For a legally binding contract to be formed, there must be an offer and acceptance and the parties must exchange something of value. As the Florida Bar clearly explains, enforceable contracts can be both in writing or oral. A breach of contract occurs when one of the parties breaks the terms of the agreement, without a valid legal excuse to do so. In this article, our experienced Clearwater contract dispute attorneys highlight some of the most common reasons why contract breaches occur in Florida and explain what business owners need to do to protect their legal rights and financial interests following a breach.
Why Do Contract Breaches Occur?
Each contract comes with its own unique set of terms and conditions. In the business world, contract breaches can happen for a variety of different reasons. Some the most common examples include:
- Missed deadlines or unjustifiable delays;
- The nonperformance of obligations mandated by the contract;
- Interference with another party’s contract performance;
- Poor work quality or poor work product;
- Delivery of defective or poor quality goods; and
- The communication of intention to break the contract in the future.
What are the Ramifications of Breaching a Contract in Florida?
When a contract breach occurs, the breaching party can be held legally liable for any resulting damages. To be clear, Florida courts do not seek to punish parties for breaking a contract. There are no automatic penalties. Instead, the non-breaching party has the opportunity to seek compensatory damages from the breaching party. To recover damages, this party must be able to prove that they sustained losses as a direct result of the breach of contract. In many cases, monetary damages are awarded to resolve the issue. Though, other remedies, such as specific performance or an injunction, may sometimes be available as well.
How a Florida Contract Litigation Attorney Can Help You Resolve a Dispute
If you are in a dispute over an alleged breach of contract, you should be represented by a skilled Clearwater contract litigation attorney. Your attorney will be able to review the agreement as well as the circumstances of your case in order to determine what needs to be done to protect the rights and interests of your business. Depending on the specific nature of your case, our Clearwater contract law attorneys can help your company:
- Prove that a contract breach actually occurred;
- Establish that your company had a valid reason to deviate from the terms of the contract;
- Properly document the full value of your damages;
- Negotiate with the other party, in order to reach a full settlement; and
- File a breach of contract lawsuit to get fair financial relief for your business.
Contact Our Florida Business Law Attorneys Today
At Clearwater Business Law, our legal team has extensive experience handling contract breach cases. To learn more about what we can do for you, please call us today at (727) 877-4931 to schedule your confidential business law consultation. From our office in Clearwater, we represent businesses and individuals throughout the region, including in Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County.