A hotel construction project in another state has come to a halt after the owner of another establishment filed a lawsuit accusing another party of violating a noncompete agreement. Business owners in Florida who encounter similar circumstances may wish to know more about the available options to help protect their interests, as the outcome of noncompete disputes can have a major impact on the future of their endeavors. However, some business owners might be uncertain where to turn for advice on how best to approach the situation.

The lawsuit reportedly stems from an incident in which a man purchased a hotel from a group of owners in 2013. He claims that as part of the purchase contract, the group agreed to sign a noncompete agreement that would prevent any of them from owning a hotel within 14 miles of the establishment until 2028. However, the owner of the hotel asserts that one member of the group recently became involved in a project to build two new hotels in the area.

Although the name of the other party was not listed on any of the project's public documents, the owner says he learned of the man's involvement through other means. He has accused the man of violating the noncompete agreement by attempting to act as a silent partner in the project. He filed a lawsuit against this person shortly thereafter, subsequently bringing construction of the project to a halt.

Noncompete disputes can be highly debatable matters that can have a substantial impact on the futures of those involved. Upon encountering a similar scenario, a person in Florida could choose to consult with an experienced attorney for advice on all the available legal avenues. This type of guidance could help a person better prepare to protect his or her business interests through the necessary channels.