Tampa Non-Compete Attorneys
In Florida, the purpose of a restrictive covenant, like a non-compete agreement, must be to protect a company’s legitimate business interests. There are numerous restrictions on the use of non-compete agreements in Florida. We have attorneys who specialize in Florida non-compete law.
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Cantrell Schuette, P.A., is one of the few law firms in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida that focuses its core legal work on providing non-compete agreement counseling and litigation services. These services also include advising and litigating non-solicit and non-disclose agreements, in addition to handling trade secret disputes. We can be contacted at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com
Non-Compete Lawyers In Tampa, Florida
When non-compete disputes arise in Florida, we have deep knowledge and truly substantial experience handling non-compete disputes in Florida. In fact, we regularly provide educational seminars to other attorneys on Florida non-compete law, which is primarily governed by Florida Statute § 542.335.
Expertise in Florida Non-Compete Disputes
Simply put, we know Florida non-compete law backwards and forwards. Don’t take our word for it. Review our testimonials. Most are regarding non-compete matters. Look at our attorneys’ biographies. Our attorneys attended top law schools, many clerked with judges, and all have practiced in business litigation and non-compete law for most of their careers. We regularly are asked to speak in national and state-wide educational seminars about Florida non-compete law.
Just as important, we are passionate about competition law. We are leaders in the field. We only take on client causes that we believe in. For example, while a business’ legitimate business interests should and can be legally protected through a reasonable non-compete in certain circumstances, advantage should not be taken of individuals by requiring non-competes on all employees in all industries. Often, non-disclosure and non-solicit agreements are sufficient to protect a former employer’s business interests.
If you are considering a Tampa non-compete lawyer, contact us at (813) 705-6275.
Non-Compete, Non-Solicit, and Non-Disclosure Agreements in Tampa, Florida
We represent companies and individuals seeking advice and litigation legal services relating to restrictive covenants (i.e., non-competes, non-solicits, and non-disclosures).
Education and Experience
The educational accolades of our Tampa business litigation attorneys include graduating in the top 10% of their law school class, attending elite and Ivy League law schools (such as Harvard), and regular training on advanced business litigation topics. Just as important, most of our Tampa business litigation attorneys have practiced a minimum of 10 years in business litigation, including handling jury trials, bench trials, arbitrations (before AAA, JAMS, and FINRA), and mediations.
Company Representation
Companies retain our services for the following types of issues:
- Drafting employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, and restrictive covenants.
- Determining choice of law and venue selection provisions for multi-state employers.
- Compliance counselling for various state non-compete laws.
Protecting confidential business information, including in the context of joint ventures. - Assessing enforceability and potential violations of non-competes, non-solicits, non-disclosures, and other contractual terms.
- Counseling companies on hiring individuals who have restrictive covenants, including non-competes, or who may possess confidential information.
- Defending against breach of non-competes, tortious inference, or defamation claims.
- Prosecuting restrictive covenant claims, including non-competes when appropriate.
Individual Representation
We also regularly represent individuals, including sales employees and executives. We understand that defending a lawsuit filed by a prior employer is a major life event for any individual. Examples of matters where we represent individuals include:
- Assessing enforceability of non-competes and non-solicits in Florida.
- Counseling individuals who are transitioning to new employers or starting their own companies on how to mitigates potential liability related to restrictive covenants.
- Responding to cease-and-desist letters.
- Defending individuals in non-compete lawsuits filed in Florida, including in Hillsborough County and the surrounding counties.
To discuss potential representation, contact us at (813) 705-6275.
What to Look for in a Tampa or Hillsborough County Non-Compete Attorney
When looking for a Tampa or Hillsborough County non-compete lawyer, you are encouraged to compare the background of the lawyers you are considering. Apart from subject matter experience, consider the educational background, past results, costs, and references.
Our Firm and Coverage
At Cantrell Schuette, P.A., we are glad to share references, from executives and individual business owners to Fortune 500 companies. If you are looking for an experienced non-compete law firm in Tampa, contact us.
We handle non-compete disputes throughout Florida, including, St. Pete, Clearwater, Orlando, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Key West, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Gainesville.
