Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida courts recognize two primary forms of tortious interference:

1. Tortious Interference with Contract – When a third party intentionally causes a party to breach or not perform under a valid, enforceable contract.
2. Tortious Interference with a Business Relationship – When a third party disrupts an advantageous business relationship, even without a formal contract.

To prevail in Florida, a plaintiff must prove:

• A valid contract or business relationship existed.
• The defendant knew about the contract or relationship.
• The defendant intentionally and unjustifiably interfered.
• The interference caused damages to the plaintiff.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of tortious interference in Florida businesses:

• A Tampa competitor convinces a supplier to break an exclusive contract with a local business.
• A Miami former employee uses confidential information to lure away clients from their previous employer.
• An Orlando contractor spreads false claims about a rival to block it from winning a major bid.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Unfair interference can derail contracts, destroy customer relationships, and cause significant financial harm.

Why it matters:

• Protects contracts: Businesses can enforce contractual rights against wrongful outside interference.
• Maintains fair competition: Florida law discourages competitors from using unlawful tactics.
• Deters misconduct: Litigation holds wrongdoers accountable and prevents repeated interference.
• Recovers damages: Plaintiffs may seek compensatory damages and, in some cases, punitive damages.

Common mistakes Florida businesses make:

• Assuming ordinary competition equals tortious interference (Florida law allows fair competition).
• Not documenting communications and contracts that prove interference.
• Overlooking trade secrets or non-compete clauses that protect business relationships.
• Failing to act quickly, leading to lost customers or opportunities.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota law firm recovered damages after a competitor unlawfully solicited clients under contract.
• A Jacksonville medical practice won an injunction against a former partner interfering with patient relationships.
• A Fort Lauderdale company lost a tortious interference case when it couldn’t prove the competitor’s actions were unjustified rather than fair competition.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, our Litigation Department represents Florida businesses in tortious interference cases. We provide:

• Investigation of competitor or third-party misconduct
• Filing lawsuits for tortious interference with contracts or business relationships
• Seeking damages and injunctions to stop ongoing interference
• Defense for businesses accused of interference in competitive disputes
• Strategic advice on protecting customer relationships and contracts

We aggressively protect your business relationships and contracts from unfair outside interference.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is all competition tortious interference in Florida?
A: No. Only interference that is intentional, unjustified, and wrongful qualifies — fair competition is allowed.

Q: Do I need a written contract to sue for tortious interference?
A: Not always. Florida also recognizes claims for interference with advantageous business relationships.

Q: What damages can I recover?
A: Compensatory damages for lost profits, and in some cases punitive damages if conduct was malicious.

Q: Can I get an injunction to stop interference?
A: Yes. Florida courts may issue injunctions to prevent ongoing misconduct.

Q: Why hire Black Rock Trial Lawyers for interference cases?
A: Our Litigation Department has deep experience litigating business torts and securing both damages and injunctions to protect Florida businesses.