{"id":2459,"date":"2026-10-21T02:19:59","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T02:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T14:41:26","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:41:26","slug":"what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Economic Loss Rule in Florida Business Litigation"},"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-70 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-2458\" alt=\"A forensic accountant in reading glasses highlights payment entries in a bound ledger beside printed invoices on a desk.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30.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)\">Business Litigation | Tampa Bay and 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)\">Economic Loss Rule in Florida Business Litigation<\/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)\">How Florida courts approach claims for purely financial losses, and how Ayala Law PA works with businesses in Tampa Bay on these disputes. Responsible lawyer: Eduardo A. Maura.<\/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>Since 2013, the Florida Supreme Court has said the rule applies only in products liability cases. That makes its reach narrower than many business owners expect. This page explains the rule in plain terms, using the Florida decisions behind it.<\/p>\n<h2>What the Economic Loss Rule Means for Florida Businesses<\/h2>\n<p>The rule comes up most often when two businesses dealt with each other under a contract or commercial deal. The injured party may then frame its claim as negligence, and the other side responds with the rule.<\/p>\n<p>This page is most useful for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Business owners and partners facing a tort claim, or a defense built on the rule.<\/li>\n<li>Contractors and subcontractors in payment or defect disputes.<\/li>\n<li>Sellers and commercial parties whose deal went wrong.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The wording matters. The same facts can support a contract claim, a tort claim, or both. The label a claim carries affects which path stays open.<\/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 defendant is using the economic loss rule against your claim over unpaid or defective work, our team can review your contract and records with you. 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\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/wooden-gavel-resting-on-a-round-surface-beside-folders-on-a-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden gavel resting on a round surface beside folders on a courtroom table, photographed from above.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Where the Rule Stands After Tiara<\/h2>\n<p>The Florida Supreme Court limited the rule to products liability cases in <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/321670\/opinion\/Opinion_SC10-1022.pdf\">Tiara Condominium Ass&#8217;n v. Marsh &amp; McLennan Cos.<\/a>. The court held that the application of the economic loss rule is limited to products liability cases.<\/p>\n<p>That ruling means a claim outside a product setting is not automatically barred by the rule. Lawyers still argue how far Tiara reaches in business and construction disputes. Courts decide each case on its own record.<\/p>\n<p>If someone cites the rule against your business, ask two questions. What kind of case is it, and what did the cited decision actually hold?<\/p>\n<h2>How the Rule Plays Out in Contract and Construction Disputes<\/h2>\n<p>The rule&#8217;s effect turns on how the claim is framed and whether the parties had a contract. Each type of dispute raises a different question.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Contract claims.<\/strong> A claim for unpaid or defective work starts with the contract&#8217;s terms. Florida courts apply basic contract rules to oral deals too. An oral contract needs an offer, an acceptance, consideration, and enough detail on the essential terms, as stated in <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/319242\/opinion\/Opinion_SC02-2491.pdf\">St. Joe Corp. v. McIver<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Negligence claims against a party with no contract.<\/strong> These raise a separate question. Defendants often raise the rule in this setting.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Construction disputes.<\/strong> A contractor or subcontractor fight over delayed payment or defective work usually turns on the contract and on what each side did. <a href=\"https:\/\/dos.fl.gov\/sunbiz\/forms\/judgment-lien\/\">Payment and lien issues<\/a> in these cases follow the same framing questions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Commercial deals.<\/strong> A business partner&#8217;s careless performance can cause purely financial losses. Whether a tort claim fits depends on how the harm is described and what the contract covers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Exceptions and the Independent Tort Doctrine<\/h2>\n<p>A tort claim can survive the rule when it stands apart from the contract breach. Florida courts test this point claim by claim.<\/p>\n<p>The Third District Court of Appeal has said a plaintiff may not recover in tort for a contract dispute unless the tort is independent of any breach of contract, as in <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2448351\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-0673.pdf\">Frutafino, S.A.S. v. Dole Chile, S.A.<\/a>. Florida courts apply a common law principle, discussed in <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2448351\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-0673.pdf\">Frutafino, S.A.S. v. Dole Chile, S.A.<\/a>, that a plaintiff may not recover in tort for a contract dispute unless the tort is independent of any breach of contract.<\/p>\n<p>A promise of future action can still support fraud if the person making it had no intention of performing, or a positive intention not to perform. The same <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2448351\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-0673.pdf\">Frutafino, S.A.S. v. Dole Chile, S.A., 405<\/a> So. 3d 497 (Fla. 3d DCA 2025) decision quotes Mejia v. Jurich, 781 So. 2d 1175, 1177 (Fla. 3d DCA 2001), on promises of future action.<\/p>\n<p>Business claims involving customers also have limits. A business may sue for interference with its present or prospective customers. It has no claim for interference with its relationship to the community at large, under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2387181\/opinion\/Opinion_2022-0628.pdf\">Ozyesilpinar v. Reach PLC<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Lost Profits and the Damages Question<\/h2>\n<p>Lost profits are income a business says it would have earned without the other side&#8217;s conduct. They often become the hardest part of a case once a claim gets past the rule.<\/p>\n<p>Records that support lost profits commonly include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Financial statements and tax filings.<\/li>\n<li>Signed contracts and purchase orders.<\/li>\n<li>Past revenue and expense records.<\/li>\n<li>Documents showing the specific deal or customer that was lost.