Tortious Interference with Contract or Business Relationship in Florida
1. Definition
Tortious interference happens when a third party intentionally disrupts an existing contract or an advantageous business relationship between two other parties. In Florida, this is a civil wrong that allows the harmed party to seek damages—even if no written contract exists.
There are two types:
- Interference with an existing contract
- Interference with an advantageous business relationship (even if no formal contract exists)
The key is intent: the interfering party must have knowingly and purposefully disrupted the relationship.
2. Florida Legal Context
Under Florida law, the plaintiff must prove:
- The existence of a contract or valid business relationship
- The defendant’s knowledge of that relationship
- The defendant’s intentional and unjustified interference
- Damage to the plaintiff as a result of the interference
In cases involving business expectancy (e.g., future clients or deals), the plaintiff must also prove the relationship had a reasonable likelihood of future benefit—not just speculation.
Florida law does not allow claims against a party to the contract—only third parties can be liable for interference.
Common defenses include:
- Justification (e.g., competition privilege)
- Lack of intent
- No knowledge of the relationship
- No damages
3. Real-World Application
Examples of tortious interference in action:
- A competitor poaching a key client after learning of your deal
- A former employee dissuading customers from honoring their contracts with you
- A supplier disrupting your deal with a third party out of spite or retaliation
- A business partner trying to divert your contracts to their new venture
This claim is frequently brought in commercial, employment, franchise, and professional services disputes.
4. Why It Matters for Clients
Business is built on trust and relationships. When outsiders intentionally interfere with your contractual rights or business prospects, the damage can be immediate and long-lasting.
Filing a tortious interference claim can help you:
- Recover lost profits or economic damages
- Get injunctive relief to stop further interference
- Protect your professional reputation and goodwill
- Send a strong message that your business relationships are not up for sabotage
5. How Our Law Firm Can Help
Black Rock Trial Lawyers represents both plaintiffs and defendants in tortious interference litigation. We:
- Investigate the alleged interference and identify liable parties
- File lawsuits for damages and injunctions to stop ongoing harm
- Defend businesses accused of interfering with competitors or former employers
- Evaluate competition-related defenses and justifications
- Handle these cases in both Florida state and federal courts
Whether you’re enforcing your rights or protecting your business against accusations, our team brings clarity, speed, and courtroom experience to your side.
6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I sue someone for interfering with a contract I have with another business?
A: Yes—if they knew about the contract and intentionally caused a breach or disruption.
Q: What if there was no contract, just an expected business deal?
A: You may still have a claim if the relationship had a strong likelihood of continuing and was more than speculative.
Q: What kind of damages can I get?
A: You can seek compensatory damages for lost profits and, in some cases, punitive damages if the interference was malicious.
Q: Can a competitor be sued for tortious interference?
A: Yes, but they may claim a “competition privilege.” If they acted legally and in good faith to compete, it might be a valid defense.
Q: Is this the same as defamation?
A: No. Defamation involves false statements. Tortious interference is about disruption of relationships or contracts—even if no falsehoods were said.