{"id":5981,"date":"2026-11-02T01:09:59","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T01:09:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/practice-unpaid-invoice-collection-lawsuit-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-11-12T07:57:46","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T07:57:46","slug":"practice-unpaid-invoice-collection-lawsuit-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/practice-unpaid-invoice-collection-lawsuit-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Business Collection Lawsuit in 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-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\" alt=\"A forensic accountant in reading glasses highlights payment entries in a ledger on a desk covered with printed invoices.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-forensic-accountant-in-reading-glasses-highlights-payment-photo-2.jpg\" 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)\">Unpaid Invoices? Take Collection Action Through the 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)\">A customer who won&#x27;t pay can stall your cash flow. Ayala Law PA helps businesses decide how to pursue what they are owed, from the first demand to a lawsuit when needed.<\/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 November 12, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Business Collection Lawsuit in Florida<\/h2>\n<p>If a customer owes your company money for goods, services or completed work, a business collection lawsuit in Florida may be the next step. The contract and your records decide how strong the claim is.<\/p>\n<p>Ayala Law PA focuses on business litigation, including commercial and contract disputes in Florida courts and arbitration. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page. 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, Temple Terrace 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<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\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/handwritten-vintage-ledger-page-showing-detailed-financial-r-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A close-up of a vintage handwritten ledger showing financial records and account entries.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What a Business Collection Lawsuit Is and Who It Is For<\/h2>\n<p>A business collection lawsuit is a civil case to recover an unpaid commercial balance. It covers money owed between businesses, not consumer debts.<\/p>\n<p>It often fits:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Manufacturers and distributors that ship goods on invoice terms<\/li>\n<li>Contractors and subcontractors waiting on progress or final payments<\/li>\n<li>Service providers with open accounts<\/li>\n<li>Any business that extends credit and is owed money it has not been paid<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The claim is about the balance itself. The lawsuit asks a judge to decide whether the customer owes the amount and, if so, to enter a judgment.<\/p>\n<h2>Claims for Unpaid Commercial Balances<\/h2>\n<p>Most unpaid business balances fall into a few claim types. Each one depends on different proof.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Breach of contract.<\/strong> This covers unpaid invoices under a written or oral agreement, including purchase orders and service terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Goods sold and accepted.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0672\/Sections\/0672.709.html\">Florida&#8217;s sale-of-goods law<\/a>, when the buyer fails to pay the price as it becomes due, a seller may recover the price of goods the buyer accepted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Owner promises.<\/strong> A written promise by an owner to pay a company&#8217;s debt is reviewed as its own issue.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fees and interest.<\/strong> Contract terms control much of this. 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\">\u00a7 57.105(7)<\/a>, for a contract entered into on or after October 1, 1988 that allows fees for enforcement, the court may also allow reasonable fees to the other party when that party prevails. <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> reads: &#8220;If a contract contains a provision allowing attorney&#8217;s fees to a party when he or she is required to take any action to enforce the contract.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Documents That Decide Whether the Claim Is Supported<\/h2>\n<p>The records you gather early usually decide whether the claim holds up. Start with these:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The contract, purchase order, quote, work order or signed proposal that sets price and scope<\/li>\n<li>Every invoice, with dates, line items, amounts and payment terms<\/li>\n<li>Proof of delivery or completion, such as delivery tickets, signed receipts, inspection reports and job logs<\/li>\n<li>Emails and texts showing approval, change orders or promises to pay<\/li>\n<li>A full payment history, including credits and offsets<\/li>\n<li>Copies of demand letters and any written dispute from the customer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Keep originals in one place. Don&#8217;t edit records once a dispute starts.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Process Works, Step by Step<\/h2>\n<p>A typical case moves from review to demand, filing, resolution and collection. Timing depends on the court calendar and the other side&#8217;s response.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Review.<\/strong> We read the contract, invoices and delivery proof to identify the claims, the amount and the customer, including any owner who signed a promise to pay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deadline check.<\/strong> Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">\u00a7 95.11<\/a>, Florida sets time limits for filing a lawsuit, and they vary by type of claim. Check it early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Demand letter.<\/strong> A written demand states the amount, the basis for the debt and a response date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing.<\/strong> The complaint goes to the proper court. