Brightline Filed Bankruptcy and the Haters Still Don’t Get It
Brightline filed Chapter 11 last month and a lot of people treated it like a punchline. “See? Those yellow trains were always a dumb idea.” The Facebook crowd has been saying stuff like that for years. But I am a business lawyer, and from where I sit, this looks like a very practical, savvy way […]
Florida’s Protected Series LLC – New Business Formation Structure Takes Effect July 1
In Florida’s ever-evolving business landscape, business owners, real estate investors, and families with multiple entities are constantly looking for efficient ways to organize assets, manage risk, and plan for growth. Beginning July 1, 2026, Florida will introduce a new option into that conversation: the Florida Protected Series Limited Liability Company, often called a Protected Series […]
What is an Asset Purchase Agreement
An asset purchase agreement is a contract that details the terms for purchasing assets from another business while limiting liability for the seller’s debts and claiming certain tax advantages. It can be a complex transaction for which a business owner needs solid legal advice, to shield them from unintended consequences. Finding a qualified business attorney […]
Do I Need a Partnership Agreement If I Trust My Business Partner?
Trusting your business partner is a good thing, but an oral agreement isn’t enough to sustain a business when complicating factors arise. Disagreements, departure, illness, or a takeover offer can quickly disrupt a partnership that was skating along without formalities. Consulting a business attorney experienced in Florida law is key to establishing a strong foundation […]
Can I Change My LLC to a Corporation in Florida?
When consumer demand and your business plan align, things can take off—suddenly your sole proprietorship or LLC is in growth mode. To take advantage of this transformation, converting to a corporation may be your route to greater success. Fortunately, making the switch is not only possible, but the State of Florida makes the process straightforward […]
Business Sale Contracts: What Needs to Be in Writing
A lot of work, research, and commitment goes into the lead-up to a business sale transaction. Putting everything in writing protects the parties, clarifies expectations, and makes the deal enforceable. In Florida, business sale agreements can involve a variety of contracts — from asset and real estate transfers to employment agreements — and must comply […]
What’s the Difference Between an Operating Agreement and Bylaws?
When you create a business the corporate structure that you decide upon dictates the way income is divided, taxes are paid, and some of the regulatory oversight your company must follow. You need more than a product or service to sell–it’s critical to know which reports to file and licenses to hold. A qualified business […]
What Does “Due Diligence” Mean When Buying or Selling a Business?
Due diligence is the multi-step process of determining the fair market value of a business by examining its financial, legal, and regulatory health and to uncover potential risks or liabilities that impact a purchase or sale. When properly carried out, due diligence should assure lenders, stockholders, and partners that the price of a business represents […]
Protecting Yourself When Starting a Business with a Partner: What You Need to Know
It’s exciting—and a little overwhelming–to start a business with a partner. Whether it’s your first-ever foray into business or something you’ve done dozens of times, attention to detail is critical. Your business will benefit from the steady counsel of a qualified business attorney, who will make sure that your liabilities are covered for the normal […]
Operating Agreements: The Most Important Document in Any LLC
An operating agreement is a foundational document for an LLC, or limited liability company. The contents of your business’s operating agreement should accurately reflect the way your business functions as well as providing important liability protections. These documents guard against disputes arising between business managers, which can be time-consuming and costly to resolve. When setting […]