What Are Your Legal Options in a Breach of Contract Case in Florida?

Contracts are meant to provide clarity and stability. But when one party fails to live up to their end of the bargain, things can quickly become complicated, and costly. If you’re dealing with a breach of contract, you might be wondering:

• What kinds of legal claims can I bring?
• What if the contract wasn’t in writing?
• What if I already suffered damages?

These are important questions. At our firm, we routinely help clients across Florida, particularly business owners and professionals, understand their rights and options when contract disputes arise.

In this article, we break down the most common types of claims related to breach of contract, so you can better understand what might apply to your situation, and how to protect your legal interests.

What Is a Breach of Contract?

Let’s start with the basics.

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under a valid agreement. That agreement could be written, verbal, or implied by conduct. Not all breaches are the same, some are minor, while others are material enough to completely derail the purpose of the contract.

But here’s where it gets interesting: a breach of contract can give rise to multiple related legal claims, not just the breach itself. These related claims can increase your chances of recovering damages or getting relief in court.

1. Breach of Contract Claim (The Core Cause of Action)

This is the most straightforward claim: one party didn’t perform as agreed, and the other party suffered as a result.

To succeed in a breach of contract claim in Florida, you must prove:

• A valid contract existed
• You fulfilled your obligations (or had a valid reason not to)
• The other party failed to perform
• You suffered damages as a result

This is the foundation of most contract-related lawsuits, but it’s rarely the only claim involved.

2. Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

Many people don’t realize that every contract in Florida carries an implied duty of good faith, even if it’s not stated in the agreement.

This claim applies when one party technically follows the contract’s terms, but does so in a way that undermines its purpose or hurts the other party unfairly. This is especially relevant in long-term business relationships or contracts with discretionary performance.

Example: A supplier delays shipments just enough to cause disruption to a business, but still falls within the contract’s timeline. If done intentionally, this could violate the duty of good faith.

3. Promissory Estoppel (When There’s No Written Contract)

What if there’s no formal contract, but someone made a promise you relied on?

That’s where promissory estoppel comes in.

In Florida, you may have a claim for promissory estoppel if:

• Someone made you a clear promise
• You reasonably relied on that promise
• You suffered harm because of that reliance
• It would be unjust not to enforce the promise

This is often used when deals are made informally, through emails, phone calls, or business discussions, but one party backs out after the other has already made decisions or taken action.

4. Quantum Meruit or Unjust Enrichment

If you performed services or delivered goods with the expectation of payment, but there was no clear contract, you may still have rights.

A claim for unjust enrichment (or quantum meruit) may apply if:

• You provided something of value
• The other party accepted and benefited from it
• It would be unfair for them not to pay you

This is common in subcontractor disputes or verbal agreements where formal terms were never signed, but the work was clearly done.

5. Fraudulent Inducement (When You Were Misled Into Signing)

If you were tricked or misled into entering a contract, you may have a claim for fraudulent inducement. This is a separate legal claim from breach of contract and can allow for additional remedies, such as rescinding the contract or recovering punitive damages.

To prove fraudulent inducement, you must show:

• A false statement of material fact
• Made with the intent to induce you into the contract
• You relied on the statement when agreeing
• You suffered damages as a result

This claim is especially relevant in business acquisitions, real estate transactions, or vendor agreements where key information was concealed or misrepresented.

6. Tortious Interference With Contract

If a third party intentionally caused a contract between you and someone else to fall apart, you may have a claim for tortious interference.

Florida law allows this claim when:

• A valid contract existed
• A third party knew about it
• They intentionally and unjustifiably interfered
• The interference caused damages

This often arises when a competitor or business rival pressures a vendor, client, or partner to breach their agreement with you.

7. Declaratory Judgment (When You Need Clarity, Not Damages)

Sometimes, you’re not necessarily seeking money, you’re just looking for clarity on your legal rights under a disputed contract.

In those situations, a declaratory judgment action may be appropriate. It allows a court to interpret the contract and resolve uncertainty, without requiring either party to pay damages (yet).

This is commonly used in real estate contracts, shareholder agreements, or licensing deals when parties can’t agree on what the contract actually means.

How to Know Which Claims Apply to Your Situation

The truth is, you may have more than one viable claim when a contract is breached. A well-drafted lawsuit often includes breach of contract plus related claims like unjust enrichment, promissory estoppel, or fraudulent inducement. Each one gives you different legal angles to protect your interests.

That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced business litigation attorney who can:

• Analyze your agreement
• Identify which claims apply
• Strategically pursue damages or relief
• Handle complex negotiations or court proceedings

Final Thoughts: Breach of Contract Is Rarely Just One Thing

A contract dispute is rarely black and white. There are usually multiple layers, and multiple legal claims, to consider. At Ayala Law, we help businesses and individuals across Florida pursue contract claims with focus and precision. 

Whether you’re owed payment, defending against allegations, or unsure where you stand, contact one of our experienced attorneys in Florida at (305) 570-2208.

You can also contact business litigation attorney Eduardo A. Maura at eduardo@ayalalawpa.com.You can also schedule a case evaluation here.