Florida Civil Theft Lawyer for Business, Construction, and Real Estate Disputes

Civil theft is a specific legal claim under Florida law. It applies only in limited situations involving intentional misappropriation of money or property, and it is frequently misunderstood.

Our firm represents clients in serious civil theft matters arising from business, construction, and real estate disputes where there is clear evidence of intentional theft and a realistic path to recovery. We do not handle minor disputes, consumer complaints, or personal conflicts.

We do not accept civil theft cases on contingency.
All civil theft matters are handled on a retainer and hourly fee basis.

What Qualifies as Civil Theft in Florida

Florida law allows a civil theft claim only when the facts support intentional theft, not merely a disagreement over payment or performance. These cases require a higher level of proof than most civil claims and must comply with strict statutory requirements before a lawsuit can be filed.

You may have a viable civil theft claim if:

  • Someone intentionally took or misappropriated your money or property

  • The conduct would qualify as theft under Florida law

  • You have documentation showing intentional misconduct

  • The defendant has assets or insurance from which recovery is possible

  • The amount at issue justifies the cost of litigation

If intentional theft cannot be proven, a civil theft claim will not succeed.

Situations That Typically Do Not Qualify

Many disputes that feel unfair or frustrating do not meet the legal standard for civil theft. For example:

  • Non-payment for services or work performed

  • Construction defects or incomplete projects

  • Business disagreements or partnership conflicts

  • Tenant or landlord payment disputes

  • Billing or pricing disagreements

  • Situations where the defendant has no ability to pay a judgment

These matters may involve other legal claims, but they generally are not civil theft under Florida law.

The Types of Civil Theft Cases We Handle

We focus on civil theft claims involving:

  • Businesses and commercial property owners

  • Real estate investors and developers

  • Construction companies and contractors

  • Commercial landlords

  • Employee theft, vendor fraud, or misappropriation of escrow or project funds

  • Business partners or agents who intentionally divert company assets

Our practice is focused on complex, high-value disputes where civil theft is an appropriate legal tool—not routine business conflicts.

Fees and Representation

We do not accept civil theft cases on a contingency basis.

Civil theft litigation requires significant investigation, compliance with statutory pre-suit requirements, and intensive motion practice. For that reason:

  • Civil theft cases are handled on a retainer and hourly fee basis

  • Clients are responsible for litigation costs as they arise

  • We evaluate cases carefully before agreeing to representation

This approach allows us to give serious cases the attention and resources they require.

Potential Recovery and Risk

When properly supported, Florida law permits recovery of:

  • Treble (three times) actual damages

  • Attorney’s fees and court costs

However, civil theft claims carry risk. Courts may award attorney’s fees to the defendant if a civil theft claim is brought without sufficient factual or legal support. We take this risk seriously and do not bring civil theft claims unless the facts justify it.

Our Approach

When we take a civil theft case, we:

  • Evaluate evidence of intentional misappropriation

  • Identify assets and potential sources of recovery

  • Ensure strict compliance with pre-suit statutory requirements

  • Develop a litigation strategy focused on meeting the heightened burden of proof

  • Use civil theft strategically and responsibly

We do not use civil theft allegations as leverage in routine disputes.

Before You Contact Us

Please contact us about a civil theft matter only if:

  • The loss is substantial

  • There is clear evidence of intentional theft

  • The defendant has collectible assets

  • You are prepared to proceed on a retainer and hourly basis

  • You understand that civil theft cases involve formal litigation

If your situation does not meet these criteria, another legal approach may be more appropriate.

Speak With a Florida Civil Theft Attorney

If your matter involves intentional misappropriation in a business, construction, or real estate context, you may request an evaluation. We screen civil theft cases carefully to determine whether they meet the legal and practical requirements for litigation.

This helps ensure that clients who proceed with civil theft claims do so with a realistic understanding of the process, costs, and potential outcomes.

Call the Law Offices of Adam G. Hill today at 833-918-1877 for a confidential, free consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and take decisive action to recover what’s yours.