{"id":2754,"date":"2026-10-22T07:32:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T07:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/construction-suit-counterclaim-risks\/"},"modified":"2026-11-08T19:23:03","modified_gmt":"2026-11-08T19:23:03","slug":"construction-suit-counterclaim-risks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/construction-suit-counterclaim-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Construction Suit Counterclaim Risks in Florida"},"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-60 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-2753\" alt=\"Half-built commercial office tower with exposed steel frame at dusk, with marked-up construction drawings and a site schedule on a white pickup\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/half-built-commercial-office-tower-with-exposed-steel-frame-photo-1.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)\">Construction 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)\">Construction Suit Counterclaim Risks in Florida<\/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)\">A lawsuit over a construction payment or lien can quickly lead to a counterclaim against your business. Ayala Law PA focuses on business and construction litigation for contractors, subcontractors and property owners in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area.<\/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 22, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<h2>What are the risks of counterclaims, attorney fee-shifting under Florida Statute 57.105, and lien bond requirements in a construction suit?<\/h2>\n<p>Construction suit counterclaim risks come in three forms. In a business dispute, the other side may respond with its own claims, and a recorded lien can affect how a property matter proceeds. Each risk turns on the contract, the lien history and the papers already filed.<\/p>\n<p>Many people see a lawsuit as one claim. In practice, it&#8217;s often several claims pointing in both directions. A payment demand can start a fight over delay, defective work and what the lien is really worth.<\/p>\n<p>This page is general information, not legal advice. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page. The firm handles construction litigation for businesses in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area.<\/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 you&#x27;ve been served with a construction suit or a lien notice, you may be facing deadlines you didn&#x27;t choose. Reach out to our team to talk through your contract and filing dates. 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\/construction-site-with-cranes-and-steel-framework-silhouette-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Wide view of a construction site at sunset, with cranes towering over a steel building framework.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>How counterclaims arise in contractor and subcontractor disputes<\/h2>\n<p>A counterclaim is a claim the defendant files back against the party that sued. In a construction dispute, it often starts with money: who owes what, and who caused the cost.<\/p>\n<p>Common subjects include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Unpaid balances versus backcharges.<\/strong> One side deducts costs it says the other caused.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Defective or incomplete work.<\/strong> One side says the work did not meet the contract.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Delay damages.<\/strong> One side claims extra cost from missed dates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lien foreclosure defenses.<\/strong> A defense can turn into a claim for money of its own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each counterclaim can add dollars, parties and discovery. That means more depositions, more records and more cost. Plan for the case to grow, not shrink.<\/p>\n<p>Contract terms also limit which claims survive. Florida courts have held that when an express contract covers the same subject matter, claims from that relationship generally can&#8217;t proceed as unjust enrichment, as <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/467568\/opinion\/Opinion_16-2898.pdf\">Williams v. Johnson<\/a> explains.<\/p>\n<p>For a broader view, see our <a href=\"\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/\">construction litigation guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How attorney fee-shifting under Florida Statute 57.105 works<\/h2>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0057\/Sections\/0057.105.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 57.105<\/a>, when the court makes the required findings, it shall award the prevailing party a reasonable attorney&#8217;s fee, including prejudgment interest, paid in equal amounts by the losing party and its lawyer. The court must find that a claim or defense lacked support in the material facts, or in then-existing law, and that the party or lawyer knew or should have known it.<\/p>\n<p>Fee shifting is the exception, not the rule. Florida follows the American Rule: each side generally pays its own attorney fees unless a contract or statute says otherwise, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/319153\/opinion\/Opinion_SC02-1953.pdf\">Florida Supreme Court explained in Price v. Tyler<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Two details matter most:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The 21-day window.<\/strong> A sanctions motion must be served first. It can&#8217;t be filed with the court unless the challenged paper is not withdrawn or corrected within 21 days after service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Contract language can also shift fees. If a contract lets a party recover fees for enforcing it, the court may allow fees to the other side when that side wins, whether as plaintiff or defendant. This applies to contracts made on or after October 1, 1988.<\/p>\n<h2>How lien bond requirements affect a construction suit<\/h2>\n<p>A recorded lien can cloud a property. It can make a sale or loan harder while the dispute is open. Owners often ask whether a bond can clear it so the property can move forward. The answer requires a look at the lien, the contract and what is recorded.<\/p>\n<p>Pinellas County&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pinellas.gov\/florida-lien-law-information\/\">lien law information<\/a> notes that a lien can pose risks to an owner&#8217;s property. Find out early which of these documents exist.<\/p>\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\/glass-office-building-under-construction-beside-a-tall-crane-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Glass office building under construction with a tall crane against a clear blue sky.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Protecting your position early in a construction suit<\/h2>\n<p>The most useful early step is to write down the date you were served. Then calendar every response deadline from that date.