As developers navigate increasingly complex regulatory, financing, and entitlement environments, flexible legal structures that align with both zoning and capital markets are more essential than ever.
The College Sports Commission, the new regulatory body overseeing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, recently announced that it will no longer allow agreements between athletes and donor-backed collectives unless those deals serve a "valid business purpose."
The five things that landlords, tenants, management companies and brokers need to know about the repeal of sales tax on commercial real estate leases.
The "SCORE Act" aims to protect the name image and likeness (NIL) rights of student-athletes, promote fair compensation in intercollegiate athletics, and address related concerns.
The GENUIS Act establishes a comprehensive federal framework for the regulation of payment stablecoins—digital assets pegged to the U.S. dollar and backed by high-quality liquid reserves.
A deposition is a pre-trial procedure where a party or witness in a legal case provides sworn testimony outside of a courtroom. While depositions do not take place before a judge or jury, they are often anxiety inducing for clients.
Orange County has voted not to repeal ordinances related to the County’s Rural Boundary/Rural Area, Lake Pickett Study Area, and Vision 2050/Orange Code.
In commercial leases, operating expenses (or CAM charges) cover property maintenance and operational costs. Collected in addition to base rent, these charges often spark disputes between landlords and tenants over which expenses are appropriately included.
In addition to the $2.8 billion, 10-year settlement and a $20.5 million annual revenue-sharing pool for Division I schools, the House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement is also transforming college sports by the creation of the College Sports Commission online portal, NIL Go.
We previously reported on Orange County’s Ordinance temporarily suspending applications for comprehensive plan text and map amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions. The temporary suspension is no longer in effect.
Across the country, a new kind of development is taking shape. These aren’t just places to live or store. They’re places to gather, to create, and to connect. Whether centered around cars, art, food, or something more niche, these communities are built around identity and shared experience.
Senate Bill 180 (SB 180), a comprehensive act related to emergencies, includes restrictions on county or municipal regulations after certain natural emergencies.
The proposed Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act marks a substantial development in Florida’s treatment of noncompete agreements.
After years of reducing the sales tax rate on commercial real property lease payments, the Florida Legislature recently passed HB 7031, which eliminates sales tax on commercial real property rentals.
On June 20, 2025, Governor DeSantis signed the final version of SB 784 into law, which removed certain timing requirements.
SB 1730 contains amendments to the Live Local Act which will have significant effects on local government implementation of the Act.
Florida Senate Bill 606, signed into law on June 2, 2025, amends current Fl. St. 509.214 to provide several new operations fee disclosure requirements for food service establishments.
On Monday, June 23, 2025, mere days after being formally delivered to his desk, the Governor signed CS/CS/HB 913 into law, cementing one of the most substantial rewrites of Florida’s condominium statutes in decades.
On June 18, 2025, CS/CS/HB 913, a key bill on condominium governance, management, and safety, was signed by legislators and sent to the Governor for approval.
SB 784 will simplify and accelerate the approval of plats and replats throughout the state by shifting responsibility from local governing bodies to administrative staff.
There is often confusion regarding mental capacity in the legal context. This article will explain the process and provide some helpful tips for families.
A $2.75 billion NCAA settlement compensates former athletes and allows colleges to pay current athletes directly, introducing a $20.5 million salary cap and roster limits.
Senate Bill 1080 amends various statutes governing how local governments review and approve development permits and related applications.
With hurricane season officially underway as of June 1st, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an above-average season predicting up to 10 potential hurricanes. Even a single storm can cause significant disruption, so preparation is essential.
A trademark scam is making the rounds targeting business owners through emails from varying businesses marketing trademark legal services.
This morning, the Florida Supreme Court heard RJ’s International v. Crown Castle, a high-stakes case poised to reshape how contractual terms in property agreements affect future landowners.
Vision 2050, a county-wide amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, was adopted on June 3 and becomes effective once deemed “in compliance” by the state.
All Florida for-profit corporations and similar entities must file their annual report by May 1 to avoid a $400 late fee. Final deadline is the third Friday in September to prevent dissolution.
Florida’s Sixth District Court of Appeal ruled that messages sent through corporate platforms like Slack can be protected by attorney-client privilege and the work-product doctrine.
The Leesburg City Commission voted on April 14, 2025, to deny the proposed annexation and residential development moratorium.
The Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) marks areas vulnerable to storm surges and requires permits for activities seaward of it. Buyers and lenders must ensure the CCCL’s location is on property surveys to assess construction impacts, storm vulnerability, and regulatory compliance.
FinCEN’s Interim Final Rule, effective March 26, 2025, exempts domestic entities from BOI reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
The City of Leesburg, facing rapid growth with over 30,000 undeveloped residential lots, is proposing a moratorium to pause new developments until January 1, 2027.
