Rule 1.242 Permissive counterclaims

If you're being sued, you can also bring your own claim against the person suing you, even if it's not directly related to their claim against you. This is called a permissive counterclaim.

There are two things you need to meet for this to work. First, you had to already have this claim against the other person when the lawsuit started. You can't use a claim that came up later. Second, the claim has to be "matured," which means it's ready to be enforced or acted on at the time you file your response.

This gives you flexibility. Even if someone sues you over one issue, you don't have to file a separate lawsuit for a different problem you have with them. You can raise it in the same case, as long as it meets these two conditions. Keep in mind that some other rules or laws might stop you from bringing certain counterclaims, so this option isn't unlimited.