Flo Rida Lawsuit 2026, Rapper Wins $82.6 Million Celsius Breach of Contract Case—Florida Supreme Court Denies Review
Rapper Flo Rida won an $82.6 million breach of contract verdict against Celsius Holdings in January 2023, but appeals over stock valuation dates reduced the award. In November 2025, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the case, ending Celsius’s final challenge and clearing the path for Flo Rida to collect damages for withheld stock shares promised under his 2014-2018 endorsement deal.
What Is the Flo Rida vs. Celsius Lawsuit About?
Grammy-nominated rapper Flo Rida, whose legal name is Tramar Dillard, sued Celsius Holdings Inc. in May 2021 over a breach of contract related to endorsement deals spanning from 2014 to 2018. The lawsuit, formally known as Strong Arm Productions USA, Inc., et al. v. Celsius Holdings, Inc., Case No. CACE21008997, was filed in Broward County Circuit Court.
According to court documents, the lawsuit centered on stock shares Celsius allegedly failed to issue to Flo Rida despite the rapper meeting sales benchmarks outlined in the endorsement agreement. The 2014 contract promised the rapper a 1% ownership stake in the company and additional stock bonuses if certain revenue targets and unit sales were achieved.
Flo Rida claimed he played an instrumental role in launching Celsius’s brand development and expansion during a period when the energy drink company experienced explosive growth. The endorsement deal positioned him as a brand ambassador promoting Celsius products through music videos, concerts, appearances, and social media posts to millions of fans worldwide.
The $82.6 Million Jury Verdict in 2023
After a five-day trial in January 2023, a Broward County jury sided with Flo Rida and his production company, Strong Arm Productions, awarding $82.6 million in damages. Jurors deliberated approximately six hours across two days before rendering their verdict on January 18, 2023.
The jury found that Celsius breached both a 2014 endorsement contract and a 2016 renewal agreement. According to court filings, the jury determined Celsius owed Flo Rida 250,000 company shares under the 2014 contract terms and additional shares under the 2016 renewal.
The $82.6 million award was calculated based on the number of shares the jury deemed Celsius owed Flo Rida, valued at approximately $110 per share—the stock’s trading price on January 13, 2023, the last day evidence was presented at trial. Roughly $27 million of the damages reflected the value of the 250,000 shares the jury determined Flo Rida was entitled to but never received.
The jury also found Celsius guilty of fraud, concluding the company fraudulently hid information from Flo Rida about the endorsement deal terms.
What the Dispute Was Really About
The central legal issue involved whether Celsius met specific benchmarks that would trigger stock share bonuses for Flo Rida under the 2014 and 2016 contracts. Two key provisions were at the heart of the trial.
First, the 2014 contract required Celsius to issue shares if a revenue target on co-branded products was met in any 12-month period during the contract term. Second, another provision required the company to issue shares if Celsius sold a specified number of co-branded product “units.”
During closing arguments, attorneys for both sides disputed what constituted a “unit” for purposes of the unit-related benchmarks. Celsius argued that a “unit” included only co-branded boxes and cans of merchandise, not individual-serving “sticks” of the product. Under that measure, Celsius claimed the unit-specific benchmark was never met.
Flo Rida’s attorney, John Uustal of Kelley | Uustal Trial Attorneys, argued that evidence including communication between the parties showed the 2016 agreement was couched as a “renewal” extending the provisions of the 2014 agreement. Uustal also argued that individual sticks of product should count as units because those single-serving portions were critical to building Celsius’s customer base.
Appeals Court Challenges the Stock Valuation Date
Celsius appealed the $82.6 million verdict to Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal, challenging the date used to calculate the stock’s value. In December 2024, the appeals court ruled that the trial court judge, David Haimes, used the wrong stock valuation date.
Celsius argued that damages should have been calculated using the stock price on April 30, 2021, when the company rejected Flo Rida’s demand for the shares. The trial court, however, allowed the jury to determine damages based on Celsius stock’s trading price on January 13, 2023—the last day of the trial.
According to the Fourth District’s December 11, 2024 opinion, the appeals court agreed with Celsius that the wrong date was used. The court reversed the damages portion of the final judgment, stating the jury relied on an improper valuation argument and evidence when calculating the award.
However, the appeals court also noted that Flo Rida’s attorneys argued below that damages could be measured based on the stock price as of November 1, 2021, because the stock was restricted and Flo Rida could not have sold it until that date. The court remanded the case for the trial court to recalculate damages using the proper valuation date.
Bloomberg Law News reported that this decision could reduce Flo Rida’s award by up to 50%.
Florida Supreme Court Denies Celsius’s Final Challenge
Celsius filed a motion on February 28, 2025 asking the Florida Supreme Court to invoke its discretionary jurisdiction and review the Fourth District’s December 2024 decision. The company argued that the Fourth District’s ruling “expressly and directly conflicts with decisions of the Florida Supreme Court and other district courts of appeal.”
On November 13, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the breach of contract dispute, effectively ending Celsius’s final legal challenge. The Supreme Court’s denial of certiorari cements the jury’s finding that Celsius failed to honor its contractual obligations by wrongfully withholding stock shares promised under the endorsement deal.
