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What commercial litigation trends are you seeing across Florida in 2026? One of the biggest shifts we are seeing across Florida is the persistent impact of tort reform and how businesses are responding to it. Companies are paying much closer attention to contracts, risk exposure, and how disputes are documented from the very start of a commercial relationship. As a result, breach of contract cases continue to be a major area of commercial litigation. There has also been a steady increase in partnership and shareholder disputes. In many cases, these businesses started with strong personal relationships, but over time, disagreements develop over management decisions, finances, ownership interests, or long-term direction. In my experience, when expectations are not clearly documented early on, those disputes can escalate very quickly. Insurance coverage disputes are also becoming more common, particularly after major property losses, business interruption claims, and disagreements over policy interpretation. Many business owners are surprised to learn that what they believed was covered is interpreted very differently by the insurance carrier. Fraud and financial disputes remain significant trends. These cases frequently involve allegations of misrepresentation, misuse of company funds, hidden transactions, and financial misconduct within closely held businesses. They can become very complex because they frequently involve extensive financial records, digital communications, and forensic analysis. Overall, business owners are becoming much more proactive. They want to avoid litigation where possible, but they also want to be prepared if disputes arise. When is litigation necessary, and when is mediation or arbitration the better option? Litigation becomes necessary when a dispute reaches the point where the parties simply cannot resolve it on their own, and a binding decision is needed. That is especially true in cases involving complicated legal issues, serious financial exposure, fraud allegations, or situations where one side refuses to negotiate in good faith.There are also situations where immediate court involvement is necessary to protect a business, assets, or contractual rights. In those cases, litigation may be the only realistic way forward. At the same time, many disputes can be resolved outside of a courtroom. I have seen mediation work extremely well when both parties are willing to have productive discussions and genuinely work toward a negotiated resolution. Many contracts now require mediation before filing suit, and in the right circumstances, it can save significant time and legal costs. Arbitration can also be a strong option, particularly in contract disputes, employment matters, and complex business disagreements,