages. Your options include seeking monetary damages to compensate for financial losses caused by the breach, requesting specific performance to force the other party to fulfill their contractual obligations, or pursuing contract rescission to cancel the agreement and restore both parties to their pre-contract position. You may also be entitled to consequential damages for additional losses that resulted from the breach, such as lost profits or costs incurred due to their failure to perform.
Before pursuing litigation, consider sending a formal demand letter outlining the breach and requesting compliance, as this can sometimes resolve the matter without court involvement and may be required under your contract terms. If the breach is ongoing, you might seek a temporary restraining order or injunction to prevent further harm to your business. In cases where the other party’s breach is substantial, you may have grounds to terminate the contract and seek damages for any losses incurred. The statute of limitations for contract disputes in Florida is typically five years for written contracts and four years for oral agreements, so timely action is important. Contact our attorneys for a consultation to review your contract terms, assess your damages, and determine the most effective strategy for enforcing your rights and recovering compensation.
Fort Lauderdale Business Litigation Lawyer
When you cannot resolve a business dispute amicably, the next step is often taking the matter to court. Our Fort Lauderdale, FL business litigation lawyer helps business owners like you protect everything they’ve worked hard to build, advocating for your interests and protecting your brand. We can handle all the legal matters related to your breach of contract, IP use dispute, employment issue, or other business matter, so you can focus on managing your business reputation and protecting your brand. Call Perez Mayoral, P.A., today for a consultation.
Business Litigation Lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL
Business disputes can damage reputations, drain valuable resources, and divert your attention away from growing your business. We help resolve the matter effectively and as quickly as possible. As a full-service Florida business litigation firm, we handle the full range of business-related disputes, representing our clients in matters of contract breach, violation of employment agreements, and IP use disputes.
Breach of contract claims are among the most common types of cases we handle. We take swift action if the other party to your commercial contract fails to fulfill their obligations, seeking fair damages on your behalf and negotiating for better terms to preserve a business relationship. Our goal is to minimize the financial impact of a contract breach on your business and maintain a steady revenue stream.
We can also mediate disputes between business partners, shareholders, and LLC members, seeking common ground to resolve differences of opinion on the direction of the business, profit sharing, and corporate responsibility. Our goal is to safeguard your equity and investment while preserving a cordial working relationship between all parties.
Our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer advocates for your position, researching the matter to gather evidence that substantiates your claim and reviewing recent case allegations to help build a strong case in the event that the matter goes to trial. We represent individuals and businesses, and defend your interests whether you are the plaintiff who initiated the legal action or the defendant responding.
Our Experience Makes The Difference In Commercial Litigation Outcomes
Our litigators have decades of combined courtroom experience, and as Fort Lauderdale’s top local business litigation firm, we’re very comfortable in the Broward County courtrooms. We prepare a strong case for your position and can pursue your goals in mediation, arbitration, or civil court. We strive for a positive outcome in your case and recommend the best approach to managing your business reputation during litigation.
- Michael Mayoral, Esq., co-founder and shareholder, is a leader in the Florida Trial Lawyers Association
- Named Best Business Lawyers in Miami by Expertise.com
- Our firm has been featured on Telemundo News and CBS News
- Firm lead attorney Erik Perez holds a 5-star rating on AVVO, as evaluated by his peers
- Members in good standing of the Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association
Perez Mayoral, P.A. has a long track record of successfully resolving complex commercial litigation matters, from employment law to regulatory compliance. We offer a bespoke consultation, so please contact us today to discuss your legal options.
Types Of Situations You Would Need A Business Litigation Lawyer
Our trusted Fort Lauderdale, FL business litigation lawyer knows that running a business can lead to disputes despite careful planning. Conflicts with partners, clients, employees, or competitors may arise and require legal action. A business litigation lawyer can help protect your company, manage risks, and address disputes efficiently. Our team fights to protect our clients’ rights so we can give you your peace of mind back.
Contract Disputes
Contracts are the backbone of business relationships, and disputes can arise when one party fails to meet its obligations. This can include late payments, incomplete work, or disagreements over terms. A business litigation lawyer can review the contract, advise you on your rights, and take legal action to enforce agreements or seek compensation. Handling these disputes properly can prevent financial loss and maintain professional relationships.
Employment Disputes
As our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer knows, employment-related conflicts can range from wrongful termination and wage disputes to claims of discrimination or harassment. A litigation lawyer can defend your business against such claims or help resolve them through negotiation or settlement. Addressing these issues quickly helps protect your company from costly lawsuits and preserves your workplace environment.
Shareholder Conflicts
Disagreements among owners or shareholders can disrupt operations and threaten financial stability. A lawyer can assist in clarifying ownership rights, resolving disputes over decision-making, or negotiating buyouts. Effective legal guidance helps prevent conflicts from escalating and ensures that your business can continue to operate smoothly.