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.011.html\">\u00a7 47.011<\/a>, suits must be brought only in the county where the defendant resides, where the cause of action accrued, or where the property in litigation is located. This section does not apply to actions against nonresidents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pleadings and discovery.<\/strong> The customer responds, may raise defenses or counterclaims, and both sides exchange records.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resolution.<\/strong> The case may settle, go to mediation or be decided by the court.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Judgment and collection.<\/strong> A judgment can become a lien on real property once a certified copy is recorded with the lienholder&#8217;s address, under <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>. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.10.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.10<\/a>, a judgment, order, or decree becomes a lien on real property in any county when a certified copy of it is recorded in the official records or judgment lien record of the county, whichever is maintained at the time of recordation, provided that the judgment, order, or decree contains the address of the person who has a lien as a result of it, or a separate affidavit stating that address is recorded simultaneously with it. A judgment, order, or decree does not become a lien on real property unless that address is contained in it or an affidavit with that address is simultaneously recorded. Property can be subject to levy and sale under <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>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Resolving the Balance Before and During Litigation<\/h2>\n<p>Many balances resolve after a demand letter or early talks. That can be quicker than a contested case. Options include payment plans, reduced lump-sum payments and agreed judgments.<\/p>\n<p>Formal offers also matter. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0045\/Sections\/0045.061.html\">\u00a7 45.061<\/a>, an offer to settle a claim remains open for 45 days. It is deemed rejected if it is neither accepted nor withdrawn in a writing served on the offeree before acceptance. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0045\/Sections\/0045.061.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 45.061(6)<\/a>, this section does not apply to causes of action that accrue after the effective date of this act. An offer is presumed to have been unreasonably rejected by a defendant if the judgment entered is at least 25 percent greater than the offer rejected, and by a plaintiff if the judgment entered is at least 25 percent less than the offer rejected.<\/p>\n<p>A written contract can set the interest rate on the balance. Without one, judgments carry the statutory rate, which the Chief Financial Officer sets quarterly under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.03.html\">\u00a7 55.03<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Keep invoices and delivery records current while a matter is pending. Avoid informal threats or public statements about the debt, since these can complicate the claim.<\/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 for a Business Collection Lawsuit in Florida<\/h2>\n<p>Ayala Law PA focuses on business litigation. That includes commercial and contract disputes, construction litigation, real estate litigation and international trade litigation in Florida courts and arbitration.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/li>\n<li>Businesses in Tampa and Hillsborough County are served from the firm&#8217;s Tampa office at 1646 W Snow Ave, Tampa, Florida. Ayala Law PA represents Tampa and Hillsborough County businesses.<\/li>\n<li>Support staff help with document organization and case administration.<\/li>\n<li>A matter may be referred to another lawyer or firm when that is the better fit.<\/li>\n<li>This page includes no client testimonials and makes no promise about any result.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Questions About Business Collection Lawsuits in Florida<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can we sue without a signed contract?<\/summary><p>Possibly. Invoices, accepted deliveries and the parties&#8217; dealings can support a claim, depending on the facts.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do we need a demand letter first?<\/summary><p>A written demand is often the first step. It sets out the amount and gives the customer a chance to pay.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can we recover attorney&#8217;s fees?<\/summary><p>A fee clause that lets a party recover attorney&#8217;s fees for having to enforce the contract can also let the court award reasonable fees to the other party when that party prevails, but only for contracts entered into on or after October 1, 1988.<\/p><\/details><p><strong>Can an owner be personally liable for an LLC&#8217;s debt?<\/strong><\/p>\n<details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the customer says the work was defective?<\/summary><p>Defense claims are common, so the contract and the delivery and completion records matter most.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do we have to file?<\/summary><p>Florida sets filing deadlines by type of claim under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">\u00a7 95.11<\/a>. Check the claim type early, because the deadline depends on it.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/an-accountant-uses-a-calculator-and-signs-paperwork-at-a-des-photo.jpg\" alt=\"An accountant uses a calculator and signs paperwork at a desk.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk With Ayala Law PA About Your Unpaid Balance<\/h2>\n<p>If a customer has accepted your work and stopped paying, start with the contract, the invoices and the delivery proof. Those records show what the claim covers and which claim type fits.<\/p>\n<p>To talk through your balance, call (305) 570-2208 or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">request a case evaluation<\/a>. Fee terms are discussed directly when you reach out.<\/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 Ayala Law PA Handles Collection Matters<\/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\">Review the Paper Trail<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We look at contracts, invoices, purchase orders, delivery records and payment history to understand what the business can document.