Need a Commercial Services Contract in Florida? AroundWire Can Help

In Florida, contracts for commercial services—such as janitorial, landscaping, facility management, or maintenance—are governed by a combination of state statutes, local ordinances, and standard procurement practices. Typically, contracts must comply with Florida’s public procurement laws (notably Chapter 287, Florida Statutes, for public entities), which require competitive bidding or proposal processes for most public-sector contracts. Vendors are often required to hold appropriate state or local business licenses and may need specific certifications for certain services (e.g., pest control, security, or HVAC work). Insurance requirements are rigorous: general liability, workers’ compensation, and sometimes professional liability coverage are standard, with minimum coverage limits specified in the solicitation. Contractual risk allocation often includes indemnification and hold harmless clauses favoring the client, and Florida law restricts the enforceability of certain indemnity agreements, especially for construction-related services. Payment terms typically adhere to the Florida Prompt Payment Act, mandating payment within 30 days of invoice approval for public contracts. Dispute resolution generally favors mediation or arbitration before litigation, with venue commonly set in the county where services are rendered. Additionally, contracts may include compliance provisions for E-Verify and background screening, depending on service type. Overall, contractors should be attentive to regulatory compliance, robust insurance, and clear dispute mechanisms to mitigate risk in Florida’s commercial services sector.