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Commercial Litigation Attorneys in St. Petersburg & Clearwater, Florida

When business relationships break down, you need lawyers who fight as hard as you built the business—and who use every modern tool to do it faster and smarter.

At Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP, our commercial litigation team delivers aggressive, results-driven representation for businesses, executives, and high-net-worth individuals throughout Florida. From complex breach-of-contract disputes to shareholder battles and trade-secret litigation, we prepare every case for trial from day one—while leveraging secure cloud collaboration, cutting-edge document intelligence tools, and seamless real-time case updates that keep you firmly in control and fully informed.

OUR ADVANTAGE

Our Commercial Litigation Practice

We handle the full spectrum of business disputes in state and federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida and the Eleventh Circuit:

  • Breach of contract and business tort claims
  • Shareholder, partnership, and LLC disputes
  • Fraud, misrepresentation, and FDUTPA violations
  • Non-compete, non-solicitation, and trade-secret litigation
  • Business interference and defamation claims
  • Construction-related commercial disputes (coordinated with our Board Certified Construction Law team)
  • Corporate governance and fiduciary duty litigation

OUR APPROACH

Why Florida Businesses Choose PHL for Commercial Litigation

  • Trial-Ready from Day One – We don’t just negotiate; we build every case as if it’s going to verdict. Our attorneys have secured favorable outcomes in jury and non-jury trials across Florida.
  • Big-Law Experience, Boutique Speed – Our founding partners Tyler A. Hayden and Michael J. Labbee cut their teeth on complex commercial litigation at national firms representing Fortune 500 clients—then brought that firepower to a firm that moves at the speed of business.
  • Modern Tech Advantage – ecure cloud collaboration, advanced document intelligence systems, privileged communication channels, and real-time virtual strategy sessions deliver lower overhead, dramatically faster updates, and more of your recovery staying in your pocket—all while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and full compliance with Florida Bar technology and ethics rules.
  • Innovative Fee Structures – Fixed fees, hybrid arrangements, and success-based options where permitted—we discuss what makes sense for your case and your cash flow upfront (see our full fee transparency policy).

Understanding Your Business Objectives

We don’t just litigate—we protect the value you’ve built. Whether you’re a growing Tampa Bay company or a multi-state operation, we take the time to learn your industry, your goals, and the commercial realities at stake. Then we craft a litigation strategy that moves the business forward, not just the lawsuit

Ready to Protect What You’ve Built? Schedule a free, no-obligation Commercial Litigation Strategy Session. We’ll review your dispute, map the likely outcomes, and give you a clear action plan—usually within 48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between commercial litigation and general civil litigation?

Commercial litigation focuses on disputes between businesses or business owners (contracts, ownership fights, competition issues). Our dedicated team gives these cases the specialized attention they require.

Can I recover my attorney’s fees in a Florida commercial case?

Often yes—many contracts contain prevailing-party fee provisions, and certain statutes (FDUTPA, non-competes) allow fee shifting. We evaluate this in every initial strategy session.
We handle a wide range of construction law matters, including:

Do you work with out-of-state companies?

Absolutely. We regularly serve as local counsel or lead counsel for businesses across the country in Florida courts.

How long does commercial litigation take in Florida?

Most cases resolve in 12–24 months, but we push for the fastest path that maximizes your recovery—mediation, arbitration, or trial when it serves your business goals.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Contact Our Commercial Litigation Attorneys Today

Don’t let a business dispute drain your time, money, or momentum. Call our St. Petersburg office at  727-300-1399 or submit the form below for your free strategy session.

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RECENT TESTIMONIALS

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Commercial/Business Litigation Client

Merrill King
Extremely pleased with their professionalism and knowledge of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge! I highly recommend and would use their services again.
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Commercial/Business Litigation Client

Mike Rolleston
Lawsuits are not a fun experience, even when you are clearly in the right. It can be stressful, confusing, and downright a pain in the neck. Mike Labbee handled our case and while it was a relatively small business dispute. To us it meant everything and Mike treated us with respect and represented our interests aggressively. He was always available to answer our questions and walk us through the various phases of our case. We never felt neglected or that we were not a priority for Mike and his firm. Mike and his staff worked with us for over a year and we reached a very satisfactory resolution in our case which allowed our business to continue thriving. I can’t recommend PHL enough. If you are looking for attorneys, you can stop. You found them.
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Commercial/Business Litigation Client

Ryan Clegg
Mike and Tyler represented me in the Fall of 2019 and were accommodating and welcoming to me at all times of the day. They handled my small dispute as if it was a large one and would feel comfortable referring them to any individual or business in town should you need honest representation!