Fort Lauderdale · FL · Vetted Directory

Top Contract Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

Whether you are signing a deal or fighting a broken one in Fort Lauderdale, the clock and the venue matter. Florida gives you five years to sue on a written contract and four years on an oral one (Fla. Stat. 95.11), and business disputes are heard in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Broward County, which runs a dedicated complex-business litigation division. A contract lawyer helps on both ends: drafting and reviewing agreements so they protect you, and enforcing or defending them when a deal falls apart. Below are vetted Fort Lauderdale firms that handle business contracts, from a vendor agreement to a breach lawsuit.

5 years
Written-Contract Deadline
4 years
Oral-Contract Deadline
Broward
17th Judicial Circuit
$300-$550/hr
Attorney Rate

Updated April 20, 2026

When you need a Fort Lauderdale contract lawyer

A small, standard agreement may not need a lawyer. You should talk to a Fort Lauderdale contract lawyer when:

  • You are signing a high-value or long-term agreement and want it reviewed before you commit.
  • The other side breached, and you want to enforce the contract or recover damages.
  • You have been accused of breaching and need a defense before the deadline runs.
  • You are drafting agreements for your business, like vendor, lease, or service contracts.
  • A non-compete, partnership, or buy-sell agreement needs to actually hold up in a Florida court.

What a Fort Lauderdale contract lawyer costs

Drafting and review work is often a flat fee in Fort Lauderdale, while breach-of-contract litigation is usually hourly. Many Florida contracts include a prevailing-party attorney-fee clause, which can shift fees to the loser, so check your agreement.

$300-$550/hr
Litigation rate
$400-$1,500
Contract drafting / review
5 years
Sue on a written contract
Fee-shifting
If the contract allows

Because many Florida contracts let the prevailing party recover attorney fees, the stakes in a contract fight can be higher than the bill itself, so early advice pays off. For the national picture, see our contracts guide, or browse all Fort Lauderdale lawyers.

How a Fort Lauderdale contract matter moves

  • Review or draft: a lawyer drafts the agreement or reviews one before you sign, flagging risky terms.
  • Demand: if there is a breach, counsel sends a demand letter setting out the problem and what you want.
  • Negotiation: most contract disputes settle; the lawyer negotiates a fix, payment, or release.
  • Filing: if it does not settle, file in the Broward County 17th Judicial Circuit before the 5-year deadline.
  • Resolution: the case proceeds through discovery to settlement, mediation, or trial, with fees possibly shifting to the loser.

Fort Lauderdale firms that handle contract matters

1

Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law

Fort LauderdaleLargebusiness, contracts

A full-service Fort Lauderdale firm that has advised business owners on entity selection, contracts, and disputes for over 50 years. A strong choice for a business with ongoing contract needs.

Free ConsultationLarge
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2

Becker & Poliakoff

Fort LauderdaleLargecommercial, contracts

A multi-practice commercial firm headquartered in Fort Lauderdale handling company formation, contracts, and corporate governance. A fit for a company that wants a deep bench.

Free ConsultationLarge
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3

The Walsh Law Firm LLC

Fort LauderdaleBoutiquebusiness, contracts

A Fort Lauderdale firm that helps startups with entity formation, owner agreements, and contract drafting, plus contract-dispute and breach work. A good fit for a growing small business.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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4

The Elliot Legal Group, P.A.

Fort LauderdaleBoutiquebusiness, contracts

A Fort Lauderdale firm led by attorney Gavin Elliot, with nearly two decades of experience working with businesses on contracts and strategy. A reasonable pick for a business-first approach.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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5

Cohen Levy Legal

Fort LauderdaleBoutiquebusiness contracts

A Fort Lauderdale firm focused on business contract matters, including drafting, review, and disputes, offering a free consultation. A good option for a single contract question.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 contract lawyers in Fort Lauderdale guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Contracts in Fort Lauderdale — FAQ

How long do I have to sue over a broken contract in Florida?
Florida gives you five years to sue on a written contract and four years on an oral one, under Fla. Stat. 95.11. The clock generally starts when the breach happens, so do not wait, because a missed deadline can end an otherwise strong claim.
Where are business contract disputes heard in Fort Lauderdale?
In the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Broward County, which has a complex-business litigation division for larger commercial cases. Smaller claims may go to county court. A lawyer files in the right court and meets the deadlines.
Can I recover my attorney fees in a contract case?
Sometimes. Florida generally follows the American rule, where each side pays its own fees, unless the contract has a prevailing-party attorney-fee clause or a statute applies. Many business contracts include one, so check the agreement before you sue or settle.
Should I have a lawyer review a contract before I sign?
For a routine, low-dollar agreement, often not. For a high-value, long-term, or unusual contract, a review is cheap insurance. A Fort Lauderdale contract lawyer can flag one-sided terms, missing protections, and traps before you are locked in.
What does a contract lawyer cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Drafting or reviewing a contract is often a flat fee, roughly $400 to $1,500 depending on complexity. Litigation over a breach is usually hourly, commonly $300 to $550 an hour. If your contract shifts fees to the loser, the math can change quickly.

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