Steps to Dissolve a Florida LLC

When a business venture reaches its natural end or a company decides to wind down its operations, you may need to consider dissolving your Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC).  Dissolving an LLC in Florida typically involves three main steps. First, you must confirm the dissolution process under your LLC’s organizing documents. Then, you will need to settle any of...

Consequences of a Verbal Business Agreement

In Florida, verbal business agreements are generally legally binding but can be more challenging to enforce and prove than written agreements. If you are a Florida business owner, you know some deals are best done with a firm word and a strong handshake. However, you should also know the laws on verbal business agreements to ensure these contracts are...

How to Handle a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation License Investigation

What should you do if you operate a state-licensed business and receive a letter from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) alleging a complaint against you prompting a DBPR investigation process? Typically, these complaints claim that you violated a rule or law that covers businesses licensed by the DBPR. As a small business owner, handling the...

Questions to Ask Your Business Partner Before Starting a Business

Starting a new business is a stressful, time-consuming process. Even seasoned entrepreneurs understand that no company will be guaranteed success.  However, Forbes reports that working with a business partner can increase your chances of success. A partner might bring experience, professional contacts, or much-needed funding. Nevertheless, you need to ask your partner the right questions to make sure they...

How to Dissolve an International Business from Another Country

Dissolving an international business from a different country requires careful consideration of your business’s legal, financial, and operational position and the business regulations of the country where you are operating. The process can also vary depending on your business entity’s bylaws or operating agreement, the laws of your home country, and the foreign jurisdiction where your business operates.  Dissolving...

Questions to Ask Before Expanding Your Business Internationally

Many entrepreneurs in the United States dream of growing an international business. Taking your talents overseas lets you tap into new markets, increase revenue, and build a strong reputation.  But expanding a business outside the U.S. is no easy feat. Making just one mistake can ruin your growth plans. Worse, a misstep could end your domestic business activities altogether....

Closing a Florida Business from Out-of-State

Closing a Florida business can be complex and challenging, especially when trying to do it from out of state. You must notify shareholders and employees about the closure and tell the Florida Secretary of State about your business’s dissolution. You will also need to handle a variety of administrative, tax, and legal tasks. This can feel very complex for...

How to Reinstate a Dissolved LLC in Florida

Business cycles can severely affect the viability of a business. Sometimes the business environment shifts, and a previously successful company falls on hard times. When hard times come, some companies end up getting dissolved. Fortunately, even the difficult times are often temporary. A business strategy that was once not viable might suddenly become an outstanding opportunity. These situations can...

Considerations Before Leasing Land for Commercial Use

When entering a commercial lease for a property in Florida, it is essential to understand the contractual relationship you are entering into fully. Part 1 of the Florida Landlord and Tenant Act governs commercial leases. Florida strictly enforces these leases and does not give tenants as easy a way out as some other states. Landlords, too, have a great...

Does Trademark Registration Protect Brand Names Containing Generic Terms

Many entrepreneurs are surprised to learn you can protect a generic brand name through trademark registration. However, these situations are limited and generally require the help of a skilled trademark attorney to register the mark successfully. Nonetheless, if you operate a business—especially an internet-based company—with a generic brand name like Apples-and-bananas dot com, you may be able to obtain...