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.
Video Resources
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.
Miami International Business Lawyer
International Business Lawyer Miami
If you’re running a company that does business across international borders, you don’t need anyone to tell you how quickly things can get complicated. Cross-border contracts, foreign partnerships, trade disputes, and regulatory headaches. Every one of those carries a risk that can stall your operations and cost you real money.
Perez Mayoral, P.A. provides international commercial legal services to business clients in Miami, FL, and throughout South Florida. Our co-founder, Erik A. Perez, earned his B.B.A. in International Business from Florida International University before going to law school. That’s not just a line on a resume. It means our firm understands the global business landscape from the inside, not just the courtroom. Our Miami, FL international business lawyer team has spent years helping companies resolve complex commercial matters, bringing focus and commitment to every engagement. Reach out today for an initial case review.
Why Choose Perez Mayoral, P.A. for International Business Law in Miami, FL?
International Business Knowledge Baked Into the Firm’s DNA
Erik A. Perez graduated magna cum laude with his International Business degree from Florida International University, then earned his J.D. with honors at the University of Miami School of Law. So when a client walks in with a cross-border contract dispute or a foreign joint venture falling apart, we don’t have to get up to speed. We already understand the dynamics at play. Our business lawyer in Miami, FL knows how to build a strategy that actually protects your interests, not just one that looks good on paper.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Our attorneys have helped clients recover millions of dollars through commercial disputes, breach of contract actions, and business litigation. We’re not interested in just going through the motions. Every case gets a strategy built around the specifics of that situation, and we fight hard to deliver results.
Fernando A. Prego, a Partner at the firm, has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Civil Litigation. He handles business, commercial, and real estate litigation in both state and federal courts, and he brings a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every matter he takes on.
Strategic Counsel Rooted in Miami’s Global Business Community
There’s a reason Miami is one of the most important international business hubs in the country. Companies here connect across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe every single day. Our attorneys are active in the organizations that shape this community. They’re members of the Cuban American Bar Association, the Miami-Dade County Bar Association, and the Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association.
Co-founder Michael P. Mayoral is a member of The National Trial Lawyers and serves as a Trustee for both the Doral Chamber of Commerce and ChamberSouth. Those aren’t just titles. They reflect genuine involvement in the local business ecosystem that helps us better serve our international business clients.
A Client-First Approach
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “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.” — Miguel Mojica
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of International Business Cases We Handle in Miami
Our Miami international business attorneys work with companies and entrepreneurs on a wide range of cross-border legal issues. These are some of the matters we handle most frequently:
- Cross-Border Contract Disputes: A vendor overseas stops delivering. A foreign distributor ignores the terms you agreed to. Suddenly, you’re stuck trying to enforce a contract against a party in another country, and it’s not at all clear how to do that effectively. We help Miami businesses pursue breach of contract claims involving international parties, whether it’s a supply agreement, distribution deal, or service contract that’s gone sideways.
- International Joint Ventures and Partnership Disputes: Joint ventures with foreign partners can be incredibly profitable. They can also collapse fast when there’s a disagreement over management, money, or the direction of the business. Our firm helps clients protect their interests when a foreign partner breaches a joint venture agreement and works through the complexities of partnership disputes that span multiple jurisdictions.
- Foreign Business Formation and Compliance: Maybe you’re an international company looking to set up shop in Florida, or maybe you’re a Miami business expanding into a foreign market. Either way, you’ve got to understand entity formation requirements, tax implications, and compliance obligations. Our business formation team helps clients get their structure right from the start so they don’t run into problems down the road.
- International Trade and Commercial Litigation: Import/export disputes, trade financing disagreements, and international commercial fraud. These cases require attorneys who know domestic litigation procedures inside and out, but who also understand what it’s actually like to do business across borders. Our business litigation lawyers have the courtroom experience to take these matters through trial if that’s what it takes.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Contract Enforcement: Where do you file? Which country’s law applies? Can you enforce a forum selection clause against a foreign party? These questions matter a lot, and getting the answers wrong can cost you the entire case. We help clients work through the jurisdictional complexities of enforcing business contracts across multiple states and across national borders.
- Shareholder and Investor Disputes: International investment relationships sometimes break down over equity ownership, fiduciary duties, or corporate governance decisions. When they do, you need an attorney who understands how these disputes play out across different legal systems. Our shareholder dispute attorneys represent business clients in litigation involving domestic and foreign stakeholders alike.
Florida Legal Requirements for International Business
Florida has done a lot to position itself as a gateway for international commerce. But companies doing business here still need to comply with state laws that directly affect cross-border operations. Ignoring them can put you at a serious disadvantage if something goes wrong.
The Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act (Chapter 605) governs how LLCs are formed and run in the state. It also includes specific provisions for foreign LLCs that want to register here. If you’re an international company doing business in Florida, you’ll need to file with the Division of Corporations and maintain a registered agent within the state. Skip that step, and you could face real legal exposure.