Intellectual Property Disputes
Protecting trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets is critical for maintaining a competitive advantage. If someone infringes on your intellectual property or misuses proprietary information, a business litigation lawyer can take action to stop the infringement, recover damages, and protect your brand. This type of representation is vital for businesses that rely on innovation and unique products.
Business Torts
Claims such as fraud, misrepresentation, or interference with contractual relationships can have serious financial and reputational consequences. A litigation lawyer can investigate the claims, respond appropriately, and pursue legal remedies to protect your business. Addressing torts promptly can limit losses and demonstrate that your company takes these matters seriously.
Debt Collection
Unpaid invoices or overdue payments can strain your cash flow and affect operations. A business litigation lawyer can help recover funds through legal action, negotiation, or settlement. Their involvement increases the likelihood of timely payment while maintaining a professional approach with clients or customers.
Regulatory Compliance Issues
Businesses may face disputes with government agencies or regulators related to licensing, reporting, or industry-specific rules. A litigation lawyer can defend your company in enforcement actions, guide you through legal requirements, and reduce the risk of penalties. Proper handling of these disputes is essential to maintain your business’s reputation and operations.
Disputes can impact any business, regardless of size or industry, as our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer knows. Our office helps clients all throughout Florida, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for help. If your company is facing a legal challenge, contact Perez Mayoral, P.A. today to discuss how we can help protect your interests and guide you through the process effectively.
Types Of Employment Dispute Cases Our Business Litigation Lawyer Handles
Our Fort Lauderdale, FL business litigation lawyer knows that running a business requires clear agreements, reliable employees, and a workplace that operates smoothly. Even with strong policies in place, disputes can arise that threaten your company’s reputation, finances, and long-term stability. Employment disputes are not only disruptive but also time-consuming if they are not addressed properly. As a business owner, you need to understand the different types of disputes that can occur and how they may affect your operations. We speak Spanish, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us due to any language barriers.
Wrongful Termination Claims
Former employees may allege they were wrongfully terminated, even when your decision was lawful. Defending against these claims is important to protect your company’s hiring and termination practices.
Breach Of Employment Contracts
Employees may accuse your business of not meeting the terms of a written or verbal agreement, known as a breach of contract. These cases often involve disputes over compensation, benefits, or duties, and they require careful defense to limit liability.
Wage And Hour Disputes
As our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer knows, claims related to unpaid overtime, meal breaks, or wage calculations can place financial pressure on your company. Protecting your business means having accurate records and addressing these claims directly.
Workplace Discrimination Claims
Employees may allege discrimination in hiring, promotions, pay, or termination. These claims can damage your company’s reputation, so it is vital to defend them effectively and show compliance with workplace laws.
Harassment And Hostile Work Environment
Businesses can face claims that the work environment was unsafe or intimidating. Addressing these disputes quickly and lawfully protects your business from liability and helps maintain a safe workplace.
Retaliation Claims
When employees claim they were punished for reporting concerns, your business may be accused of retaliation. Defending these cases requires showing that decisions were based on legitimate business reasons.
Misclassification Of Employees
If workers argue they were misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees, your company may face disputes over wages, benefits, and taxes. Proper defense can protect your business from costly penalties.
Non-Compete And Restrictive Covenants
Employees may challenge non-compete or confidentiality agreements, arguing that restrictions are unfair. Defending these provisions is critical to protecting your business interests and sensitive information.
Family And Medical Leave Disputes
Employees may allege they were denied leave or penalized for taking time off. Your business must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with leave requirements to avoid liability.
Whistleblower Protection Cases
Claims of retaliation against whistleblowers can place your company under scrutiny. Strong defense helps show that your business acted lawfully and protects your operations from further disruption.
Employment disputes can place your business at risk if they are not handled carefully. At Perez Mayoral, P.A., we work with business owners to defend against these claims and safeguard operations. We offer 24/7 live call answering, so trust that we are here for you when you need us. If your company is facing an employment dispute, contact our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer today to discuss your situation and take the next steps to protect your business.
What To Do Immediately After Seeing A Business Litigation Lawyer
Our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer knows that meeting with a business litigation lawyer is an important first step toward resolving disputes that could affect your company’s future. Once that initial consultation is complete, what you do next can significantly impact how your case progresses. Please reach out to our firm; if you need Spanish translation services, we can help you with that, too. Call us today.
- Review and Organize Your Notes. Right after your meeting, take time to go over your notes while the conversation is still fresh. Highlight important details, deadlines, or recommendations your attorney mentioned. If you jotted things down quickly, rewrite them in a way that’s clear and easy to reference later. Organizing your notes can help you keep track of the main points discussed and identify what information your attorney may still need.
- Gather All Relevant Documents. One of the most valuable things you can do is compile all the documents your attorney may require. This might include contracts, correspondence, invoices, internal communications, or any written agreements related to the dispute. Label everything clearly and keep digital copies in a secure folder. Having these materials ready will help your lawyer at Perez Mayoral, P.A. build a stronger case and move more efficiently through the legal process.
