{"id":8314,"date":"2026-11-06T05:34:08","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T05:34:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/construction-payment-dispute-attorney-hillsborough-county\/"},"modified":"2026-11-11T08:48:42","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T08:48:42","slug":"construction-payment-dispute-attorney-hillsborough-county","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/construction-payment-dispute-attorney-hillsborough-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Construction Payment Dispute Attorney Hillsborough County"},"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-8313\" alt=\"A half-built office tower at dusk with exposed steel framing, and marked-up construction drawings spread on a white pickup hood beside a job trailer.\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-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 Payment Disputes | Hillsborough County &amp; Tampa Bay<\/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 for Completed Construction Work? Get Clear Answers on Your Options.<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Ayala Law PA focuses on construction payment disputes for contractors, subcontractors and property owners in Hillsborough County, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace and the Tampa Bay area, including lien foreclosure and construction contract disputes.<\/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 6, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p>A construction payment dispute is a fight over money owed for work, materials, or a finished project. The main options are a written demand, a lien claim against the property, a breach of contract suit, or arbitration. The right path depends on the contract and the deadlines.<\/p>\n<p>Ayala Law PA handles these disputes for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and property owners in Hillsborough County and the Tampa Bay area, in Florida courts and arbitration. This page explains how a construction payment dispute attorney in Hillsborough County approaches a claim, from the first document review to resolution. Our office is in Tampa, at 1646 W Snow Ave, and we represent businesses in Tampa and Hillsborough County. Eduardo A. Maura is the responsible lawyer for this page.<\/p>\n<h2>What a Construction Payment Dispute Involves<\/h2>\n<p>A construction payment dispute starts when money due on a building project goes unpaid or is held back. You&#8217;ll usually see one of these forms:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unpaid invoices for work already done<\/li>\n<li>Progress payments that were withheld<\/li>\n<li>Retainage, the part of each payment held back until the job nears its end<\/li>\n<li>Unpaid change orders for extra or altered work<\/li>\n<li>A disputed final payment at project closeout<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>General contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and owners all end up on either side. Disputes come up on residential and commercial jobs across Hillsborough County.<\/p>\n<p>These cases often turn on paper. The written contract sets the payment schedule, the notice steps, and any deadline to dispute an invoice. Keep every change order, pay application, and email. A missing notice or a late invoice can change the whole case.<\/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 an unpaid invoice or a withheld final payment has you worried about a lien notice or a filing date, reach out to our team and we&#x27;ll start by reviewing your contract and notices. 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=\"Construction site with cranes and steel framework silhouetted against a sunset sky\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Claims We Handle in Construction Litigation<\/h2>\n<p>Construction litigation covers lawsuits and arbitration demands that seek payment or address a broken construction contract. The firm&#8217;s construction work includes these claim types:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Contractor claims against an owner for nonpayment or wrongful withholding of the contract sum<\/li>\n<li>Subcontractor and supplier claims against a general contractor for unpaid work or materials<\/li>\n<li>Owner claims for defective or incomplete work, overpayment, or construction contract fraud<\/li>\n<li>Claims tied to real estate issues on the same project, such as a lien that clouds the property title<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Fraud claims run on a different clock. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.031.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.031<\/a>, a fraud action runs from when the facts were discovered or should have been. It must still start within 12 years after the fraud was committed.<\/p>\n<p>Calling a dispute &#8220;fraud&#8221; does not turn it into a tort claim. Florida&#8217;s Third District Court of Appeal has held that a party generally cannot recover in tort for what is really a contract dispute, unless the tort is independent of the breach. See <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/2448351\/opinion\/Opinion_2023-0673.pdf\">Frutafino v. Dole Chile<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Mechanic&#8217;s Liens and Payment Recovery in Florida<\/h2>\n<p>Construction payment disputes can involve several different tools, and each one has its own procedural requirements. Some construction payment disputes involve claims that relate to the property itself. Because those steps carry their own timing, the dates need an early review.<\/p>\n<p>Lien foreclosure is a court action to enforce a recorded lien against the property. It is not the only route. A breach of contract claim or a written demand may fit a case better, depending on the facts.<\/p>\n<p>Several deadlines matter here:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Florida generally gives four years to sue over the design, planning, or construction of an improvement to real property. The clock starts at the earliest certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, or abandonment.<\/li>\n<li>For a latent defect, the four years run from when the defect was discovered or should have been found with due diligence.<\/li>\n<li>A claim against a payment bond follows its own timing under the same statute, running from the last furnishing of labor, services, or materials.<\/li>\n<li>A contract clause that sets a shorter filing period than the statute allows is void (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.03.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 95.03<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How a Payment Dispute Moves Forward<\/h2>\n<p>A payment dispute usually moves from document review to a written demand. If the other side does not pay, the case moves to a lawsuit or an arbitration demand. Here is the typical path:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Intake and documents.