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Estimates tied to a specific deal are usually easier to test than broad forecasts. A business that expected a wide recovery may find the claim narrower once the defense is raised. Build the damages record early.<\/p>\n<h2>How a Case Involving the Rule Usually Moves Forward<\/h2>\n<p>A case with this issue usually moves through four stages. The order can shift with the facts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Review.<\/strong> Look at the contract, the communications and the performance records to see which claims exist.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Map the claims.<\/strong> Sort them into contract theories, tort theories and any independent tort. Test each one against the rule.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expect an early challenge.<\/strong> The defense often raises the rule through a challenge to the pleadings or a motion. That step can narrow or end some tort claims.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Build damages.<\/strong> If claims survive, develop the damages record, including lost profits proof.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Timing also matters for rescission, which is undoing a contract. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/283961\/opinion\/Opinion_12-3192.pdf\">Flaherty v. Flaherty<\/a>, a party entitled to rescind a voidable contract may lose that right by failing to act after learning the facts. In <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/283961\/opinion\/Opinion_12-3192.pdf\">Flaherty v. Flaherty<\/a>, the court stated that ratification occurs when a party entitled to rescind a voidable contract fails to do so after the discovery of facts that warrant a rescission.<\/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<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><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><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>Why Ayala Law PA Handles These Disputes<\/h2>\n<p>Ayala Law PA focuses on <a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/\">business litigation<\/a>, including the commercial, contract and construction disputes covered on this page. The firm handles these matters in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/216680\/file\/ADRResourceHandbook.pdf\">Florida courts and arbitration<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Practice areas:<\/strong> business litigation, commercial litigation, contract disputes, shareholder disputes, construction litigation, real estate litigation and international trade litigation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Responsible lawyer for this page:<\/strong> Eduardo A. Maura. Our lawyers and support staff work on these matters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Office:<\/strong> 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa, Florida. The firm serves businesses in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace and the wider Tampa Bay area.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fees:<\/strong> Fees and costs depend on the facts of each matter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Outcomes:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www-media.floridabar.org\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2027_04-OCT-Chapter-4-RRTFB.pdf\">No outcome can be promised<\/a> in any dispute.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/hands-counting-cash-beside-a-calculator-laptop-and-charts-on-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Hands counting cash beside a calculator, charts, and a laptop on a desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the economic loss rule in Florida?<\/summary><p>It is a defense that can bar a tort claim for purely financial losses. The Florida Supreme Court limited it to products liability cases in Tiara.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are the exceptions to the economic loss rule?<\/summary><p>A tort claim can proceed when it is independent of the contract breach.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the independent tort doctrine?<\/summary><p>It asks whether the tort exists apart from the contract. If it does, the claim may still go forward even though the parties had a contract.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Does the rule apply to construction disputes?<\/summary><p>Its reach in construction is argued case by case. Defendants still raise it in these disputes.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can lost profits be recovered if the rule is raised?<\/summary><p>The defense can narrow a claim.<\/p>\n<p>If a defendant is citing the economic loss rule against your business claim, call (305) 570-2208 or reach out through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a> to talk through your contract and records.<\/p><\/details><\/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 Ayala Law PA approaches these disputes<\/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\">Careful review of the paper trail<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We read the contract, the correspondence, the project records and the financial documents together, so the claims are framed around the actual facts.<\/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--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early attention to the contract<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether a dispute sits under a contract or in tort can shape the case from the start. We look at that question early rather than after months of back-and-forth.<\/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\">Plain-language updates<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will get clear explanations of where the case stands, what the options are, and what each step is likely to cost in time and money.<\/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-focused strategy<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our team keeps the goals of your company in view, whether that means resolving the dispute, protecting a relationship, or preparing for litigation.<\/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\">Get the contract reviewed before you respond<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shareholders, contractors and business owners often make early moves that affect later claims, such as sending a demand, withholding payment or signing a release. Bring your contracts, correspondence and project records to a conversation before you take those steps.<\/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\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/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\/\">Book a Case Evaluation<\/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\">Matters we handle<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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\">Business and commercial litigation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disputes between companies, business partners and commercial counterparties in Florida courts and arbitration.<\/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\">Contract disputes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims over breach, performance, payment and the terms that govern a commercial relationship.