Florida’s Uniform Commercial Code (Chapter 672) covers the sale of goods and touches a huge number of international supply and distribution agreements. It’s worth understanding how Florida’s UCC interacts with international conventions like the CISG (the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods), which can apply to cross-border transactions unless you’ve explicitly opted out in your contract.
Then there’s the jurisdictional question. Florida’s long-arm statute, Section 48.193, determines when a Florida court has the authority to hear a case against an out-of-state or international defendant. If you don’t understand how that statute works, you could end up with a contract that’s far harder to enforce than you expected.
Important Aspects of a Miami International Business Case
Jurisdiction and Venue Selection
Where your case gets heard can shape the entire outcome. Forum selection clauses, choice-of-law provisions, and Florida’s long-arm statute all factor in. Get this part wrong and you might find yourself litigating in an unfavorable court, or worse, holding a judgment you can’t actually enforce overseas.
Contract Drafting and Language
International agreements have to account for differences in legal systems, business practices, and sometimes even the literal language of the contract itself. A term that seems perfectly clear between two domestic parties can mean something entirely different to a party in another country. Good contract drafting anticipates those issues and builds in clear mechanisms for resolving them before they become full-blown disputes.
Foreign Judgment Enforcement
Already won a judgment in another country? Enforcing it here in Florida isn’t automatic. You’ll need to comply with the Florida Uniform Out-of-Country Foreign Money-Judgments Recognition Act, which has specific procedural requirements. Not every foreign judgment qualifies for recognition, and the process can get complicated quickly without experienced legal guidance.
Regulatory and Compliance Risk
Federal trade regulations. State licensing requirements. Sanctions compliance. Anti-money laundering obligations. International businesses face scrutiny from multiple directions, and companies that don’t build compliance into their operations from day one often find themselves losing leverage when disputes arise.
Cultural and Communication Challenges
This one doesn’t get talked about enough. International business disputes frequently involve parties operating under completely different legal traditions and business norms. An international business attorney in Miami who understands those dynamics and can communicate effectively across cultures is going to negotiate better outcomes. Period.
Protecting Intellectual Property Across Borders
How are your trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary information going to be protected in a foreign market? If you haven’t thought about that carefully, you’re leaving yourself open to counterfeiting, misappropriation, and competitive harm that’s incredibly hard to fix after the fact.
Contact Perez Mayoral, P.A.
If your business operates internationally, or you’re currently dealing with a cross-border dispute that needs experienced legal attention, we’d like to hear from you. Our international business attorneys in Miami bring practical global business knowledge and real litigation experience to every case.
We offer an initial case review. That means you can sit down with us, explain your situation, and get a clear picture of your options before committing to anything. We’re responsive, we’re straightforward, and we’ll give you an honest assessment of where things stand. Contact us today to schedule your initial case review.
International Business Statistics in Miami
Miami is built for cross-border business. The Miami metro area exported $46.9 billion in goods in 2024, Florida shipped a record $78.9 billion to the world in 2025, and foreign-controlled companies employed roughly 455,000 workers statewide, according to the U.S. Trade Representative. Most of that commerce runs through South Florida. A large share of it moves between the United States and Latin America.
That volume is why commercial disputes are common here. The Census Bureau tracks this trade every month, and the figures continue to grow. When a supplier misses a shipment or a distributor stops paying, the amounts at issue can be substantial. Miami-Dade even runs a dedicated International Trade Consortium that works alongside Miami International Airport and PortMiami, the county’s two main trade gateways.
- Miami metro goods exports reached $46.9 billion in 2024.
- Florida exported a record $78.9 billion in goods in 2025, sixth-highest among all states.
- Foreign-controlled companies employed about 455,000 Florida workers in 2023.
- Florida’s goods exports supported an estimated 208,000 jobs in 2023.
Questions to Ask an International Business Lawyer Before Hiring
Choosing the right counsel for a cross-border matter makes a real difference in the outcome. The questions below will help you evaluate a firm’s experience, and they reflect how we approach international business work at Perez Mayoral, P.A.
- Have you handled cross-border disputes before? Ask directly. How many international matters has the attorney worked on, which countries were involved, and how did they resolve? A firm with real cross-border experience will answer clearly and specifically.
- How will jurisdiction and governing law affect my case? Where a dispute is heard, and whose law applies, can shape everything that follows. A strong international business lawyer walks you through forum selection and choice of law before litigation begins.
- Can a judgment be enforced where the other party keeps its assets? A judgment has value only when it can be collected. When a counterparty holds its assets in another country, we plan for enforcement from the outset, not after a judgment is entered.
- Do you know my industry and my region? Trade with Brazil differs from trade with Spain. The norms, the languages, and the legal traditions are not the same. Ask whether the attorney knows the markets where you operate.
- How do you handle a vendor or partner who stops performing? Cross-border deals sometimes break down. We move quickly when a vendor fails to perform, or when a foreign partner stops meeting its obligations.
- What is your experience protecting intellectual property abroad? Trademarks, patents, and trade secret theft work very differently once a product crosses a border. Our attorneys have handled these issues, and we apply that experience to protect intellectual property as it moves into foreign markets.
