{"id":5254,"date":"2026-10-28T04:30:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T04:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/economic-loss-rule-florida-business-contracts\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T09:11:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T09:11:44","slug":"economic-loss-rule-florida-business-contracts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/economic-loss-rule-florida-business-contracts\/","title":{"rendered":"Economic Loss Rule Florida Contract Claim Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Economic Loss Rule in Florida: What It Means for Business Contract Claims<\/h1>\n

Since the Florida Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Tiara<\/em>, the rule applies only in products liability cases. It does not, by itself, bar a tort claim between parties to a contract.<\/p>\n

If your business lost money because a supplier, contractor, or partner didn’t perform, you’re probably weighing which claim fits. That is the core of any economic loss rule Florida contract claim question. This page walks through the rule in plain terms.<\/p>\n

Ayala Law PA focuses on business litigation, including commercial litigation, contract disputes, shareholder disputes, construction litigation, real estate litigation, and international trade litigation. The firm’s office is at 1646 W Snow Ave in Tampa. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/p>\n

What the Economic Loss Rule Means in Florida<\/h2>\n

These are money losses, such as lost profits, that don’t come from physical injury or damage to other property. The rule asks whether that loss belongs in a contract claim or can be pursued in tort.<\/p>\n

The answer affects your business. A contract claim and a negligence or other tort claim can lead to different damages and different arguments. Knowing which theory fits helps you see what you can pursue.<\/p>\n

The rule was narrowed in 2013. A claim that looked blocked under older descriptions may now be open. Older articles often repeat the broader version, so be careful about what you rely on.<\/p>\n

For a broader look at how these disputes work, read our Florida contract disputes guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Economic Losses Versus Physical Injury and Property Damage<\/h2>\n

Purely economic loss is money lost without physical injury or damage to other property. It includes lost profits, delay costs, and the cost to repair or replace the defective product or work itself.<\/p>\n

Physical injury and damage to other property are different. If a product or job hurts someone or damages something beyond itself, the loss is no longer purely economic.<\/p>\n

Two business examples show the difference:<\/p>\n