{"id":2213,"date":"2026-10-20T08:09:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T08:09:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T01:22:07","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T01:22:07","slug":"commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Commercial Debt Collection Lawyer Florida | Ayala Law PA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-80 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2211\" alt=\"Warehouse loading dock with a wrapped pallet of disputed inventory and a clipboard marked &quot;under review,&quot; lit by morning light through open roll-up\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/warehouse-loading-dock-with-a-wrapped-pallet-of-disputed-inv-photo-2.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Commercial Debt Collection | Tampa &amp; Hillsborough County<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Recovering Unpaid Business Debts Through Florida Courts<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Ayala Law PA focuses on commercial litigation for businesses in Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area. If a customer or client has not paid an invoice or honored a contract balance, we can review the documents and discuss your options.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Eduardo A. Maura \u00b7 Published October 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A commercial debt collection lawyer in Florida helps a business sue to recover money that a customer, borrower, or guarantor owes under a business agreement. This page explains what that lawsuit involves, how the steps run, and which deadlines matter most. Ayala Law PA focuses on business litigation and contract disputes, and this page covers the debt-recovery part of that work. The firm&#8217;s office is in Tampa, Florida, at 1646 W Snow Ave. The firm serves businesses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and Temple Terrace.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Commercial Debt Collection Lawsuit Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>A commercial debt collection lawsuit asks a court to order a debtor to pay money owed under a business contract. Common examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unpaid invoices for goods or services<\/li>\n<li>Promissory notes and loan agreements<\/li>\n<li>Personal promises to pay a company&#8217;s debt, signed by an owner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This page is written for owners, controllers, CFOs, and operators of Tampa Bay companies who are owed money. It covers the business-creditor side only. Consumer debt defense and bankruptcy relief are outside its scope.<\/p>\n<p>If you sold goods and the buyer accepted them but never paid, Florida law lets you recover the price. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0672\/Sections\/0672.709.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 672.709<\/a> sets out that rule. It also covers goods tied to the contract that you cannot resell at a reasonable price after reasonable effort, or where the circumstances show that such effort would be unavailing.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a customer&#x27;s overdue invoice or unpaid loan has stopped moving after demands, you may have a claim worth reviewing with Ayala Law PA. Talk it through with our team &#8212; we can walk you through how a situation like yours is usually handled and what your options are.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>What the Representation Covers<\/h2>\n<p>The representation covers the full path, from the first demand to collecting a judgment.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contract and records review.<\/strong> We look at the agreement, invoices, payment history, proof of delivery or performance, and any personal promise to pay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written demand.<\/strong> A demand letter states the amount owed, the contract basis, and a deadline for payment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing and service.<\/strong> The complaint is filed in a proper Florida county, and the debtor is served.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Responses and motions.<\/strong> We handle the debtor&#8217;s answer, discovery, and motions, including default or summary judgment where the record supports them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Post-judgment collection.<\/strong> After a judgment, we pursue the lien and execution steps described below.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Venue is set by statute. A suit may be brought only where the defendant resides, where the claim arose, or where the disputed property sits; this rule does not apply to actions against nonresidents (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.011.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 47.011<\/a>). For a domestic corporate defendant, the county where it has or usually keeps an office for its customary business also counts; for a foreign corporation doing business in Florida, the county where it has an agent or other representative also counts (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.051.html\">\u00a7 47.051<\/a>). For many Tampa Bay debts, that can point to Hillsborough County.<\/p>\n<p>A judgment becomes a lien on real property in a county once a certified copy is recorded there, provided the judgment contains the lienholder&#8217;s address or a separate affidavit stating that address is recorded at the same time (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.10.html\">\u00a7 55.10<\/a>). Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.10 reads: &#8220;A judgment, order, or decree does not become a lien on real property unless the address of the person who has a lien as a result of such judgment, order, or decree is contained in the judgment, order, or decree or an affidavit with such address is simultaneously recorded with the judgment, order, or decree.&#8221; For recordings made on or after July 1, 1994, that lien lasts an initial 10 years. Florida also allows property to be levied and sold under execution, including goods and stock in corporations (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0056\/Sections\/0056.061.html\">\u00a7 56.061<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>The process runs in five stages: review, demand, filing, litigation, and collection.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Intake and document review.<\/strong> Bring the contract, invoices, payment records, and any personal promise to pay. These show the amount owed and who is responsible for it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Demand.<\/strong> A written demand puts the debtor on notice and sets a payment date. Some contracts require notice or mediation first.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing and service.<\/strong> The complaint is filed in the proper county.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Responses and discovery.<\/strong> The debtor answers or does not. Discovery and motions follow, and some cases end with a default or summary judgment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution and collection.<\/strong> The case ends by settlement, mediation, judgment, or trial. Collection steps follow a judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Mediation works differently than many owners expect. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">\u00a7 44.102<\/a>, upon the request of one party, a court must refer a filed civil action for monetary damages to mediation, provided the requesting party is willing and able to pay the costs of the mediation or the costs can be equitably divided between the parties, unless an exception applies, such as an action filed for the purpose of collecting a debt. Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.102 reads: &#8220;(2) A court, under rules adopted by the Supreme Court: (a) Must, upon request of one party, refer to mediation any filed civil action for monetary damages, provided the requesting party is willing and able to pay the costs of the mediation or the costs can be equitably divided between the parties, unless: 1.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Timelines depend on the facts of each matter and the court involved.<\/p>\n<h2>Deadlines and Options Before You File<\/h2>\n<p>Florida sets a deadline for filing suit, and a missed deadline can bar the claim. The rules are in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">Florida limitations statute, \u00a7 95.11<\/a>. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.031.html\">\u00a7 95.031<\/a>, a claim accrues when its last element occurs. Pinpointing that date takes a close look at the paperwork, so start early.<\/p>\n<p>An arbitration pending on the same dispute also pauses it (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.051.html\">\u00a7 95.051<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>An oral agreement is not automatically unenforceable. Florida&#8217;s Supreme Court holds that an oral contract still needs offer, acceptance, consideration, and essential terms stated clearly enough (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/319242\/opinion\/Opinion_SC02-2491.pdf\">St. Joe Corp. v. McIver<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>Before filing, business owners often try:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A written demand with a clear payment date<\/li>\n<li>A signed payment plan<\/li>\n<li>Mediation, if the contract provides for it<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep an account statement that shows the prior transactions, the amount due, and the customer&#8217;s promise to pay. An account stated claim needs that kind of agreement (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/595617\/opinion\/Opinion_17-0429.pdf\">Bushnell v. Portfolio Recovery Assocs.<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h2>Why Ayala Law PA for Commercial Debt Recovery<\/h2>\n<p>Eduardo A. Maura is the lawyer responsible for this page, and the firm focuses on business and commercial matters. Its practice areas include business litigation, commercial litigation, contract disputes, shareholder disputes, construction litigation, real estate litigation, and international trade litigation in Florida courts and arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Our team includes support staff. They handle filings, records, and scheduling under the lawyer&#8217;s direction.<\/p>\n<p>The firm&#8217;s only office is at 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa, Florida. The firm represents businesses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, and its office is located in Tampa, Florida.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p>Here are short answers to questions business owners often ask about suing for unpaid business debt in Florida.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Which court handles an unpaid invoice?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Which court a dispute belongs in can depend on factors such as the amount in dispute and the type of claim. We review both during your case evaluation.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I need a written contract to sue?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Florida courts enforce oral agreements that have offer, acceptance, consideration, and clear essential terms.<\/p><p>Goods and stock can also be levied under execution.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to send a demand letter first?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not always. A written demand is common, and some contracts require notice or mediation first.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a business owner be personally liable for the company&#8217;s debt?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only in limited ways, such as a signed personal promise to pay. Florida requires that promise to be in writing and signed (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0725\/Sections\/0725.01.html\">\u00a7 725.01<\/a>). Fla. Stat. \u00a7 725.01 reads: &#8220;unless the agreement or promise upon which such action shall be brought, or some note or memorandum thereof shall be in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith or by some other person by her or him thereunto lawfully authorized.&#8221;<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I also sue for unjust enrichment on the same debt?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Generally not, when an express contract covers the same subject matter (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/467568\/opinion\/Opinion_16-2898.pdf\">Williams v. Johnson<\/a>).<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What will it cost to get started?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fee and cost terms, including court and service costs you may owe, are explained during your case evaluation.<\/p><\/details>\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Not sure what your next step is?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; we can walk you through how a situation like yours is usually handled and what your options are.<\/p><\/details><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Next Step for Your Unpaid Account<\/h2>\n<p>If demands have not brought payment, a lawsuit may be the next step to review. Bring your contract, invoices, and payment history to a case evaluation with Ayala Law PA through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a>, or call (305) 570-2208 to talk about the account.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>Attorney advertising. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice; reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Ayala Law PA. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Ayala Law PA, 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How We Approach Unpaid Commercial Debts<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Document-first review<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start with your invoices, contracts, purchase orders, payment history and written correspondence to understand what is owed and why.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Litigation-focused practice<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our work centers on commercial and contract disputes in Florida courts and arbitration, so collection is handled as part of a litigation strategy.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business-minded counsel<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We keep the cost of pursuing a balance in view and explain the practical considerations of each option in plain language. Eduardo A. Maura leads each matter.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will know where your matter stands and what decisions are ahead, so you can keep your business moving while we work on the balance.