What is a Contract in Florida?

2. Florida Legal Context

Contracts in Florida are primarily governed by common law principles and, in certain cases, by specific statutes like the Florida Statute of Frauds (Section 725.01, Fla. Stat.).

Key points for enforceability in Florida:

• Some contracts must be in writing to be valid, including:
  • Real estate sales
  • Leases longer than one year
  • Agreements that cannot be performed within one year
  • Guaranty agreements
• Terms must be clear and definite so the court can determine the obligations of each party
• All parties must have the capacity to contract (e.g., of legal age, mentally competent)
• Courts in Florida will generally enforce the contract as written, but ambiguous terms may be interpreted against the party who drafted it

Florida law also recognizes oral contracts, but proving their terms is more difficult, making well-drafted written agreements the preferred choice.

3. Real-World Application

Common Florida contract scenarios include:

• A Fort Lauderdale marketing agency signing a 12-month service agreement with a client, specifying deliverables and payment milestones
• A Tampa manufacturer contracting with a supplier for regular shipments of raw materials, including pricing and delivery schedules
• A Jacksonville tech startup licensing proprietary software to a corporate client with strict confidentiality and payment terms

The enforceability of a Florida contract depends on whether its terms are specific, lawful, and mutually agreed upon—and whether the agreement is documented clearly.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Benefits of a well-drafted Florida contract:

• Establishes clear expectations and reduces misunderstandings
• Provides legal remedies if the other party fails to perform
• Helps secure financing, partnerships, or acquisitions by demonstrating operational professionalism
• Protects your business from exploitation by clearly defining obligations, deadlines, and dispute resolution methods

Risks of poorly drafted contracts:

• Disputes over unclear terms may lead to litigation
• Important rights or protections may be missing or unenforceable
• Oral agreements may be difficult to prove in court

Overly broad or unlawful provisions may render the agreement partially or wholly unenforceable

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We create and review Florida contracts that are clear, enforceable, and strategically designed to protect your business:

• Draft custom agreements for services, partnerships, sales, and employment
• Ensure compliance with Florida statutes and common law requirements
• Define clear performance standards, payment terms, and remedies for breach
• Review and revise existing contracts to close gaps and strengthen protections
• Enforce or defend contract rights through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation

Our approach ensures your contracts do more than just meet legal requirements—they become powerful tools for building strong, profitable business relationships.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Are contracts enforceable in Florida if they’re verbal?
A: Yes, but only if they meet basic legal requirements. Certain contracts must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds, and verbal agreements are harder to prove.

Q: What makes a contract invalid in Florida?
A: A contract may be unenforceable if it lacks consideration, involves illegal subject matter, is too vague, or one of the parties lacked legal capacity.

Q: Can I write my own contract without a lawyer?
A: Yes, but this often leads to missing or unclear terms. Professional drafting ensures your contract is enforceable and protects your interests.

Q: What happens if the other party breaches the contract?
A: You may be entitled to damages, specific performance, or other remedies. We can help you enforce your rights through negotiation or litigation.

Q: Can a Florida court change the terms of my contract?
A: Courts typically enforce contracts as written, but they may interpret ambiguous terms or strike clauses that violate public policy or the law.

7. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

8. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

9. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

10. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

11. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

12. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.