Business Law and Commercial Litigation for Florida Companies
Reviewed by David Farber · The Farber Law Firm, P.A. · Updated August 5, 2026
In short
Business law representation covers the agreements that keep a company running and the disputes that threaten it: contracts, partner and shareholder conflicts, brand protection and commercial litigation. In Florida, written contract claims generally carry a five-year deadline, and LLC and corporate remedies are governed by Chapters 605 and 607.
Key facts at a glance
- Written contract deadline
- 5 years (Fla. Stat. 95.11(2)(b))
- Oral contract deadline
- 4 years (Fla. Stat. 95.11(3))
- LLC governance
- Florida Revised LLC Act, Chapter 605
- Corporations
- Florida Business Corporation Act, Chapter 607
- Trade secrets
- Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Chapter 688
- Typical clients
- Closely held companies, founders, investors and professional practices
Who this is for
- Founders and partners in a deadlock or freeze-out with a co-owner
- Companies owed money under a contract that the other side will not honor
- Brand owners whose name, product or content is being copied
- Businesses facing or bringing commercial claims in Florida courts
Matters we handle
- Breach of contract and commercial collections
- Partnership, member and shareholder disputes
- Business divorce, buyouts and dissolution
- Trademark enforcement and brand protection
- Trade secret and non-compete matters
- Business torts including tortious interference and unfair competition
- Contract drafting, review and negotiation
How the process works
- 1
Document and entity review
Operating agreement, bylaws, shareholder agreement, contracts and the corporate record decide most of what follows.
- 2
Leverage assessment
We identify the provisions, statutory remedies and business realities that give you leverage before any letter goes out.
- 3
Demand or negotiation
Many commercial disputes resolve with a well-supported demand, a mediation, or a negotiated buyout.
- 4
Injunctive relief where urgent
When assets, records or brand value are at immediate risk, we move quickly for temporary relief.
- 5
Litigation
Pleadings, discovery, expert accounting where valuation is contested, and trial preparation.
- 6
Resolution and prevention
We close the matter and, where useful, fix the documents that allowed the dispute to happen.
Ownership disputes usually come down to the documents
In a Florida LLC, the operating agreement controls most member relations, with Chapter 605 supplying default rules and remedies where the agreement is silent. Corporations look to bylaws, shareholder agreements and Chapter 607.
Records access, distributions, management authority and dissolution rights are the pressure points. Where the agreement is well drafted, the analysis is fast. Where it is not, statutory defaults and fiduciary duty principles do the work.
Protecting a brand in Florida
- Federal registration through the USPTO provides the strongest enforcement position for a mark used in commerce
- Common-law rights can exist from actual use, but they are geographically limited and harder to enforce
- Florida registration under Chapter 495 supplements state-level protection
- Confidential business information may qualify for protection under the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Chapter 688
How we work with business clients
Commercial matters are handled with an eye on cost and outcome, not motion volume. Fee arrangements vary by matter type and may be hourly, flat, contingency or hybrid, and are always set out in a written engagement agreement.
We serve companies in Coral Gables, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and throughout Florida.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sue a business partner in Florida?
Start with the operating or shareholder agreement, which usually dictates notice, buyout and dispute-resolution steps. Claims commonly include breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, accounting and, in serious cases, judicial dissolution under Chapter 605 or 607. Preserving records and company access early matters more than the label on the claim.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Florida?
Generally five years for a written contract under Fla. Stat. 95.11(2)(b) and four years for an oral contract. The clock usually starts when the breach occurs, and specific contract provisions may impose shorter notice or limitation periods.
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Florida?
Florida enforces reasonable restrictive covenants under Fla. Stat. 542.335 when they protect a legitimate business interest and are reasonable in time, area and line of business. Enforceability is fact-specific, and courts may modify overbroad restrictions rather than void them.
What can I do if a competitor copies my brand?
Options include a cease-and-desist demand, a federal trademark infringement action under the Lanham Act, state claims for unfair competition, and platform takedowns for online listings. The strength of the position depends on your registration status and evidence of use and consumer confusion.
Where we provide this service
The Farber Law Firm, P.A., 2199 Ponce de Leon Blvd #301, Coral Gables, FL 33134. We handle business law matters for clients in Coral Gables, Miami, Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County and throughout Florida. Phone (888) 832-7237.
Sources and authority
- Fla. Stat. Chapter 605 — Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act
- Fla. Stat. Chapter 607 — Florida Business Corporation Act
- Fla. Stat. 542.335 — Valid restraints of trade or commerce
Florida statutes, court rules and agency guidance change. This page reflects authority the firm believes current as of the update date above and is general information, not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading it, and no result is guaranteed.
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Request a Free Case ReviewAbout the Author
The Farber Law Firm, P.A.
The Farber Law Firm is a South Florida trial practice based in Coral Gables, representing injured people, policyholders and businesses across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties since 1995. The firm handles personal injury, wrongful death, insurance coverage disputes and commercial litigation, and its attorneys are members in good standing of The Florida Bar.
Articles on this site are written and reviewed by attorney David Farber and reflect Florida statutes, court rules and Florida Bar regulations current as of the publication date.
- Office
- 2199 Ponce de Leon Blvd #301
Coral Gables, FL 33134 - Phone
- 8888-FARBER
- Consultations
- Free and confidential