<\/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 Guidance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain the options in practical terms, including demand letters, negotiated payment plans and court action, so you can make informed 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--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting Your Position<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We focus on preserving your claims and avoiding steps that could weaken your case while the matter is being evaluated.<\/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 Representation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent businesses and entrepreneurs in commercial and contract disputes in Florida courts, with the goal of recovering what is owed.<\/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\">Start Gathering Records Now<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoices, signed agreements, emails, text messages, delivery receipts and payment records often carry real weight in a collection dispute. Keeping them organized early makes the situation easier to assess.<\/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 Collection Situations 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 for Goods or Services<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A customer accepted products or work and has not paid the amount billed.<\/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 Payment Terms<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A customer agreed to a payment schedule and has missed payments or stopped paying altogether.<\/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\">A contractor or subcontractor is owed money for completed work, often alongside questions about lien rights and contract terms.<\/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\">Disputed or Partial Payments<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A customer pays part of the balance and disputes the rest, leaving the business to decide how to proceed.<\/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\">Owed money your business has not collected? Contact Ayala Law PA to discuss your options.<\/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<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/prejudgment-interest-breach-of-contract-damages-florida\/\">Prejudgment Interest on Breach of Contract Damages in Florida: How It Is Calculated<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/prejudgment-interest-florida-contract-judgment\/\">Can I Collect Interest on a Florida Contract Judgment?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/service-agreement-dispute-lawyer-tampa-area\/\">Service Contract Dispute Lawyer for Tampa Area Businesses<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/small-claims-business-contract-dispute-florida\/\">Can I Sue in Small Claims Court for a Business Contract Dispute in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/statute-of-frauds-one-year-rule-florida-business-contract\/\">Statute of Frauds One-Year Rule for Florida Business Contracts<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Business collection lawsuit in Florida for unpaid commercial balances: claim types, records and steps. Call Ayala Law PA at (305) 570-2208.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":650,"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\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/practice-unpaid-invoice-collection-lawsuit-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/guia-disputas-contratos-empresas-tampa\/cobro-facturas-impagadas-demanda-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/florida-contract-disputes-guide-tampa-area-businesses\/practice-unpaid-invoice-collection-lawsuit-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"name\": \"Business Collection Lawsuit in Florida\", \"@type\": [\"Service\", \"FAQPage\"], \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"BusinessAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Business owners with unpaid commercial invoices or completed work\"}, \"provider\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/#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\": \"Florida\", \"@type\": \"State\"}, {\"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\": \"Explains the claims a business may bring to collect unpaid invoices and accepted but unpaid work in Florida, the contract and business records that support those claims, and how to request a case evaluation.\", \"serviceType\": \"Business collection litigation for unpaid commercial balances\", \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Limited liability company\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Limited_liability_company\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contract\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Breach of contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Breach_of_contract\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Arbitration\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Arbitration\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Mediation\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Mediation\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Lawsuit\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lawsuit\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. 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It sets out the amount and gives the customer a chance to pay.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can we recover attorney's fees?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A fee clause that lets a party recover attorney's fees for having to enforce the contract can also let the court award reasonable fees to the other party when that party prevails, but only for contracts entered into on or after October 1, 1988.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What if the customer says the work was defective?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Defense claims are common, so the contract and the delivery and completion records matter most.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long do we have to file?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Florida sets filing deadlines by type of claim under \u00a7 95.11. 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