Florida Small Business Law 

Services We Provide

At every stage of a company’s life cycle from formation to exit planning, there are myriad legal issues that can arise. Our Florida small business attorneys have experience with a wide range of legal concerns including the following:

Corporate

When launching a startup in Florida, it is important to get skilled legal advice regarding what type of legal structure (e.g., LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, partnership) would be best under the circumstances and how to set up and maintain it properly. Various internal governing documents such as Shareholder Agreements, Partnership Contracts, Operating Agreements, and By-laws also must be properly drafted as part of this process. Failing to take these steps can have serious consequences, including personal liability for owners, loss of tax benefits, and difficulties in raising capital.

Every business also needs legal guidance on issues like contracting with business partners, vendors, service providers, and independent contractors to help ensure the business can enforce its rights or defend against claims by others. Financing is a significant concern for any company and we also assist with funding options, such as venture capital, debt, stock purchase agreements, convertible notes, and financing contracts. When the business is ready to expand or owners want to exit or dissolve the business, our attorneys can organize and facilitate a merger, acquisition or sale.

Employment

A new business should start on the right foot. We organize and form new companies for prospective business owners, which includes choosing an appropriate legal structure (e.g., LLC, C-Corporation, S-Corporation, partnership) and drafting internal governing documents such as Shareholder Agreements, Partnership Contracts, Operating Agreements, and By-laws to govern the company’s day-to-day operation. A properly set-up and well-maintained company can shield its owners from personal liability for corporate actions, minimize the tax impact on company revenue, and provide flexibility in soliciting investment to raise capital and grow your business.

Additional corporate issues will arise as your business expands. We help you prepare and negotiate agreements with potential business partners, vendors, service providers, and independent contractors. When you need capital, we can provide guidance on various funding options, such as venture capital, debt, stock purchase agreements, convertible notes, and financing contracts. If you decide to expand or exit your business, we can organize and facilitate a merger, acquisition or sale.

Real Estate

Paying for space can be one of the biggest expenses of a small business and a bad lease can have serious repercussions for years. Accordingly, it is critical to have good legal advice when negotiating a commercial lease. Tenants may be able to obtain favorable terms when first leasing and/or when renewing. A lawyer can provide guidance on what terms may be negotiable and minimize the risks of a poor deal.

Intellectual Property

Most businesses have some type of intellectual property to protect. Our intellectual property attorneys help companies protect their brands by registering their trademarks, copyrights and patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and U.S. Copyright Office.

In addition to handling registration, we also draft legal agreements to assist companies in securing their intellectual property rights. These include “work-for-hire” and confidentiality agreements. We also advise owners regarding federal and state laws protecting trade secrets.

Owners must also understand intellectual property laws to avoid infringing on someone else’s rights. We counsel businesses on the law and can conduct searches of the relevant government databases to determine if anyone else has similar intellectual property. 

Websites

It is common for a business to have a website, and increasingly, sites must comply with a host of laws. Our attorneys advise companies regarding state, federal and international data privacy and intellectual property laws. In addition, we draft Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies to comply with consumer protection laws.

Disputes

No one likes going to court. Getting experienced legal advice and drafting appropriate documents can minimize conflicts, but sometimes, disputes cannot be avoided. Our attorneys counsel clients regarding their legal rights and obligations and help them resolve disputes effectively through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. If litigation becomes necessary, our litigators have extensive experience in Florida state and federal courts and are strong advocates for our clients’ best interests.

Industries We Serve

Our Florida attorneys assist clients in a wide range of industries, including:

• Technology
• E-Commerce
• Medical
• Food and Beverage
• Fashion
• Branding and Marketing
• eSports
• Biotechnology
• Manufacturing
• Distribution
• Cosmetics
• Advertising

Contact Our Experienced Florida Small Business Attorneys

Small business owners should be proactive in protecting their businesses. Our experienced Florida attorneys can provide the necessary practical and strategic advice to keep companies growing and thriving. Contact us today to assist you with your business.