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Keep Your Records Together<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save every invoice, signed agreement, delivery or completion record, and written message about the balance, including emails and texts. Organized records make it easier to evaluate your claim from the start.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Call (305) 570-2208<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Call (305) 570-2208<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Types of Unpaid Debts We Handle<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unpaid invoices<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Goods shipped or services performed for a business customer that were never paid in full.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breached commercial contracts<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Balances owed under supply, service or vendor agreements when the other party stops paying.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Construction payment disputes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unpaid contract balances between contractors, subcontractors and property owners, including related lien matters.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notes and loan defaults<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business loans, promissory notes and other written obligations that are in default.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Have an Unpaid Business Balance? Book a Case Evaluation with Ayala Law PA.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13055702208\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/\">Business Dispute Lawyers for Tampa and Hillsborough County Companies | Ayala Law PA<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-lease-holdover-hillsborough-county\/\">Commercial Lease Holdover Lawyer in Hillsborough County<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/resources-county-or-circuit-court-hillsborough-business-lawsuit\/\">Where Should a Hillsborough County Business File a Lawsuit: County or Circuit Court?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/resources-sue-business-partner-handshake-deal-florida\/\">Can I Sue a Business Partner for a Handshake Deal in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/shareholder-partnership-disputes-florida\/\">Shareholder and Partnership Disputes Lawyer for Florida Businesses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/what-happens-when-you-sue-a-dissolved-llc\/\">What happens when you sue a dissolved LLC?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida commercial debt collection lawyer for businesses owed unpaid invoices, notes, or loans. Demand, filing, judgment, and collection. Call (305) 570-2208.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1663,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/abogados-disputas-comerciales-hillsborough\/demandas-cobro-deuda-comercial-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Commercial Debt Collection Lawsuits in Florida\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"about\": [\"commercial debt collection\", \"unpaid invoices\", \"promissory notes\", \"guaranties\", \"Florida small claims limits\", \"Florida statute of limitations for contracts\", \"writ of garnishment\", \"post-judgment collection\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"BusinessAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Business owners, controllers, CFOs, and operators owed money under commercial agreements\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": [{\"name\": \"Hillsborough County, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, {\"name\": \"Tampa, Florida\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Brandon, Florida\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Riverview, Florida\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Plant City, Florida\", \"@type\": \"City\"}, {\"name\": \"Temple Terrace, Florida\", \"@type\": \"City\"}], \"description\": \"Covers the pre-suit demand, filing in Florida county or circuit court, service and litigation, judgment, and post-judgment collection tools such as writs of garnishment and judgment liens. Explains Florida small claims and county court limits and the statute of limitations for written and oral contracts. Does not cover consumer debt defense or bankruptcy relief.\", \"serviceType\": \"Commercial debt collection litigation\", \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. Maura\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/eduardo-a-maura\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\"}, \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. Maura\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/eduardo-a-maura\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which court handles an unpaid invoice?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Which court a dispute belongs in can depend on factors such as the amount in dispute and the type of claim. We review both during your case evaluation.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need a written contract to sue?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. Florida courts enforce oral agreements that have offer, acceptance, consideration, and clear essential terms. Goods and stock can also be levied under execution.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I have to send a demand letter first?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not always. A written demand is common, and some contracts require notice or mediation first.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a business owner be personally liable for the company\u2019s debt?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Only in limited ways, such as a signed personal promise to pay. Florida requires that promise to be in writing and signed (\u00a7 725.01). Fla. Stat. \u00a7 725.01 reads: \u201cunless the agreement or promise upon which such action shall be brought, or some note or memorandum thereof shall be in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith or by some other person by her or him thereunto lawfully authorized.\u201d\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I also sue for unjust enrichment on the same debt?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Generally not, when an express contract covers the same subject matter (Williams v. Johnson).\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What will it cost to get started?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Fee and cost terms, including court and service costs you may owe, are explained during your case evaluation.\"}}]}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Business Dispute Lawyers Hillsborough County\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Commercial Debt Collection Lawyer Florida | Ayala Law PA\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-dispute-lawyers-hillsborough-county\/commercial-debt-collection-lawsuits-florida\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Florida commercial debt collection lawyer for businesses owed unpaid invoices, notes, or loans. Demand, filing, judgment, and collection. Call (305) 570-2208.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2213","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2213"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6197,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213\/revisions\/6197"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1663"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}