Tampa, Hillsborough County Florida
Tampa is located in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area, which incudes Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater. There are several courts located in Hillsborough Count, Florida, including a federal court and a state court. Non-compete lawsuits are generally filed in state court but, under certain circumstances, can also be in federal court.
For guidance on non-compete matters, contact us at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.
What Our Clients Say
About Cantrell Schuette - Tampa Non-Compete Law Firm
We understand the serious nature of non-compete agreements. They may prohibit an individual from starting their own company or working for a competitor for a significant period of time. It is important to carefully review and understand non-compete agreements before signing. We are often trusted to provide guidance to individuals and companies in connection with transitioning of employment, with a focus on mitigating legal exposure.
Exceptional Credentials and Experience
Our attorneys bring exceptional credentials and experience to the table. Each member of our business litigation practice group is an elite professional, having attended top law schools, graduated at the top of their class, and received training from some of the best practice groups in the United States. Moreover, our dedication to staying abreast of the latest developments in franchise law is evident through our commitment to providing continuing education to industry insiders and fellow attorneys on franchise-related topics. Our attorneys have a proven track record of success in representing both franchisors and franchisees in a wide range of franchise-related matters, including:
- Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements
- Franchise disclosure compliance
- Franchise registration and renewal
- Franchise disputes and litigation
- Franchise terminations and transfers
- Franchise regulatory compliance
Drafting and negotiating franchise agreements
Franchise disclosure compliance
Franchise registration and renewal
Franchise disputes and litigation
Franchise terminations and transfers
Franchise regulatory compliance
Speak With an Experienced Attorney Today
Our Tampa non-compete attorneys represent clients across the full spectrum of Florida’s business landscape—from Fortune 500 companies and rapidly growing regional businesses to executives, entrepreneurs, and hardworking employees seeking clarity and protection under Florida Statute § 542.335.
Because of our deep experience in Florida non-compete disputes, attorneys throughout Tampa frequently refer clients to us. Our team includes lawyers with elite credentials: top 5% law school graduates, Ivy League training, judicial clerkships, and extensive experience presenting statewide and national seminars on Florida non-compete law.
Franchise Practice Group Leaders
William Cantrell
Will graduated from FSU Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2008), in the top 5% of his law class. He has substantial experience in employment law, franchise law, and business disputes.
Michael P. Schuette
Michael graduated from Stetson University College of Law, J.D. (manga cum laude) (2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
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What types of business litigation cases do you handle?
Our Tampa business litigation attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of high-stakes business disputes. We have attorneys with substantial experience in the below types of business disputes.
Breach of Contract and Business Torts. We have represented clients in virtually every type of contract dispute. The following are some examples of the types of contracts and agreements we handle with clients:
- Employment agreements
- Compensation agreements
- Partnership agreements
- Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, and by-laws
- Equity agreements
- Compensation agreements
- Non-compete, non-solicit, and confidentiality agreements
- Sale or purchase agreements
- Promissory notes
- Intellectual property agreements
- Service agreements
- Insurance coverage contracts
- Memorandums of understandings
- Term sheets
In addition to breach of contract claims, are intimately familiar with Florida business tort claims and statutory claims that are often asserted in connection with a breach of contract claims, including:
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Negligent misrepresentation
- Business defamation
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Conversion
- Tortious interference with contract
- Tortious interference with advantageous business relationships
- Civil conspiracy
- Misappropriation of trade secrets
- Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practice Act
- Florida’s non-compete statute
- RICO
- Florida’s civil theft statute
Unfair Competition. A defining practice of the firm is handling disputes involving competition. Our Tampa non-compete lawyers are experts in Florida non-compete law. Examples of situations that we are retained to handle include:
- False advertising
- Infringing on trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property
- Trade secret theft or misappropriation
- Business defamation