<\/strong> We review the contract, change orders, pay applications, invoices, lien documents, and correspondence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deadline check.<\/strong> We check lien notice and filing dates, plus any contract notice or dispute clause.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written demand.<\/strong> A letter states the amount owed, the basis for it, and a payment date.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Filing or arbitration.<\/strong> A written arbitration agreement is generally enforceable (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0682\/Sections\/0682.02.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 682.02<\/a>). A court may not refuse to order arbitration just because the claim lacks merit (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0600-0699\/0682\/Sections\/0682.03.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 682.03<\/a>). Suits must be brought only in the county where the defendant lives, where the claim arose, or where the property sits; this rule does not apply to actions against nonresidents (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.011.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 47.011<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mediation and settlement.<\/strong> On one party&#8217;s request, a court must refer most filed money damages cases to mediation, provided the requesting party is willing and able to pay the costs or the costs can be equitably divided between the parties, with listed exceptions (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.102<\/a>). Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.102(2)<\/a>(a), a court must, upon request of one party, refer to mediation any filed civil action for monetary damages, provided the requesting party is willing and able to pay the costs of the mediation or the costs can be equitably divided between the parties, unless a listed exception applies (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.102<\/a>). Mediation talks are confidential, but a signed settlement agreement generally is not (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.405.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.405<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>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<\/a>, a settlement offer stays open for 45 days unless it is withdrawn earlier by a writing served on the offeree before acceptance, and an offer that is neither withdrawn nor accepted within 45 days is deemed rejected. 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 (<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<\/a>), so whether these offer rules apply to a particular claim depends on when that claim accrued. The timeline changes with the case, the forum, and the other side&#8217;s response.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Work With Ayala Law PA on Construction Payment Claims<\/h2>\n<p>Ayala Law PA concentrates its practice in business, commercial, contract, and construction disputes. The firm does not handle general practice matters outside those areas.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Responsible lawyer.<\/strong> Eduardo A. Maura is responsible for this page. Our lawyers and support staff handle document review, deadlines, and court filings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Office.<\/strong> The firm&#8217;s bona fide office is in Tampa, at 1646 W Snow Ave, and the firm handles matters for clients in the Tampa Bay area. The firm serves Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay businesses through Florida courts and arbitration.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forum clauses.<\/strong> An arbitration clause can shift where a dispute is heard. We review those clauses early.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Written communication.<\/strong> We explain your options, likely costs, and next steps in writing so you can decide how to proceed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Questions About Construction Payment Claims<\/h2>\n<p>Owners and contractors usually ask about deadlines, lawsuits, and fees first. Short answers follow.<\/p><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can a subcontractor sue the owner if the general contractor didn&#8217;t pay?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Possibly. Lien rights and contract claims may both apply, depending on notices and contract terms.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long do I have to act?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida deadlines can run from dates that are easy to miss. An early review matters.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will this always end in court?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Many disputes settle through a demand, negotiation, or mediation. Court is one option.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who pays the attorneys&#8217; fees?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida generally follows the American Rule: each party pays its own fees unless a contract or statute says otherwise (<a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/319153\/opinion\/Opinion_SC02-1953.pdf\">Price v. Tyler<\/a>). 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(7)<\/a>, if a contract entered into on or after October 1, 1988 allows attorney&#8217;s fees to a party that must take action to enforce the contract, the court may also allow reasonable attorney&#8217;s fees to the other party when that party prevails in any action, as plaintiff or defendant, with respect to the contract.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What does a case evaluation involve, and how are fees handled?<\/summary><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A case evaluation reviews your documents, notices, and deadlines. Fee terms are explained in writing before any engagement.<\/p><\/details>\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<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 decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/modern-office-building-with-a-striking-red-glass-facade-unde-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Red glass facade of a modern office building under a clear blue sky.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Talk to Our Team About Your Payment Dispute<\/h2>\n<p>If an unpaid invoice, a withheld final payment, or a lien notice needs a response, the next step is a review of your papers. Gather your contract, change orders, pay applications, invoices, lien documents, and correspondence before you reach out. That lets the review start right away.