<\/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\">Shareholder and partnership disputes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conflicts among owners, partners and managers over governance, distributions, and the direction of the business.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns 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\">Construction litigation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contractor and subcontractor disputes, lien foreclosure and construction contract fraud claims.<\/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\">Real estate litigation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Commercial property disputes and transaction conflicts handled in Florida courts.<\/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\">International trade litigation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cross-border commercial disputes affecting Florida businesses that import, export or contract abroad.<\/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<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\">Call (305) 570-2208 or 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\/\">Call (305) 570-2208 or Book a Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\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-litigation\/what-is-the-best-way-to-get-out-of-a-commercial-lease\/\">What is the best way to get out of a commercial lease?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-is-the-independent-tort-doctrine\/\">What is the independent tort doctrine?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-to-do-if-you-are-not-paid-as-a-contractor\/\">What to do if you are not paid as a contractor?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/why-would-someone-need-a-business-litigation-attorney\/\">Why would someone need a business litigation attorney?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/business-litigation-attorneys-temple-terrace\/\">Business Litigation Attorneys Temple Terrace<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Florida&#8217;s economic loss rule can limit tort claims in business and construction disputes, with the Tiara and independent tort rules explained.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":1563,"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-litigation\/what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/litigios-comerciales\/que-es-regla-perdida-economica-florida-litigios-comerciales\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"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\": \"What is the economic loss rule in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It is a defense that can bar a tort claim for purely financial losses. The Florida Supreme Court limited it to products liability cases in Tiara.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What are the exceptions to the economic loss rule?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A tort claim can proceed when it is independent of the contract breach.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the independent tort doctrine?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It asks whether the tort exists apart from the contract. If it does, the claim may still go forward even though the parties had a contract.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the rule apply to construction disputes?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Its reach in construction is argued case by case. Defendants still raise it in these disputes.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can lost profits be recovered if the rule is raised?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The defense can narrow a claim. If a defendant is citing the economic loss rule against your business claim, call (305) 570-2208 or reach out through the contact page to talk through your contract and records.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-30.jpg\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/economic-loss-rule-florida-business-litigation\/#service\", \"name\": \"Economic Loss Rule Explanation for Florida Business and Construction Disputes\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Economic loss rule (Florida)\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Independent tort doctrine (Florida)\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Lost profits as damages\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Florida business owners, contractors, subcontractors, sellers, partners and commercial parties\"}, \"mentions\": [\"Casa Clara Condominium Ass'n v. Charley Toppino & Sons\", \"Tiara Condominium Ass'n v. Marsh & McLennan Cos.\", \"Negligence elements: duty, breach, causation, damages\"], \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"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\"}, {\"name\": \"Tampa Bay area, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}], \"description\": \"Plain-language explainer of Florida's economic loss rule, covering its origin in Casa Clara (1993) and Tiara (2013), the independent tort doctrine, the exceptions, how the rule affects contract, construction and commercial claims, and how lost profits fit into damages.\", \"serviceType\": \"Business and construction litigation\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/economic-loss-rule-florida-business-litigation\/#webpage\", \"name\": \"What Is the Economic Loss Rule in Florida Business Litigation?\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/economic-loss-rule-florida-business-litigation\/#service\"}, \"isPartOf\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/#website\", \"@type\": \"WebSite\"}, \"keywords\": [\"economic loss rule florida\", \"economic loss doctrine florida\", \"economic loss rule exceptions florida\", \"independent tort doctrine florida\", \"Tiara Condominium economic loss rule\", \"Casa Clara economic loss rule\", \"economic loss rule construction litigation florida\", \"lost profits economic loss rule florida\"], \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"specialty\": \"Business litigation\", \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"description\": \"Explains the Florida economic loss rule, the Casa Clara and Tiara decisions, the independent tort doctrine and exceptions, and lost profits in business and construction disputes. Describes the doctrine only and does not predict how any dispute will be decided.\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"@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 Litigation\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 3, \"name\": \"Economic Loss Rule in Florida Business Litigation\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/what-is-economic-loss-rule-in-florida-business-litigation\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"How Florida's economic loss rule can limit tort claims in business and construction disputes, with the Tiara and independent tort rules explained.","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2459","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2459","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=2459"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2459\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4925,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2459\/revisions\/4925"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2459"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}