<\/p>\n<p>Gather the core records: contracts, change orders, pay applications, daily logs, emails, texts and photos. Keep them in one place with a simple timeline. Organized records help when counterclaims or a fee motion arrive.<\/p>\n<p>Avoid informal admissions. A text saying &#8220;we&#8217;re behind on payment&#8221; or &#8220;the work was bad&#8221; can be used later. Route questions about the dispute through a single, documented channel.<\/p>\n<p>License status also matters early.<\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I be ordered to pay the other side&#8217;s attorney fees?<\/summary><p>A court may order fees under Florida Statute 57.105 when it finds the losing party or its attorney knew or should have known that a claim or defense was not supported by the material facts or by then-existing law, with the fees paid in equal amounts by the losing party and its attorney. The statute also sets out situations where monetary sanctions may not be awarded, so whether fees apply depends on the facts of each case. A court can also award the moving party damages for its reasonable expenses, which may include attorney&#8217;s fees, when the moving party proves by a preponderance of the evidence that an action was taken primarily for the purpose of unreasonable delay.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do I have to pay my own attorney fees?<\/summary><p>Generally, yes. Each side usually pays its own fees unless a contract or statute says otherwise.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the 21-day window?<\/summary><p>After a sanctions motion is served, the challenged paper can be withdrawn or corrected within 21 days. If it is, the motion cannot be filed.<\/p><\/details>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been served with a construction suit or a lien notice, you may be facing deadlines you didn&#8217;t choose. Reach out to our team through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a> or call (305) 570-2208 to talk through your contract and filing dates.<\/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 construction 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 pleadings<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look closely at the complaint, the contract, and the payment and lien records to identify what a counterclaim could allege against your business.<\/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--lightbulb\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical options<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain the defenses, counterclaims and settlement paths available so you can weigh the risks before making decisions.<\/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 communication<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We keep you informed in clear terms about the status of the case, the costs involved and the choices ahead.<\/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\">Protection for your business<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our work is aimed at limiting your exposure to claims, fee awards and liens that could affect your operations and finances.<\/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\">Do not treat a counterclaim as a formality<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A counterclaim can turn a payment dispute into a claim against your business, and it may bring additional exposure. Review the pleadings with counsel before you respond to a construction lawsuit.<\/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\">Common counterclaim issues in construction suits<\/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\">Contract and payment counterclaims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disputes over scope, change orders, retainage and final payment often lead to competing claims for unpaid amounts or breach of contract.<\/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\">Lien-related claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Counterclaims may challenge the validity, amount or timing of a construction lien, or seek to foreclose on property.<\/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\">Attorney fee exposure<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida courts can address attorney fees in certain circumstances, so a weak position may carry costs beyond the underlying dispute.<\/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\">Fraud and misrepresentation allegations<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims of construction contract fraud or misrepresentation can add serious allegations to a case and affect how it is defended and resolved.<\/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\">Speak with Eduardo A. Maura about your construction dispute<\/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 or Call (305) 570-2208<\/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 or Call (305) 570-2208<\/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\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/florida-construction-lien-dispute-steps\/\">Florida Construction Lien Dispute Steps<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/florida-construction-payment-defect-case-outcomes\/\">Florida Construction Payment Defect Case Outcomes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/how-much-does-construction-litigation-cost-for-business-in-tampa-florida\/\">How much does construction litigation typically cost for a business in Tampa, Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/resources-recover-construction-deposit-florida\/\">Can You Recover a Construction Deposit in Florida? Options for Owners and Contractors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/tampa-construction-litigation-vs-commercial-litigation\/\">Tampa Construction Litigation vs Commercial Litigation<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida construction suit counterclaim risks: how counterclaims, Statute 57.105 fee awards and lien bonds can affect a contractor or subcontractor dispute.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":655,"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\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/construction-suit-counterclaim-risks\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/litigios-construccion-subcontratistas-florida\/riesgos-reconvencion-construccion\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/construction-litigation-contractor-subcontractor-disputes-florida\/construction-suit-counterclaim-risks\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"name\": \"Construction suit counterclaims\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Florida Statute 57.105 attorney fees\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Construction lien bonds under Florida Chapter 713\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Lien foreclosure in Florida\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"author\": {\"name\": \"Eduardo A. 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