Legal FAQs

Questions asked by the public about Florida law.

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Business

How Long Does it Take for Form a Florida Business?

Forming a Florida business can take just a few days when your paperwork is complete and correct. Timing also depends on items such as an SSN or ITIN and on current Sunbiz processing times, which fluctuate. Our business attorneys help clients form LLCs for a flat fee.

Business

What is The Difference Between Bylaws and Resolutions?

Bylaws are an organization's standing rules on membership, board composition, meetings, and officers. Resolutions are individual decisions the governing body adopts within that framework. LLCs use an operating agreement.

Business

How Long Does it Take to Get a DUNS Number?

Dun & Bradstreet usually issues a DUNS Number within 1-2 business days, or within 24 hours with paid expedited service. Incorrect or incomplete business details are a common cause of delay.

Business

How to Get a DUNS Number?

A DUNS Number is a free nine-digit business identifier from Dun & Bradstreet. Apply with your legal name, address, phone, employee count, and industry; most are issued in 1-2 business days.

Business

What is a DUNS Number?

A DUNS Number is a unique nine-digit business identifier issued free by Dun & Bradstreet. Recognized worldwide, it is used to verify a company's credibility and to apply for federal contracts and grants.

Business

What is The Difference Between General and Outside Counsel?

General counsel is an in-house attorney employed by the company and involved in its daily legal work. Outside counsel is an external firm retained for specialized expertise on specific matters.

Estate Planning

What is an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust?

An ILIT owns your life insurance policy, shielding it from creditors and keeping the proceeds out of your taxable estate. Benefits pass to beneficiaries without probate, but its terms cannot be changed.

Real Estate

What is an ISA in Real Estate?

An ISA, or Inside Sales Agent, generates and qualifies real estate leads, follows up with prospects, and sets appointments for agents. ISAs are best licensed as agents so they can assist leads more fully.

Estate Planning

What Does an End-of-Life Attorney Do?

An end-of-life attorney specializes in legal issues related to the end of a person's life, including estate planning, wills, trusts, advance directives, and healthcare proxy decisions.

Business

What Is Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting?

Treasury Department Announces Suspension of Enforcement of Corporate Transparency Act Against U.S. Citizens and Domestic Reporting Companies. Learn More.

Business

What Is the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule?

Part of the Corporate Transparency Act, it requires many corporations, LLCs, and similar entities to report identifying information about their beneficial owners to FinCEN. Some entities are exempt.

Business

What Is the Corporate Transparency Act?

A federal law aimed at money laundering and financial fraud. It requires most U.S. business entities to report their beneficial owners to FinCEN, with limited exemptions and penalties for non-compliance.

Business

What are the Fines and Penalties Under the Corporate Transparency Act?

Failing to report beneficial ownership accurately can bring fines reaching $10,000, criminal charges, and up to two years in prison. Penalties accumulate for as long as the violation continues.

Business

How to Determine the Beneficial Owner of a Company?

You are a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of a company's equity, directly or indirectly, or if you exercise substantial control over its decisions. Ownership held through another entity can count.

Business

What Types of Companies Are Exempt from Beneficial Ownership Reporting?

FinCEN exempts 23 types of entities from Corporate Transparency Act reporting, including banks, credit unions, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, and large operating companies.

Probate

What Is the Duration of the Probate Process in Florida?

Florida probate is a court-supervised process for distributing a deceased person's assets.

Real Estate

What Is the Timeline for the Eviction Process in Florida?

In Florida, eviction can take a few days to a few weeks.

Estate Planning

What Is the Cost to Establish a Trust in Florida?

The cost of setting up a trust in Florida will vary depending on the complexity of the trust and the assets that need to be transferred into it. Generally speaking, most trusts cost between $1,000 and $3,000 to set up.

Business

What Are the Typical Costs for a Business Attorney?

As a business owner, you will likely need the services of a business attorney at some point.

Business

What Constitutes Articles of Incorporation?

Articles of Incorporation are the documents filed with the state to create a corporation. They set out the name, purpose, duration, stock structure, registered agent, and incorporators of the new entity.