Florida Construction Contract Termination Lawyer
Default Terminations
A termination for default occurs when one party—usually the owner—claims the contractor failed to meet contractual obligations. Common allegations include:
- Delays or missed milestones
- Defective or incomplete work
- Failure to maintain insurance, safety, or licensing compliance
- Abandonment or breach of performance terms
Most Florida construction contracts include notice and cure provisions, which require the owner to give the contractor a chance to correct deficiencies before termination. Failing to follow these procedures can render a termination invalid. Bitman Law helps contractors challenge wrongful terminations and recover damages, or assists owners in ensuring that default terminations are properly executed and defensible.
Related: Construction Contracts | Contractor Representation
Termination for Convenience
A termination for convenience allows an owner to end the contract without alleging default, often for business, budgetary, or scheduling reasons. These clauses must be clearly stated in the contract and are subject to strict interpretation under Florida law.
Contractors terminated for convenience are typically entitled to compensation for:
- Work performed to date
- Approved materials and mobilization costs
- Reasonable overhead and profit on completed work
However, recovery for anticipated profits or future work is usually limited unless the contract expressly provides for it. Bitman Law helps contractors evaluate compensation rights after a convenience termination and negotiate equitable settlements that reflect actual project losses.
Notice & Cure Requirements
Florida courts emphasize compliance with contractual notice and cure provisions. Before a termination for default becomes effective, the terminating party must:
- Provide written notice identifying the alleged default.
- Allow a cure period (often 7–14 days, depending on the contract).
- Terminate only if the default remains uncured.
Failure to strictly follow these steps can lead to wrongful termination claims and substantial damages. Our attorneys review contracts and project records to confirm whether each procedural step was properly executed—and build strong cases accordingly.
Damages & Lien Exposure
Termination disputes often trigger overlapping claims involving damages, liens, and bond rights.
Depending on the circumstances, available damages may include:
- Lost profits from unperformed work
- Unpaid invoices and costs of demobilization
- Delay or disruption damages
- Lien or bond claims under Florida’s Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713)
We ensure all potential remedies—contractual and statutory—are aligned, preserved, and pursued on your behalf.
Learn more: Construction Liens | Delay Claims
Protect Your Florida Construction Project with Proactive Legal Counsel
Whether you’re enforcing a termination for default, challenging a wrongful convenience termination, or facing a related lien dispute, Bitman Law provides the legal strategy and construction law experience you need.
Call Bitman Law or schedule a consultation to protect your project and your rights under Florida construction law.
Florida Contract Termination FAQs
What is a termination for default in Florida?
It’s a contract termination based on a party’s alleged failure to perform—such as delay, nonpayment, or defective work. Proper notice and opportunity to cure are usually required.
Can owners terminate “for convenience”?
Yes, but only if the contract expressly allows it. These provisions let owners end the contract without fault, though they must still compensate contractors for completed work and reasonable costs.
What damages can contractors recover after termination?
Depending on the circumstances, contractors may recover payment for completed work, materials, overhead, and in some cases, lost profits—particularly when a termination is wrongful.
