Standing as the fourth-largest economy in the nation, the state of Florida offers entrepreneurs a set of tax advantages and an immense influx of consumers. Accordingly, the Sunshine State is one of the best places to grow a company in the post-covid landscape.
Still, many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed when starting a business due to the several procedures involved in the task. Although different businesses require distinct proceedings, the process’s backbone is essentially the same.
In this article, you will discover which legal items to consider when opening a business in Florida.
What Are Some of the Legal Items to Consider When Starting a Business in Florida? – An Introduction
Despite the economic chaos generated by the pandemic, Florida stood still and managed to maintain its status as one of the country’s most powerful economies. Primarily, the state has an overall low tax burden. Florida citizens do not have to pay personal income tax while corporate businesses only have to pay 5.5% on their income tax return.
In this fertile environment for business, many venture capitalists and angel investors are always searching for opportunities to put their money to work for them. Accordingly, promising enterprises and start-ups never have a problem accessing capital compared to other states.
Also, it is impossible to talk about Florida and ignore the massive influx of tourists that boost the state’s economy year after year. This overwhelming wave of consumers results in an increase in revenue and growth opportunities in several segments, from franchises to service providers.
Legal Items to Consider When Starting a Business in Florida – The Essentials
Legal Structure
The first step to entrepreneurs opening a business in Florida is to choose the ideal legal structure for a company. Each type of structure is different, which results in distinct advantages, disadvantages, tax liabilities, and legal requirements.
Ideally, the best approach is to sit down with an expert business attorney to evaluate one’s business plan and determine the most suitable type of legal structure for the company.
Contracts
It is impossible to think about business without contracts, as the existence of contractual relationships is the essence of doing business and closing deals. No entrepreneur should rely on a verbal contract, as oral agreements are much harder to prove in case things do not go as expected. In this sense, it is crucial to rely on the guidance of an expert business attorney to draft, review, and handle business contracts.
Intellectual Property
In the past, entrepreneurs used to consider only physical assets when assessing their net worth, such as real property, vehicles, cash, and other similar goods. However, things changed, and intangible assets are the new gold.
Considering the rise of financial speculation and the massive popularization of digital solutions as an everyday matter, businesses should pay attention to their intellectual property.
When contacting a business lawyer in Florida, entrepreneurs must make sure to protect their intellectual property – patents, trademarks, or copyrights – and avoid heft financial consequences if there is no legal recourse in case a competitor infringes on it.
Employment Law
Undoubtedly, employment law is a complex matter. If a business has employees, the owner(s) must stay informed about the various laws governing labor-related relationships and the specific regulations for the company’s segment.
Anticipating and avoiding potential conflicts involving employment law is the expertise of business legal advisors, as well as fighting in court to defend the client’s interests if necessary.
Are You Starting a Business in Florida? – Work with Jurado and Associates P.A. Today
If you are establishing a business in Florida, waste no time with uncertainty – call Attorney Romy B. Jurado today at (305) 921-0976 or email [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