- Follow Any Immediate Instructions. Your Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer might have provided specific guidance during the meeting—such as not contacting the other party directly or preserving certain records. Follow these directions carefully. Taking the right steps early helps avoid potential setbacks later and supports the legal strategy your attorney is putting in place.
- Create a Communication Plan. It’s helpful to establish how and when you’ll communicate with your lawyer moving forward. Ask whether updates will come by email, phone, or through a client portal. Consistent communication keeps everyone informed and prevents missed information. You can also note when it’s best to reach out if new issues or evidence come up.
- Track All Deadlines and Appointments. Business litigation often involves time-sensitive actions such as filings or court appearances. Record every date your attorney mentioned in a calendar or reminder app. This helps you stay on top of obligations and gives you time to prepare documents or responses when needed.
- Avoid Public Discussion of the Case. Refrain from posting about your dispute on social media or discussing details with anyone outside your legal team. Even well-meaning comments can be misinterpreted or used against your business later. Keep communications about the case strictly between you and your attorney to protect confidentiality and your company’s reputation.
- Stay Proactive and Informed. Legal cases can take time, but staying engaged makes a difference. Review any updates your attorney provides and ask questions when something isn’t clear. The more you understand what’s happening, the better you can support your attorney’s efforts and make informed decisions about settlement offers or next steps.
- Continue Focusing on Your Business. While your attorney handles the legal aspects, maintain focus on running your company. Delegate responsibilities when necessary and keep business operations steady. Staying organized in your daily work will help reduce stress and minimize the impact of the dispute on your overall productivity.
After meeting with a business litigation lawyer, following these steps helps you stay prepared and confident throughout the process. We’re here to guide and support you as your case develops. We have assisted many clients in business disputes, including protecting one client in a multi-million dollar agreement dispute. If you need help taking the next step after your initial consultation, reach out to our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer at Perez Mayoral, P.A. to discuss how we can continue to protect your business interests and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
6 Steps In A Business Litigation Case
When a dispute escalates and litigation becomes unavoidable, many business owners seek out our Fort Lauderdale, FL business litigation lawyer to understand what lies ahead. Business litigation follows a structured process, but each case brings its own challenges depending on the parties, claims, and goals involved. From our experience, clients feel more confident when they know what to expect at each stage. Our firm has been peer-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting professional recognition within the legal community. We understand how important your business is and will dedicate the time and resources to resolving your legal matter as quickly as possible.
Initial Case Evaluation and Strategy
The first step in a business litigation case is evaluating the dispute and defining a strategy. We review contracts, communications, and relevant business records to understand the legal and practical issues involved. This stage also involves identifying goals, potential risks, and possible outcomes. Early strategy discussions help align expectations and shape how the case moves forward. A clear plan at the outset supports consistent decision-making throughout the process.
Filing the Complaint or Responding to Claims
Once the strategy is set, litigation formally begins with the filing of a complaint or a response to an existing lawsuit. This step outlines the claims, defenses, and relief being sought. Careful drafting matters because these filings frame the entire case. Deadlines are strict, and accuracy at this stage helps avoid unnecessary complications. This step officially brings the dispute into the court system.
Discovery and Information Exchange
Discovery is often the most time-intensive phase of business litigation. During this step, both sides exchange documents, request information, and conduct depositions. We work with clients to gather records and prepare responses in an organized manner. Discovery allows each side to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case. Clear communication during this phase helps manage expectations and keeps the process moving.
Pretrial Motions and Case Development
As discovery progresses, parties may file motions to address legal issues or narrow the scope of the case. These motions can involve requests to dismiss claims or limit evidence. Our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer uses this phase to refine arguments and focus on the strongest points of the case. Pretrial motions often influence settlement discussions and trial preparation. Strategic planning during this stage can shape leverage and outcomes.
Settlement Discussions or Mediation
Many business litigation cases include settlement discussions or mediation before trial. This step provides an opportunity to resolve the dispute without continued court involvement. We help clients evaluate offers and assess potential outcomes compared to litigation risks. Settlement discussions may occur at multiple points during the case. Being prepared allows clients to make informed decisions if resolution becomes an option.
Trial or Final Resolution
If the case does not resolve through settlement, it may proceed to trial or another final resolution method. This step involves presenting evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments. From our experience, preparation and organization play a significant role at this stage. Some cases also conclude through court rulings without a full trial. Regardless of the path, this final step brings closure to the dispute.
Legal Guidance You Can Trust
Understanding the steps in a business lawsuit can help if you are working with our Fort Lauderdale business litigation lawyer and preparing for what lies ahead. At Perez Mayoral, P.A., we represent businesses across Florida in a wide range of litigation matters. With decades of combined experience and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, our firm is committed to professionalism and client service. To discuss your business dispute and potential next steps, contact our team today to schedule a consultation.