- Restrictive covenant agreements, including non-competes, non-solicits, and non-disclosures
- Antitrust
- Temporary injunction hearings
- Deceptive business practices
Intellectual Property & Trade Secrets. If you are searching for a Tampa intellectual property or trade secret attorney, contact us. The attorney in our business litigation practice group handles intellectual property and trade secret related disputes. Examples include:
- Breach of IP agreements
- Trademark infringement
- Copyright infringement
- Misappropriation of likeness
- Trade secrets theft or misappropriation
- Website domain squatting (i.e., cybersquatting)
- Disputes involving ownership of websites, domains, social media pages, and other online business assets
- Unauthorized use of tradenames or trademarks, including in pay-per-click advertising
Professional Liability. This includes legal malpractice and insurance agent malpractice, among others. Examples of types of legal malpractice include:
- Failure to comply with pre-filing requirements
- Failure to file lawsuits within applicable statute of limitations
- Failure to file appeals timely
- Negligent contract drafting
- Failure to secure evidence or witnesses
- Failure to follow the client’s instructions
- Improperly setting up corporations or partnerships
Corporate Governance, Shareholders and Partnerships. Our top Tampa business lawyers regularly represent clients in shareholder, partnership, and corporate governance disputes. Examples include:
- Breach of shareholder or partnership agreement
- Breaches of an operating agreement, by-laws, or employment agreements
- Breach of fiduciary duties
- Failure to comply with dispute resolution provisions
- Unauthorized use of company funds
- Theft of company funds (i.e., embezzlement)
- Expulsion of a partner
- Disputes during a business winddown
- Accounting
- Judicial dissolution
- Beaches of restrictive covenants, such as non-competes
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Minority shareholder oppression
- Shareholder derivative actions
Trust and Estates. We handle litigation concerning asset disputes in probate. While we are not family attorneys, probate disputes are often more akin to high-stakes business disputes than traditional family law issues. If you need a Tampa trust and estate attorney for a probate dispute, the attorneys in our business litigation practice can help. Common examples of issues that are litigated include:
- Removal of fiduciaries
- Lack of capacity
- Inadequate formalities in preparing wills and trusts
- Surcharge actions
- Contested conservatorship
- Ownership of property not addressed in wills or trusts
Business Defamation, Libel, & Slander. If you need a Tampa attorney for business defamation, libel, and slander, contact us. Our attorneys routinely assert and defend against claims of business defamation. We represent private individuals, businesses, and public figures in defamation suits.
Insurance Coverage Disputes. We represent businesses and individuals, not insurance companies. You’ve paid premiums for years, but now your insurance carrier is denying coverage. If you need a Tampa insurance coverage attorney, contact us. The attorneys in our business litigation practice group have substantial experience with Florida insurance coverage disputes. Examples of situations involving coverage disputes include:
- Insurance coverage sought for business damages from fire or flood
- Insurance sought due to COVID preventing business operations
- EPLI coverage
- Representation and warranty insurance relating to mergers and acquisitions and other transactions
Employment. One of our core practice areas is employment law. A few examples of workplace law matters our Tampa employment lawyers handle include unlawful discrimination, hostile work environment, executive compensation, bonuses and commissions, Family and Medical Leave Act, and non-compete agreements.
Franchisor-Franchisee. If you need a Tampa franchisee attorney, contact us. Our Tampa business litigation lawyers have significant experience in franchisor-franchisee disputes. Examples of issues we handle in this context include:
- Contract negotiation
- Breach of franchisee agreement
- Non-compete provisions
- Royalty provisions
- Trademark infringement
- Intellectual property disputes, including over ownership of tangible and intangible assets, such as trademarks, websites, website designs, domains, social media pages, reviews, Google My Business accounts, and other online assets.
Securities and FINRA. Contact us if you need a Tampa investor fraud attorney. Claims involving investment losses generally are subject to mandatory arbitration by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Common examples of situations that may lead to securities fraud include:
- Misrepresentation regarding an investment
- Churning by brokers
- Placing clients into investments that the broker knows or should know are unsuitable given the client’s circumstances
- Breach of fiduciary duties owed to a client, which can occur when a broker sells funds because he or she will receive a higher commission rate than similar, better performing funds.
- Unauthorized trading
- Ponzi-scheme victims
To speak with one of our attorneys for a free initial consultation, contact us at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.
