Click image to watch video
Insights on a Cancelled Bush Hogging Job – Part 2
Click the image above to watch the full video breakdown of how this cancelled bush hogging job ultimately played out in small claims court. This follow‑up continues the story from Part 1 and explains what happened after a customer attempted to cancel a job mid‑project and refused to pay for work already completed.
This was the first time in more than 20 years of business that I ever had to take someone to small claims court. I’ve built my career—and my reputation—on handshake deals, trust, and doing right by people. In and around Ocala, Williston, Bronson, Chiefland, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Morriston, Archer, Raleigh, and Dunnellon, people are generally honorable and straightforward. That’s why this situation stood out so much.
The customer involved in this case was from New Jersey and seemed to bring a different set of expectations and tactics. While I still believe in handshake agreements, this experience made it clear that larger, riskier, or out‑of‑area customers require a written service agreement to protect both sides and prevent misunderstandings—or outright attempts to avoid payment.
How the Small Claims Case Turned Out
The short version: the judge ruled 100% in my favor. I was awarded the full job amount plus court costs, totaling roughly $4,000. In the end, the customer paid about $2,500 more than the original job price. Ironically, I had offered her a settlement of $2,500 multiple times before the trial, but she rejected it. Had she accepted, she would have saved herself a significant amount of money and time.
While the outcome was fair, the process itself was something I never want to repeat. Still, it was educational, and I’m glad I now understand how the small claims system works.
Cancelled Bush Hogging Project Outcome
The best way to learn how things turned out is to watch the video by clicking on the image above. The short answer is the judge ruled 100% in my favor and I was awarded the full job amount plus court costs totaling about $4,000. The customer ultimately paid about $2,500 more than the original job price. Oddly, I had offered her a settlement price of $2,500 but she rejected it on several occasions.
I did not enjoy the process, but it was educational. Knowing how to work through the small claims process was always a mystery. It turned out to be fairly easy and interesting although I hope to never need it again. The process was handled completely online through a web portal and zoom meetings. The first meeting was an attempt at arbitration. The defendant refused to increase her settlement offer so we moved to trial. The trail online enabled us to call witnesses via video, ask a few questions and present our case. The judge did not make a decision on the call but issued it a week or so later. The defendant did pay very quickly which was a total surprise.
Bush hogging is not meant to be work for me. I do it primarily because I enjoy being outside, earning extra money, and meeting people. It is a weekend gig for me and is opposite of my work week spent on a computer for Fleetistics.com, IGTech365.com and PubSafe.net.
If you do bush hogging or land clearing, consider using a service agreement (SA) canceled bush hogging or land clearing jobs. A SA protects you and the customer by outlining responsibilities and how things will work when things don’t go right, payment terms and other relationship details. You don’t have to enforce it but it gives you the option should a bush hogging customer change their mind on paying.
If you need bush hogging or land clearing in any of the following areas, call or text 813.699.9062.
Ocala, Williston, Bronson, Chiefland, Otter Creek, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Morriston, Archer, Raleigh or Dunnellon
What the Small Claims Process Was Like
One of the biggest surprises was how modern and streamlined the process has become. Everything—from filing to hearings—was handled online through a web portal and Zoom meetings.
Here’s how it unfolded:
1. Filing the Claim
I submitted the documentation online, including photos, messages, and proof of work completed. The portal made it easy to upload everything in one place.
2. Arbitration Attempt
The first meeting was an online arbitration session. The goal was to reach a settlement without going to trial. The defendant refused to increase her offer, so arbitration failed and the case moved forward.
3. The Online Trial
The trial was conducted via Zoom. We were able to:
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Present evidence
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Call witnesses
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Answer the judge’s questions
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Walk through the timeline of events
The judge didn’t issue a ruling on the call. Instead, the decision came about a week later.
4. Payment
To my surprise, the defendant paid quickly once the judgment was issued. After months of resistance, the payment arrived almost immediately.
Why I Do Bush Hogging in the First Place
Bush hogging isn’t my primary business. It’s something I do because I enjoy being outdoors, meeting people, and earning extra income on weekends. My weekday work is spent behind a computer running Fleetistics.com, IGTech365.com, and PubSafe.net.
Bush hogging is my way of getting outside, helping landowners, and doing something productive that I genuinely enjoy. Situations like this one are rare, but they’re a reminder that even enjoyable side work needs proper protection.
Why You Should Use a Service Agreement
If you do bush hogging, land clearing, or any type of property maintenance, I strongly recommend using a Service Agreement (SA)—especially for:
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New customers
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Out‑of‑area customers
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High‑risk or high‑value jobs
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Jobs requiring multiple days or multiple pieces of equipment
A service agreement:
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Protects both you and the customer
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Outlines expectations
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Defines payment terms
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Clarifies what happens if a customer cancels
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Helps avoid disputes
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Gives you legal standing if someone refuses to pay
You don’t always have to enforce it, but having it gives you the option—and that option can save you thousands.
Need Bush Hogging or Land Clearing?
If you’re in Ocala, Williston, Bronson, Chiefland, Otter Creek, Cedar Key, Crystal River, Morriston, Archer, Raleigh, or Dunnellon, call or text 813‑699‑9062 for reliable, professional service backed by experience, integrity, and clear agreements.