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How Florida Businesses Can Legally Collect Unpaid Invoices

Practical Legal Steps to Recover What You’re Owed

Late or unpaid invoices are more than just a nuisance—they’re a threat to your cash flow, your ability to operate, and your bottom line. Whether you’re in construction, professional services, distribution, or another industry, Florida businesses have legal tools to collect unpaid balances—but you have to use them correctly.

As a Florida construction and business attorney, I help companies every day collect what they’re owed. Here’s a practical guide to the legal process, what to do first, and how to protect yourself going forward.


📌 Step 1: Review the Contract (Or Agreement Terms)

Before taking any action, review:

✅ Tip: If you don’t have a written contract, you may still be able to collect—especially if you can show work performed, invoices sent, and no valid dispute.


✉️ Step 2: Send a Written Demand for Payment

Many overdue accounts can be resolved with a well-drafted demand letter from your attorney. A legal demand should:

A letter from a Florida business attorney often gets a faster and more serious response than calls or emails from your office.


🧱 Step 3: Determine If You Have a Lien or Bond Claim (Construction Only)

If you’re in construction (contractor, sub, supplier, etc.), you may have the right to:

These rights have strict deadlines under Florida Statutes Chapter 713. A Florida construction attorney can help you determine eligibility and timing.


⚖️ Step 4: File Suit If Payment Isn’t Made

If demand efforts fail, your business may need to sue for:

Florida law allows businesses to recover attorney’s fees and interest—but only if your contract includes the right provisions.

✅ Small claims courts handle amounts up to $8,000 (excluding costs/fees), while county or circuit court handles larger cases.


💼 Step 5: Enforce the Judgment (If Necessary)

Winning a lawsuit is just part of the process—you still have to collect. We help clients:

If the debtor is a business entity, we also investigate:


🧠 Bonus: Prevention Is the Best Collection Strategy

To avoid future non-payment, your contracts should include:

We help Florida businesses draft these protections up front—before invoices go unpaid.


👨‍⚖️ Work With a Florida Business Attorney Who Knows Collections

At Douglas Law Firm, we represent contractors, vendors, professionals, and business owners across Florida in collecting unpaid balances. Whether you’re chasing a single invoice or multiple accounts receivable, we offer:


📞 Ready to Get Paid?

If your business is owed money, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to collect.

Contact Douglas Law Firm today to speak with a Florida construction and business attorney who can help you recover what you’re owed—legally and effectively.

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