In commercial real estate, location is key, with businesses requiring sites that suit their needs. Factors like safety, accessibility, customer base, and costs matter. Brokers help tenants find ideal locations, often at no extra cost.
On March 18, 2025 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (U.S.C.A.) issued its decision in Stephen Thaler v. Shira Perlmutter et al., confirming that U.S. law requires human authorship.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced it will not enforce penalties under the Corporate Transparency Act for U.S. citizens and domestic companies.
The Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA) beneficial ownership reporting requirements are back in effect. A recent court ruling lifted previous nationwide injunctions, and FinCEN has extended the filing deadline to March 21, 2025, for most entities.
As part of the proposed $115.6 billion state budget for fiscal year 2025-26, Governor DeSantis has outlined a plan to eliminate Florida's longstanding commercial rent sales tax.
When a debtor files for bankruptcy, certain debts, classified as non-dischargeable under Section 523 of the Bankruptcy Code, cannot be eliminated. Creditors must understand these exceptions and act promptly to protect their rights and maximize recovery.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in E.M.D. Sales, Inc. v. Carrera that employers can prove FLSA overtime exemptions by a "preponderance of the evidence" instead of the stricter "clear and convincing evidence" standard, favoring employers.
Patents are vital for protecting and leveraging intellectual property, offering a competitive edge, market exclusivity, and potential revenue through licensing.
The start of the year is a perfect time to update your estate plan, ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones cared for in Florida.
A recent federal court ruling that struck down expanded Title IX protections has implications that could extend well beyond educational institutions.
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the Volusia County Council rejected the proposed moratorium on development in the County.
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court, sitting in its appellate capacity, recently found in two similar cases that Miami-Dade County violated property owners’ due process rights by citing them for code violations using incorrect zoning regulations.
The Volusia County Council will convene on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, to discuss a potential development moratorium to address flooding issues in the County.
On December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit confirmed that the preliminary injunction blocking nationwide enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) remains active.
As of December 3, 2024, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas has issued a preliminary injunction pausing the nationwide enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act and its implementing rules.
The City of Oviedo has enacted significant revisions to its Land Development Code (LDC), introducing new regulations and standards that will impact future development within the city.
The recent Vitalia at Tradition decision highlights the important, yet sometimes misunderstood, distinction between classes of members and classes of parcels in community governance.
Florida’s commercial real estate market faces rising vacancies, loan delinquencies, and tighter credit. Despite a slight increase in transactions, the outlook remains uncertain.
The Business Law Committee of the Orange County Bar Association held a program discussing the upcoming changes to the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure effective January 1, 2025.
On Tuesday, voters approved several Charter amendments on the ballot in Orange and Seminole Counties that will significantly affect development in these areas.
On October 29, 2024, the Orange County Board approved an ordinance temporarily suspending comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions. However, small-scale submissions will be accepted from October 29 to December 11, 2024.
Arbitration clauses in home purchase agreements can greatly improve dispute resolution—if structured correctly. The Florida case Osborne v. Drees Homes of Florida emphasizes the importance of precise wording and a clear scope for effectiveness.
Florida landowners looking to lease their land for hunting purposes should keep several factors in mind.
New NAR rules, effective August 17, 2024, are changing real estate transactions to enhance transparency and fairness following a federal court ruling in October 2023.
New NAR rules effective August 17, 2024, following a court ruling, aim to enhance transparency and fairness in real estate. While sellers may be less directly affected than buyers, important considerations for selling property arise.
On September 19, 2024, the St. Cloud City Council voted to raise mobility impact fees, following a similar decision by Osceola County on September 9.
Employers must consider mandatory evacuations, power loss, property damage, and HR-related issues during hurricanes, addressing potential liability before, during, and after the storm.
On September 9, the Osceola Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an increase to County mobility impact fees, which will substantially increase the cost of development in the County.
In the July/August 2024 issue of Probate & Property Magazine, attorneys Alvin Miester III and Jonathan B. Cerise discuss the risks landlords face with exclusive use clauses and radius restrictions in commercial leases.
The Live Local Act, originally passed on March 29, 2023, seeks to address Florida's affordable housing issues but has faced challenges. Recently, the Florida Attorney General issued an informal opinion that clarified which zoning districts qualify under the Act.
On August 20, 2024, a federal court in Texas permanently blocked the FTC's rule banning most non-competes.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) final rule takes effect on September 4, 2024, covering non-competes for U.S. workers in most industries including both employees and independent contractors, with limited carve-outs.
After the Florida Legislature blocked the Orange County Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter amendments, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has taken on the initiative by proposing new ordinances.
After the Florida Legislature blocked the Charter amendments, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners proposed new rules to create a Rural Boundary and require County approval for property annexations within it.