Texas law

Commercial Litigation Laws in Texas.

Texas commercial litigation runs through the District Court (civil matters generally over $500 but realistically over $100K in most counties). In larger counties, County Courts at Law handle matters up to $250K. The Texas Business Court (established 2024) handles complex commercial cases statewide — a landmark 2023 reform. Texas follows the UCC. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA, Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41 et seq.) is among the nation's most plaintiff-friendly consumer-protection statutes with mandatory treble damages for knowing violations. Texas has "loser pays" attorney-fee provisions in specified contexts.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

4 years (written contracts); 2 years (most torts)Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §§ 16.004, 16.051, 16.003

Written contracts: 4 years. Oral contracts: 4 years. Most torts: 2 years. Fraud: 4 years from discovery.

State law

Key Texas Statutes

Texas UCC Article 2 (Sales)Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 2.101 et seq.

Governs sales of goods including warranties, remedies, statute of frauds ($500+), and breach. 4-year statute of limitations.

Texas Business CourtTex. Gov't Code § 25A.001 et seq.

Established September 2024 under HB 19 (2023). Five divisions statewide (Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin). Handles complex commercial cases ($10M+ threshold generally). Appeals go to the newly created Fifteenth Court of Appeals.

Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.41 et seq.

Prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices in commerce. MANDATORY treble damages on actual damages for knowing/intentional conduct (up to 3x on additional damages). Among the most plaintiff-friendly consumer-protection statutes in the U.S.

Texas Citizens Participation Act (Anti-SLAPP)Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 27.001 et seq.

Texas's distinctive Anti-SLAPP statute. Defendants facing claims based on speech or petitioning activity may move to dismiss; if successful, attorney fees are mandatory.

Prejudgment InterestTex. Fin. Code § 304.102 et seq.

Prejudgment interest on money judgments at the post-judgment rate (adjusted annually).

State law

Official Sources

Texas Business Court Texas Statutes

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Texas.

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Commercial Litigation Laws in Texas.

Statute of Limitations

Key Texas Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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