Sarasota, Florida
Civil Litigation Attorneys Serving Sarasota, Sarasota County
Representation in Florida contract disputes, business litigation, non-compete enforcement, collections, and commercial matters, with two partners handling the work directly. Sarasota business owners call us about contract disputes, non-compete enforcement, collections, and commercial lease trouble. Most of these come in with a deadline already running, so the first meeting is usually about what's actionable this week.
How we approach civil litigation matters in Sarasota
Sarasota is about ninety minutes south of our Lutz office on I-75. Close enough that some Sarasota engagements do include an in-person meeting when a client prefers one. David is Board Certified in Real Estate Law through The Florida Bar, and Sarasota real estate is a steady part of the firm's work. Gwen drafts Florida estate plans for Sarasota families under the same Florida statutes that govern estate work anywhere else in the state.
Sarasota County courts and local practice notes
Sarasota civil cases are heard at the Sarasota County Judicial Center. The Twelfth Judicial Circuit pushes cases toward early mediation, which shapes how the litigation itself gets planned.
Directions from Sarasota: From Sarasota, the drive to our Lutz office runs about ninety minutes north on I-75. Most Sarasota matters are handled without the drive. Phone and Zoom consultations open the engagement. Closings run remotely with the Sarasota area title company. Secure portal, e-signing, and video strategy calls cover the remaining work. Sarasota clients who want an in person meeting can make the run up I-75 in under two hours.
About our civil litigation practice
Civil and commercial litigation is the firm’s tool for the moments when negotiation has ended and a business or a family needs a court to resolve a dispute. 25 years in Florida courtrooms have taught us that the best litigators are the ones who know when to litigate and when to settle, and who move a case forward at every opportunity rather than letting it sit.
What we handle
- Breach of contract. Non-payment, non-performance, and disputes over terms.
- Business and partnership disputes. Dissolution, buy-sell, and fiduciary duty claims.
- Non-compete and non-solicitation enforcement. Prosecuting or defending under §542.335.
- Collections. Recovering judgments, enforcing settlements, and garnishments.
- Real estate litigation. Quiet title, boundary, HOA, and construction defects.
- Fraud and misrepresentation. Civil fraud claims with proof of intent.
- Commercial leases. Disputes between landlords and tenants in commercial space.
- Injunctive relief. TROs, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions.
How the process actually unfolds
A Florida civil case starts with a complaint and a summons. The defendant has 20 days to respond. From there, discovery takes the bulk of the case time. Interrogatories, requests for production, depositions, and subpoenas are where evidence is gathered and where most cases are ultimately won or lost.
After discovery, cases typically proceed to mediation (usually court-ordered) and, if no resolution, to trial. The majority of civil cases settle before trial. That is not because either side is giving up. Once the evidence is on the table, the likely outcome becomes clear enough that both sides would rather control the result.
We try the cases that need to be tried. We do not bill for discovery we don’t need.
The difference experience makes
Busy business owners hire us because they cannot afford to spend their week on a lawsuit. That means they need a firm that:
- Keeps them informed without making them do the lawyer’s work
- Responds to email and calls quickly
- Moves the case forward at every opportunity
- Tells them plainly when settlement is the right move
25 years of courtroom experience is the reason we can make those judgments credibly.
Common questions
Frequently asked about civil litigation in Sarasota
How long does a typical Sarasota commercial litigation case take?
Settlement or mediation usually resolves things within six to twelve months. A trial in Sarasota County more often lands between twelve and eighteen. We plan for trial from the first week either way, because nothing settles well when the other side can tell you're not ready.
What is the difference between civil and commercial litigation?
Civil litigation is any lawsuit between private parties seeking damages or other relief. Commercial litigation is civil litigation between businesses or involving business transactions. The procedural rules are generally the same. Commercial matters tend to involve more complex contracts, more documents, and higher stakes.
How long does a civil lawsuit take?
A typical Florida civil case takes 12–24 months from filing to resolution, though simpler matters can move faster and complex commercial cases can run years. The biggest variables are the court's docket, the complexity of discovery, and the willingness of the parties to settle.
My business partner and I are in a dispute. What should I do first?
Before anything else, review your operating agreement, partnership agreement, or shareholder agreement. Those documents usually govern how disputes are handled, whether through mediation, arbitration, or buy-sell provisions. Starting litigation without reviewing the governing documents is a good way to waive rights.
Can non-compete agreements be enforced in Florida?
Florida is one of the more enforcement-friendly states for non-competes. Florida Statutes §542.335 sets the standard. A legitimate business interest, a reasonable duration and scope, and consideration all have to be present. Whether a specific agreement is enforceable depends on the facts.
What is injunctive relief and when is it appropriate?
An injunction is a court order requiring someone to do something or stop doing something. Temporary and preliminary injunctions are sought when waiting for the case to conclude would cause irreparable harm. That is common in non-compete cases, trade secret cases, and real estate disputes.
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Schedule an initial consultation in person, by video, or by phone. We'll explain your civil litigation options plainly and tell you whether we're the right firm.