What damages are available for breach of contract in Florida?
Damages that may be available for a breach of contract depend on State law. Our top Tampa breach of contract lawyers are specialists in breach of contract claims involving businesses.
In Florida, the damages available for a breach of contract include compensatory damages and special damages. What do compensatory damages and special damages include in Florida?
- Compensatory damages are the amount of money which will put the non-breaching party in as good a position as he or she would have been if the breaching party had not breached the contract and which naturally result from the breach. In other words, as stated by the Court in Capitol Environmental Svcs., Inc. v. Earth Tech, Inc., 25 So.3d 593, 596 (Fla. 1st DCA 2009), “It is well-settled that the injured party in a breach of contract action is entitled to recover monetary damages that will put it in the same position it would have been had the other party not breached the contract.”
- Special damages are that amount of money which will compensate the non-breaching party for those damages which do not normally result from the breach of contract. To recover special damages, the non-breaching party must prove that when the parties made the contract, the breaching party knew or reasonably should have known of the special circumstances leading to such damages. Stated differently, the Court in Land Title of Central Fla., LLC v. Jimenez, 946 So.2d 90, 93 (Fla. 5th DCA 2006), explained special damages as “those that do not necessarily result from the wrong or breach of contract complained of, or which the law does not imply as a result of that injury, even though they might naturally and proximately result from the injury. More succinctly, special damages are damages that do not follow by implication of law merely upon proof of the breach.”
If you need to speak with a Tampa breach of contract attorney, contact us today at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.
In Florida, what constitutes business defamation, libel, and slander?
The standard for defamation, libel, and slander in Florida depends on whether the person suing is a public figure.
In the context of a private plaintiff (i.e., non-public figure) and non-media defendant, the elements of defamation are: (i) the defendant made a false statement concerning the plaintiff; and (ii) the false statement tend to expose the plaintiff to distrust, ridicule, or contempt or tend to injury the plaintiff in his reputation.
For example, in Scott v. Busch, 907 So. 2d 662, 667 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005), a Florida appellate court held that a non-public figure individual could sue his neighbor when the neighbor made statements to others than could be interpreted as implying the individual obtained illegal building permits). Similarly, in Myers v. Jim Russo Prison Ministries, Inc., 3 So. 3d 411 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2009), a Florida appellate court ruled that a non-public figure individual could sue an employee of a hospital for alleging lying to the hospital that he had stolen property from the hospital.
Damages recoverable in a defamation case include, among other things: (i) injury to reputation; shame, humiliation, mental anguish, hurt feelings; (ii) aggravation or activation of diseases o physical defect (iii) medical expenses; (iv) lost earnings, lost working time, lost earning capacity.
Additionally, where a defendant states or implies that plaintiff took an unlawful act, that constitutes defamation per se. Defamation per se allows for both nominal and punitive damages. See Myers v. Jim Russo Prison Ministries, Inc., 3 So. 3d 411, 412 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2009).
Do you need a Tampa defamation and slander attorney? The attorneys in our Tampa business litigation practice have substantial experience with defamation and slander claims in many contexts, including business-to-business defamation and workplace defamation. We understand that defamation can ruin someone’s personal and professional life and cause significant financial consequences.
Contact us today to speak with one of our top Tampa defamation lawyers at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.
What types of fee arrangements do you offer?
The fee arrangements offered depends on the type of claim and circumstances involved. Do we sometimes act as a Tampa contingency fee business dispute attorney? Yes, for some Tampa business disputes, we offer pure contingency fee arrangements or hybrid arrangements (i.e., smaller contingency with a reduced hourly rate). Sometimes, contingency fee arrangements don’t make sense, and we can only offer an hourly rate or flat fee arrangements.
To discuss your case and potential fee arrangements, contact us today at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.
How to find a top Tampa, Florida business litigation lawyer?
Our business dispute lawyers in Tampa are leaders in the field of business litigation and are well respected by other local attorneys and judges. To speak with one of the attorneys in our business litigation practice group, contact us at (813) 705-6275 or coordinator@lawcantrell.com.