Miami, 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.
Jacksonville Business Litigation Lawyer
Jacksonville, FL Business Litigation Lawyer
If your business is caught in a contract dispute, a partnership conflict, or a fraud claim in Jacksonville, the financial pressure compounds with every week that passes. Revenue stalls, operations get sidelined, and key decisions get put on hold while legal uncertainty hangs over the company.
Perez Mayoral, P.A. is a Florida litigation firm with over 100 years of combined legal experience. Our Jacksonville, FL business litigation lawyer represents clients in breach of contract actions, shareholder claims, fraud cases, and other commercial matters filed in both state and federal courts. We handle cases in Duval County and throughout Florida, and we offer an initial case review so you can assess your legal position before committing to representation.
Why Choose Perez Mayoral, P.A. for Business Litigation in Jacksonville, FL?
Trial Attorneys Focused on Commercial Disputes
Erik A. Perez, Shareholder and co-founder of the firm, leads the Business Litigation Practice Group. He graduated with honors from the University of Miami School of Law in 2014 and has been admitted to the Florida Bar since 2015. Before co-founding Perez Mayoral, he litigated on behalf of national insurance carriers and community associations at prominent Florida firms. That background sharpened his understanding of how opposing counsel builds and defends commercial cases. He is a member of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association and the Cuban American Bar Association.
Partner Fernando A. Prego strengthens the firm’s commercial litigation practice. Prego was named a Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree for 2026 in civil litigation in Florida, a recognition given to only 2.5% of attorneys statewide. He began working in litigation support roles in 2006, long before he became an attorney, and that path gives him practical insight into every phase of a case from initial discovery through trial.
As a business lawyer in Jacksonville, FL, our firm handles the full range of commercial disputes from pre-suit negotiation through trial and appeal.
Results That Reflect Aggressive Litigation
Our attorneys have helped clients recover millions of dollars in business litigation, contract enforcement, and commercial real estate matters. That includes a major appellate victory in Canstar Int’l, Inc. v. WC WH Holdings, LLC, a multi-year commercial dispute involving contested real estate claims. Results vary by case. But they reflect the firm’s approach to every matter we take on: build the strongest possible case on the facts, prepare for trial from the start, and litigate aggressively when a fair settlement is not available.
Communication That Keeps Clients in Control
Business owners cannot afford to chase their attorneys for status updates. We keep clients informed at every stage of their case, including what’s happening, what’s coming next, and what decisions need to be made. That level of communication is not optional for us. It is how we operate.
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“had an excellent experience working with this law firm. From the very first consultation, they were professional, attentive, and truly cared about my case. They explained every step clearly and made the entire process stress-free. Communication was always prompt, and I felt supported the whole way through. Their dedication and expertise delivered great results. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for trustworthy and skilled legal representation!” – Miguel Mojica
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Business Litigation Cases We Handle in Jacksonville
Commercial disputes affect businesses of every size in Jacksonville, FL. Some arise from broken agreements. Others grow out of internal conflicts between owners or interference by outside parties. These are the types of business litigation matters our firm handles.
- Breach of contract. When one party fails to honor the terms of an agreement, the financial fallout can be immediate. We pursue material breach claims and defend against unfounded contract actions in Duval County and across Florida.
- Partnership disputes. Disagreements over profit-sharing, management authority, or the future direction of a company can threaten the entire operation. We represent members and partners in LLC operating agreement disputes, forced buyouts, and dissolution proceedings involving business partner conflicts.
- Shareholder disputes. Minority shareholders sometimes get pushed aside. Majority owners sometimes overreach. Our attorneys pursue both derivative actions and direct claims involving governance fights, dilution, dividends, and mismanagement. These shareholder conflicts are particularly complex in closely held corporations where the shareholders also serve as officers or directors, and the lines between ownership and management blur.
- Business fraud. Fraudulent misrepresentation, hidden liabilities, and embezzlement require a detailed review of financial records and documentary evidence. We build fraud claims based on what the numbers show, not assumptions.
