A Practical Checklist for Business Owners and Contractors
Late payments are frustrating. Unpaid invoices? Even worse. But how do you know when it’s time to stop chasing and start enforcing? If your internal efforts aren’t working, there comes a point where hiring a Florida business attorney for collections is simply the smart business move.
Here are five signs that it’s time to stop waiting—and start recovering what your business is owed.
✅ 1. The Amount Owed Is Too Big to Ignore
If you’re owed more than a few thousand dollars, that’s not just an accounting error—it’s a serious hit to your bottom line. The larger the balance, the more important it is to take legal steps that:
- Preserve your right to collect
- Include interest or late fees
- Allow recovery of attorney’s fees (if your contract permits)
Don’t let large balances age out or get buried in the books. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect.
✅ 2. The Debtor Is Ghosting You or Giving Excuses
If your emails go unanswered, calls are ignored, or you’re hearing vague excuses like:
“We’re waiting on another client to pay us first…”
“We’ll get it to you next month…”
“We’re still reviewing the invoice…”
…it’s time to escalate.
An attorney demand letter puts legal pressure on the debtor—and often gets results where polite follow-ups failed.
✅ 3. You Have a Written Contract (Or Clear Work Records)
If you have:
- A signed contract
- Confirmed scope of work
- Delivery receipts or work authorizations
- Email confirmation of services and pricing
…you likely have a strong legal case for breach of contract or open account. A Florida business attorney can help enforce those rights efficiently.
And if your contract includes attorney’s fees or personal guarantees, even better—you’re positioned to collect more than just the invoice amount.
✅ 4. You Want to Preserve the Relationship—but Get Paid
Sometimes, the debtor is a repeat client, a referral source, or someone in your professional network. You want to get paid—but without going “nuclear.”
An attorney can take the heat off of you by handling communications and collection efforts in a firm but professionalway. This often leads to resolution without destroying the relationship.
✅ 5. You’re Considering Writing It Off
If you’re thinking about cutting your losses, ask yourself:
- Did I provide the product or service?
- Is the amount still legally recoverable?
- Is this becoming a recurring issue in my business?
Writing off debts may feel easier—but it sends a message that you don’t enforce your terms. A single legal demand or collections lawsuit could change that reputation—and recover your balance.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Fix the Root Cause
Many non-payment issues come from:
- Poorly written contracts
- No payment terms
- No personal guarantees
- Vague or unenforced policies
At Douglas Law Firm, we don’t just collect—we help you prevent future problems by strengthening your contractsand protecting your payment terms moving forward.
📞 Need Help Getting Paid?
If you checked even one of the boxes above, don’t wait.
📌 Douglas Law Firm represents Florida businesses, contractors, and professionals in collecting unpaid balances—quickly and legally.
Contact us today for a consultation with a Florida business attorney who knows how to get you paid.