<\/p>\n<p>Call (305) 570-2208 or send a request through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/contact\/\">contact page<\/a> to start your case evaluation.<\/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 Payment Disputes<\/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\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Review the Paperwork First<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start with the contract, change orders, invoices, payment applications, lien notices and correspondence to understand what was agreed and what was sent.<\/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 Explained<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We walk through negotiation, lien enforcement, contract claims and litigation or arbitration so you can weigh the options for 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--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Representation for Both Sides of the Job<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We represent general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and owners in payment disputes arising from commercial and residential projects.<\/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 Wait to Gather Your Records<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Construction disputes often turn on written notices, contract terms and a clear paper trail. Start keeping copies of contracts, invoices, daily logs, emails and texts about the work now, and talk with a lawyer before you send a demand or sign a release.<\/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\">Construction Payment Matters 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\">Contractor and Subcontractor Disputes<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unpaid progress payments, retainage, back charges and disagreements over scope, delays and final payment on commercial and residential projects.<\/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 Foreclosure<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Claims to enforce construction liens against real property, including lien preparation, notice issues and the lawsuits needed to pursue payment.<\/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 Contract Fraud<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Matters where a payment dispute involves misrepresentation, diverted funds or false statements made in connection with a construction 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\">Related Business and Real Estate Claims<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Breach of contract, business and commercial litigation, and real estate disputes that often arise alongside construction payment problems.<\/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\">Talk with Eduardo A. Maura About Your Construction Payment 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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/\">Business Litigation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/can-i-sue-my-subcontractor\/\">Can I Sue My Subcontractor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/cross-border-supply-contract-dispute-florida\/\">Cross-Border Supply Contract Disputes: Enforcing Commercial Agreements With Foreign Suppliers and Buyers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/defending-business-sued-by-customer-or-vendor-hillsborough-county\/\">Defending a Business Sued by a Customer or Vendor in Hillsborough County<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/demand-accounting-business-partner-florida\/\">Can I Demand an Accounting from My Business Partner in Florida?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/discharging-construction-lien-by-bond-florida\/\">Discharging a Construction Lien by Bond in Florida: When a Owner Posts a Bond Instead of Waiting for Foreclosure<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-litigation\/do-contracts-always-have-to-be-in-writing\/\">Do contracts always have to be in writing?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Unpaid on a construction project? Ayala Law PA handles contractor, subcontractor and owner payment disputes in Florida courts and arbitration.<\/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\/construction-payment-dispute-attorney-hillsborough-county\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/es\/litigios-comerciales\/abogado-disputas-pagos-construccion-hillsborough\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/business-litigation\/construction-payment-dispute-attorney-hillsborough-county\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Contract\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Breach of contract\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Breach_of_contract\"}], \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Fraud\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fraud\"}, {\"@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\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Damages\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Damages\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Eduardo A. 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Get Clear Answers on Your Options.\", \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/a-half-built-office-tower-at-dusk-with-exposed-steel-framing-photo-1.jpg\"}, {\"name\": \"Construction Payment Dispute Representation\", \"@type\": \"Service\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and property owners on residential and commercial construction projects\"}, \"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\"}, \"description\": \"Legal services for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and property owners facing unpaid invoices, withheld progress payments, retainage, unpaid change orders, final payment disputes, mechanic's lien claims, and construction contract disputes, handled in Florida courts and arbitration.\", \"serviceType\": \"Construction payment dispute and construction litigation\", \"termsOfService\": \"Fee terms are explained in writing before any engagement.\", \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\"}, {\"name\": \"Construction Payment Disputes in Hillsborough County: Contractor, Subcontractor and Owner Claims\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\", \"about\": [{\"name\": \"Construction payment dispute\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Mechanic's lien in Florida\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Construction contract litigation\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"Ayala Law PA\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.lawayala.com\/\"}, \"mainEntity\": {\"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a subcontractor sue the owner if the general contractor didn't pay?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Possibly. 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