The Smart Move for B2B Debt Recovery in Florida
If you’re a Florida business owed money by another business, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Unpaid invoices and delinquent accounts are a reality for contractors, suppliers, service providers, and landlords alike. But when standard reminders and internal follow-ups don’t work, you’re left asking:
Should I hire a collections agency, or a Florida business attorney?
For most business-to-business (B2B) debts—especially those involving written contracts, larger balances, or repeat offenders—hiring a Florida business attorney offers better results, more options, and stronger legal protection.
Here’s when to make that call—and why it pays off.
📌 When to Hire a Florida Business Attorney for Collections
You should seriously consider working with a Florida business attorney when:
✅ 1. The Amount Owed Is Significant
If you’re owed $5,000, $10,000 or more, a lawyer can help you recover more—including interest and attorney’s fees, if the contract allows.
Collection agencies may take a hefty percentage—often 25–50%—with little to show for it.
✅ 2. You Have a Written Contract
If your contract includes:
- Payment terms
- Interest for late payments
- Attorney’s fees
- Personal guarantees
…you have powerful legal leverage that an attorney can enforce. Collection agencies can’t interpret or litigate contracts—they can only pester.
✅ 3. You Want to Preserve the Client Relationship
Attorneys can approach collections professionally and tactfully—often resolving the issue through a strong but diplomatic demand letter.
You stay out of the drama, and your attorney becomes the bad cop if needed—without burning the bridge.
✅ 4. You May Need to File Suit
Attorneys can:
- File a lawsuit for breach of contract
- Pursue account stated or open account claims
- Enforce judgment through garnishment, liens, or levies
Collection agencies cannot file lawsuits or represent you in court.
✅ 5. The Debtor Is Avoiding You or Denying the Debt
If the other party is ghosting you, arguing about the amount, or refusing to pay on a technicality, it’s time for legal escalation.
An attorney brings the authority of the courts—and the experience to cut through excuses.
⚖️ Attorney vs. Collection Agency: What’s the Real Difference?
| Business Attorney | Collection Agency | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Demand Letters | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes (but less effective) |
| Enforce Contracts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| File Lawsuits | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Recover Attorney’s Fees | ✅ If contract allows | ❌ No |
| Protect Your Reputation | ✅ Professional, tactful | ⚠️ Can be aggressive or alienating |
| Cost Structure | ✅ Fee-based or contingency options | ⚠️ Often 25–50% of recovery |
Bottom line: Collection agencies chase debts. Attorneys recover them.
🔧 What a Florida Business Attorney Actually Does
At Douglas Law Firm, we help businesses recover unpaid debts efficiently and professionally through:
- Strategic demand letters
- Contract enforcement and litigation
- Construction lien and bond claims (if applicable)
- Settlement negotiation
- Judgment enforcement (garnishment, levies, etc.)
- Contract drafting to prevent future disputes
We work with general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, professional firms, commercial landlords, and more.
🧠 Bonus: Prevention = Power
In addition to recovering what you’re owed, we help clients:
- Strengthen contracts
- Add enforceable payment terms
- Include personal guarantees and attorney’s fees clauses
- Build systems that discourage non-payment from the start
📞 Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help
The longer you wait, the harder it can be to collect. Statutes of limitation apply, and delay often signals weakness to a debtor.
📌 If your business is owed money—don’t waste time or lose more to a collection agency.
Contact Douglas Law Firm today to speak with a Florida business attorney who knows how to get results.