How To Prove A Florida Breach of Contract Claim

 

 

In Florida, a claim of Breach of Contract is defined as:

Violation of a contractual obligation by failing to perform one’s own promise, by repudiating it, or by interfering with another party’s performance.

It simply means:

When one party fails to uphold their end of a contract.

There are 3 elements of the claim:

• Element 1. There was a valid contract. A valid contract means that there was a clear agreement between two parties, with specific terms that both sides accepted, making it legally binding and enforceable in court.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The parties involved exchanged clear and specific terms regarding the services to be provided and the compensation to be paid.
  * Both parties signed the contract, indicating mutual consent and agreement to the terms outlined.
  * The contract included consideration, as both parties agreed to provide something of value to one another.
  * The parties had the legal capacity to enter into a contract, as they were of legal age and sound mind.
  * The contract was not formed under duress or undue influence, ensuring its validity and enforceability.

• Element 2. The defendant made a material breach of that contract. A material breach of contract happens when one party fails to fulfill a significant part of the agreement, which affects the overall purpose of the contract, making it unfair for the other party and allowing them to seek legal remedies.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The defendant failed to deliver the goods specified in the contract by the agreed-upon deadline, causing significant delays in the plaintiff’s operations.
  * The defendant provided substandard materials that did not meet the quality requirements outlined in the contract, resulting in additional costs for the plaintiff.
  * The defendant refused to perform the services stipulated in the contract, despite multiple requests for compliance from the plaintiff.
  * The defendant unilaterally altered the terms of payment, contrary to the explicit agreement established in the contract.
  * The defendant neglected to obtain necessary permits, which were a prerequisite for fulfilling the contractual obligations, leading to project delays.

• Element 3. The plaintiff was damaged as a result of the breach. The plaintiff suffered harm or loss because the other party didn’t follow the terms of the contract, meaning they experienced negative effects, like financial loss or missed opportunities, due to that failure to meet their obligations.
  

  Facts that might support this element look like:

  * The plaintiff incurred additional costs to secure alternative services after the defendant failed to fulfill the contract.
  * The plaintiff lost a significant business opportunity due to the defendant’s delay in delivering the contracted goods.
  * The plaintiff experienced a decline in revenue directly linked to the defendant’s breach of contract.
  * The plaintiff had to pay penalties to a third party as a result of the defendant’s failure to meet contractual obligations.
  * The plaintiff suffered reputational harm, leading to a loss of clients, due to the defendant’s breach of contract.

^{(See Abbott Labs., Inc. v. General Elec. Capital, 765 So. 2d 737 (FL Court of Appeals 2000).)}
If you’re representing yourself in court and plan to assert a Claim of Breach of Contract, having a Personal Practice of Law at Courtroom5 is essential. You’ll need to make informed decisions about what to file at each phase of your case and prepare legal documents that are supported by thorough legal research and a strong analysis of the facts. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively navigate your legal journey.

Prove Your FL Breach of Contract Claim

U.S. Civil Cases Only