- Do you litigate in both state and federal court? International business cases can land in either system, and sometimes both. A capable firm is comfortable in each, and in arbitration when a contract calls for it.
- How do you bill, and what will this cost? A clear answer tells you a great deal about a firm. We explain our fee structure plainly and give you a realistic range before you commit.
Miami International Business Lawyer FAQs
What does an international business lawyer do?
An international business lawyer handles the legal side of doing business across borders. That means drafting and reviewing cross-border contracts, structuring foreign investments, and resolving disputes with overseas partners, suppliers, and buyers, including business fraud claims. In a market like Miami, where so much commerce runs through Latin America, we do this work regularly.
Can I sue a foreign company in Miami?
Often, yes. A Florida court can hear a claim against a foreign company when that company has enough connection to the state, such as doing business here, signing a contract performed here, or causing harm here. Whether those connections are strong enough is a fact-specific question. It is one of the first things we evaluate, because identifying the right forum early protects both time and the strength of the claim.
What is a choice-of-law clause, and why does it matter?
A choice-of-law clause is the part of a contract that says which jurisdiction’s law will be used to interpret it. In a cross-border deal, that one provision can shape how a dispute plays out. Two parties in two countries can read the same term and understand it completely differently. Spelling out the governing law up front removes much of that uncertainty, and it is one of the first things we review.
How do I enforce a contract against a party in another country?
It depends on where the party is and where its assets are located. Sometimes the answer is a lawsuit in Florida. Sometimes it means coordinating with counsel abroad, and sometimes it means pursuing collection once a judgment is entered. We plan for enforcement before a dispute arises, ideally when the contract is drafted, so a favorable outcome is one the client can act on.
What happens if my foreign partner breaches our agreement?
You generally have several options, from a demand letter to pursuing damages or other relief in court. The right approach depends on what your agreement says and how Florida courts read operating agreements and similar contracts. Acting promptly protects your position, since evidence can be harder to gather across borders as time passes. We can review the agreement and outline the paths available to you.
How much does it cost to hire an international business lawyer in Miami?
Cost depends on the complexity of the matter, how many parties and jurisdictions are involved, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. We are upfront about our fee structure, so you have a clear picture of the investment involved. The first step is an initial case review, where we look at your situation and give you a realistic picture of what to expect before you commit.
Do you offer consultations in Spanish?
Yes. Se habla español. A large share of Miami’s international business runs through Spanish-speaking markets, and we serve clients in both English and Spanish. Clear communication matters in any legal matter. It matters even more when a case crosses both languages and borders, so you can explain your situation in the language you are most comfortable using.
Important Resources for Miami International Business Cases
Where International Business Disputes Are Heard in Miami
When an international business dispute in Miami reaches a courtroom, it usually lands in one of two places. State-law commercial cases are often assigned to the Complex Business Litigation Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, which sits in Miami-Dade County and is designed for high-value, document-heavy commercial matters. Cases that involve a federal question, or a dispute between a U.S. and a foreign party, are heard in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Knowing which forum fits your case, and which one gives you the best path to a collectible judgment, is part of the strategy from the first meeting.
What Are Important Local Resources for Miami International Business?
Miami has a deep network of organizations that support companies doing business across borders. A few worth knowing:
- World Trade Center Miami, (305) 871-7910. A nonprofit that has promoted two-way trade in the Americas for more than 50 years through trade shows, missions, and education.
- Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, (305) 350-7700. Its International Business program connects local companies with global markets and trade partners.
- U.S. Commercial Service Miami, (786) 568-7130. The federal export-assistance office that helps South Florida companies sell into foreign markets.
Perez Mayoral, P.A. lists these resources for information only. We do not endorse, or maintain any affiliation with, the organizations named.
About Perez Mayoral, P.A.
Perez Mayoral, P.A. brings over 100 years of combined legal experience to commercial and cross-border matters. Erik A. Perez leads the firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group, and we litigate in both state and federal court. We recently secured a major appellate victory after years of commercial litigation over real estate claims. We serve clients in English and Spanish from offices in Coral Gables, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers.
What Our Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The team at Perez Mayoral, P.A. is amazing. They are professional, efficient, and genuinely care about the people they represent. They took care of everything quickly and made sure I always understood what was happening with my case. I’m extremely happy with their service and will definitely recommend them to friends and family.”
Sophia Codinach
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Additional Resources for Miami International Business Cases
- Fraud and Misrepresentation in Commercial Contracts: Lessons From Recent Florida Litigation
- Breach of Non-Compete Agreements Between Businesses: Key Florida Case Law Every Owner Should Know
- Remedies for Breach of Contract: When Florida Courts Award Specific Performance vs. Monetary Damages
- Material Breach vs. Minor Breach: How Florida Courts Determine Business Liability
Contact Perez Mayoral, P.A.
If your company operates across borders, or you are facing a cross-border dispute that needs attention, we would like to hear from you. Our international business attorneys pair real global business knowledge with courtroom experience, and we provide a clear, honest assessment of your position. We offer an initial case review, so you can explain your situation and understand your options before committing to anything. Contact us to schedule your initial case review.