Although the exact final award amount remains subject to recalculation based on the proper stock valuation date, legal experts project Flo Rida could receive up to $100 million after the damages are recalculated.
What Flo Rida Said About the Victory
In a statement after the January 2023 jury verdict, Flo Rida expressed gratitude and vindication. “This was a long journey, but we prevailed,” he said. “From the start, I only wanted what I worked for, nothing more, nothing less. I was instrumental in the Celsius that you know and love today. When this journey began, no one knew Celsius. I took Celsius all over the world through my videos, concerts, appearances, and social media. I have gained a new respect for the judicial system.”
After the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the case in November 2025, Flo Rida issued another statement: “This case was never just about me. It was about standing up for artists and creators who put their reputation, hard work and vision behind brands. I just wanted what I worked for and what was agreed, nothing more, nothing less.”
Despite the contentious legal battle, Flo Rida maintains he still owns stock in Celsius and expressed interest in working with the company again in the future. He even drank a Celsius energy drink while speaking with reporters outside the courthouse after the jury verdict.
What Happens Next for Flo Rida’s Payment
The Broward County trial court must now recalculate Flo Rida’s damages based on the proper stock valuation date as directed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal. The court will determine whether to use the April 30, 2021 stock price advocated by Celsius, the November 1, 2021 price suggested by Flo Rida’s attorneys, or another date.
Once the trial court recalculates damages and issues a new final judgment, Celsius could potentially appeal again if it disagrees with the recalculation. However, with the Florida Supreme Court already declining to review the case, further appeals face significant obstacles.
Legal experts project that even with a reduced award, Flo Rida could receive between $40 million and $100 million depending on which stock valuation date the court adopts.
Lessons for Artists and Creators in Endorsement Deals
The Flo Rida vs. Celsius lawsuit highlights critical issues for artists, influencers, and creators entering endorsement deals with companies. When contracts include equity compensation or stock bonuses tied to performance benchmarks, clear definitions of terms like “unit,” “revenue target,” and “sales benchmark” are essential.
Flo Rida’s attorney John Uustal emphasized the importance of trusting the jury system to handle complicated legal issues involving contract interpretation. “We said we’d trust the jury to do the right thing, we’d trust the verdict, accept the decision of the jury,” Uustal stated. “And it’s amazing how detailed the jury verdict was, how they filled out a complicated and extensive jury verdict in such a way that made it clear beyond any doubt that they understood all the most difficult issues in the case, and resolved them.”
For creators considering endorsement deals with stock compensation, consulting an entertainment attorney before signing is critical to ensure benchmarks are clearly defined and enforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Flo Rida Lawsuit
What is the Flo Rida lawsuit about?
The Flo Rida lawsuit is a breach of contract case against Celsius Holdings over stock shares the rapper was promised but never received under endorsement deals from 2014 to 2018. A Broward County jury awarded Flo Rida $82.6 million in January 2023, finding Celsius breached the contract and fraudulently hid information.
Who is eligible for the Flo Rida lawsuit?
This is not a class action lawsuit. Only Flo Rida (Tramar Dillard) and his production company, Strong Arm Productions, are plaintiffs in the breach of contract case against Celsius Holdings. No other consumers or artists are eligible to join this lawsuit or file claims.
How many consumers are affected by the Flo Rida lawsuit?
This lawsuit does not affect consumers. It is a business contract dispute between rapper Flo Rida and Celsius Holdings over unfulfilled stock share promises under endorsement agreements. The case does not involve consumer products, safety issues, or consumer rights claims.
What are the specific allegations in the Flo Rida case?
Flo Rida alleged Celsius breached contracts requiring the company to issue stock shares if sales benchmarks were achieved, fraudulently concealed information about the endorsement deal terms, and failed to issue 250,000 shares and additional bonuses despite meeting revenue and unit sales targets. The jury agreed on all claims.
How do I check if I’m eligible for the Flo Rida lawsuit?
You are not eligible. This is a private breach of contract lawsuit between Flo Rida and Celsius Holdings, not a class action involving consumers or other artists. Only the named plaintiffs—Flo Rida and Strong Arm Productions—can participate in or benefit from this litigation.
What is the current status of the Flo Rida lawsuit as of January 2026?
As of January 2026, the Florida Supreme Court declined to review the case in November 2025, ending Celsius’s final appeal. The Broward County trial court must now recalculate damages based on the proper stock valuation date as directed by the appeals court. Flo Rida could receive between $40 million and $100 million once damages are recalculated.
Where can I find official information about the Flo Rida lawsuit?
Court documents for Strong Arm Productions USA, Inc., et al. v. Celsius Holdings, Inc., Case No. CACE21008997, are available through the Broward County Circuit Court’s online docket system. News coverage from legal journalism outlets including Law.com, Courtroom View Network, and Bloomberg Law provides updates on the case’s progress.
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Flo Rida vs. Celsius Holdings breach of contract lawsuit and is not legal advice. For specific questions about contract disputes or endorsement agreements, consult a qualified attorney.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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