- Tortious interference. When a competitor or third party deliberately disrupts your contracts or business relationships, Florida law provides a cause of action. Proving these claims requires evidence of the third party’s knowledge and intentional conduct.
- Commercial collections. Unpaid invoices and defaulted agreements are a reality for businesses in every industry. When standard collection efforts fail, we file suit and pursue recovery through the courts.
Florida Legal Requirements for Business Litigation
Filing deadlines and procedural rules can end a commercial case before it starts. Florida has specific requirements that every business owner involved in a dispute should understand.
Under Florida Statute § 95.11, the statute of limitations for written contract claims is five years from the date of breach. Oral contracts carry a four-year deadline. Fraud claims also fall within a four-year limitations period, though the clock does not start until the fraud is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
Business litigation in Jacksonville is filed in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which covers Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. State court handles most commercial disputes. Cases involving parties from different states, or those raising federal questions, are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division.
For LLC disputes, the Florida Revised LLC Act (Chapter 605) defines member rights, fiduciary duties, and procedures for derivative actions. Corporate governance conflicts fall under Chapter 607, the Florida Business Corporation Act. If a contract includes an arbitration clause, Florida courts will generally enforce it. We evaluate every agreement at the outset to determine whether the dispute belongs in court or in arbitration.
Important Aspects of a Jacksonville Business Litigation Case
Business disputes in Jacksonville can involve significant sums and complicated facts. Several issues come up consistently, and getting ahead of them early makes a real difference in outcomes.
Preserving Evidence From the Start
Once a commercial dispute arises, both sides have a legal obligation to preserve relevant documents: emails, financial records, text messages, contracts, and internal communications. Failure to preserve evidence can result in court sanctions and serious credibility problems at trial. We send preservation notices immediately and begin collecting critical documents before the other side has a chance to alter or discard them.
Calculating Damages With Precision
Quantifying what a business lost requires more than a rough estimate. Lost profits, consequential damages, cost of cover, diminished business value. Each category requires specific proof under Florida law. We work with forensic accountants when necessary to build a damages model that holds up under cross-examination. Courts demand numbers backed by evidence, not speculation.
Fiduciary Duty Violations
Partners, officers, directors, and managing members all owe duties of loyalty and care to the business. When someone in a position of trust diverts company funds, engages in self-dealing, or competes against the company they’re supposed to be managing, that constitutes a fiduciary breach. These cases often require forensic analysis to trace where the money went.
Trade Secret and Restrictive Covenant Disputes
When a former employee or business associate takes proprietary information like customer lists, pricing models, or formulas, the damage can be immediate. Florida’s Uniform Trade Secrets Act (Chapter 688) provides remedies, including injunctive relief and damages. Courts examine whether the business treated the information as confidential before misappropriation occurred.
Florida courts also enforce non-compete agreements between businesses that satisfy Florida Statute § 542.335. Our firm pursues both enforcement and defense of restrictive covenants.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Not every business dispute in Jacksonville needs a full trial. Florida courts frequently require mediation in commercial cases before setting a trial date. We assess whether mediation, arbitration, or early settlement makes sense based on the amount at stake, the relationship between the parties, and the strength of the evidence. Some cases should settle. Others belong in front of a jury. Our job is to resolve the dispute in whichever way produces the strongest result.
Contact Perez Mayoral, P.A.
If your Jacksonville business is dealing with a contract dispute, a partnership conflict, fraud, or another commercial disagreement, our firm is available to discuss your options. Perez Mayoral, P.A. offers an initial case review so you can understand your legal position before making any commitments. Our business litigation attorneys handle matters throughout the state of Florida, from pre-suit negotiations through trial and appeal. Whether you need to file a claim or respond to one that’s been filed against you, we can walk you through the process and provide a realistic assessment. We respond to inquiries promptly and work to move cases forward without unnecessary delay. Reach out to schedule your initial case review.
