Running a successful business in Tampa takes hard work, smart strategy, and trusted relationships. But what happens when an outsider intentionally disrupts those relationships? That’s known as tortious interference, and it can damage deals, destroy trust, and derail growth. Florida law offers protection for businesses facing this type of misconduct—and knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference.
What Is Tortious Interference?
Tortious interference happens when someone deliberately tries to harm your business by getting in the way of an existing contract or valuable business relationship. For example:
- A competitor convinces your biggest client to break their contract with you.
- A former employee contacts your vendors and spreads false claims to damage your reputation.
- A third party pressures a potential investor to back out of a deal by offering misleading information.
These actions are not just unethical—they can be grounds for a lawsuit under Florida’s tort law.
The Two Types of Tortious Interference
Tampa businesses may encounter two primary types:
- Interference with a Contract – The wrongdoer intentionally causes a breach of an existing, legally binding agreement.
- Interference with a Business Relationship – The interference disrupts a potential or ongoing business relationship, even if there’s no written contract.
Both can lead to serious harm, especially if the relationship was key to your operations or growth plans.
Proving Tortious Interference in Florida
To file a claim in Tampa or elsewhere in Florida, your business needs to show:
- There was a valid contract or economic relationship.
- The other party knew about it.
- They intentionally interfered without a valid justification.
- That interference caused you damages.
These cases often involve complex facts and require solid documentation. Emails, contracts, witness accounts, and financial records can all play a role in proving your case.
Real-World Examples in Tampa
Tampa’s diverse economy—from tech startups to professional services to construction—makes it fertile ground for disputes like these. Imagine a scenario where:
- A local marketing firm loses a major client after a competitor falsely tells the client the firm is being sued.
- A logistics company has a distribution agreement canceled after a supplier is pressured by a rival to back out.
- A real estate developer is undermined by another party spreading false rumors to disrupt a multi-million dollar project.
These are more than business setbacks—they’re legal violations that deserve swift legal action.
Responding to Tortious Interference
If you suspect tortious interference, act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
- Document everything – Save emails, contracts, texts, and anything that could prove your side of the story.
- Avoid retaliation – Stay professional; don’t give the other party ammunition against you.
- Get legal counsel – A business litigation attorney familiar with Tampa courts and Florida law can evaluate your case and guide your next steps.
- Consider immediate relief – Your attorney might seek an injunction to stop ongoing harm.
Florida law allows businesses to pursue financial compensation for lost profits and, in some cases, punitive damages if the interference was malicious.
Preventing Future Interference
While no business is immune, there are ways to reduce your risk:
- Use strong contracts with clear non-compete and non-disclosure clauses.
- Maintain strong client relationships so they’re less vulnerable to outside influence.
- Monitor public statements and address misinformation quickly.
Good legal hygiene—clear agreements, solid policies, and proactive enforcement—can shield you from unnecessary disputes.
Why Local Representation Matters
Tampa’s business environment is unique. Having a legal team that knows the local courts, judges, and commercial trends gives you an advantage. Whether you’re operating in Ybor City, downtown, or the Westshore business district, having experienced counsel on your side is key.
Contact a Tampa Business Law Lawyer
Tortious interference is a serious threat to any Tampa business. If your company’s success has been compromised by outside interference, don’t wait. Understanding your rights, acting fast, and working with the right legal team in Tampa can help you recover damages and get back on track.