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Florida Business Formation Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Hi,I'm Onur and I'm based in Turkey. I want to form an LLC in Florida, is there any ways that I can do that as a foreign

Is there any way that I can form an LLC as a Turkish citizen. I am not a US citizen, can I form an LLC there and if yes; how's the process goes and what are the prices, tax info et.?

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Sep 24, 2024

Yes, regardless of your citizenship, you can create a Florida corporation. There are only a few requirements to do so. They include, but are not limited to, registering the corporation with the Florida Department of State, registering with the IRS to obtain a tax identification, and submitting a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Business Formation, Business Law and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can I create a magazine with the name Pulse
Giselle Ayala Mateus
Giselle Ayala Mateus
answered on Sep 11, 2024

Creating a magazine with the name "Pulse" may involve potential trademark issues, as the name is quite common and could already be in use by other entities in various industries. Trademark law is designed to protect brand names and logos that are used to identify goods and services. If... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts, Federal Crimes and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: Have I been a victim of investment fraud? Has he violated the law? What steps can I take to resolve this?

In 2020, a friend went into the cannabis business in Oklahoma. He told me it was legal and profitable and convinced me to invest $100,000, promising me shares. I wired the money to his real estate company, AAA LLC, in September 2020 (I have the receipt). By 2022, he had not provided any updates,... View More

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on May 30, 2024

After reviewing the details of your investment in the cannabis business in Oklahoma and the issues you've encountered, here are some potential legal actions you can take :

Demand Letter: Initiate with a formal demand letter requesting the return of your $100,000 investment. Clearly...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Contracts, Federal Crimes and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: Have I been a victim of investment fraud? Has he violated the law? What steps can I take to resolve this?

In 2020, a friend went into the cannabis business in Oklahoma. He told me it was legal and profitable and convinced me to invest $100,000, promising me shares. I wired the money to his real estate company, AAA LLC, in September 2020 (I have the receipt). By 2022, he had not provided any updates,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2024

It sounds like you may have been a victim of investment fraud. Your friend’s failure to provide updates, the lack of formal documentation, and his reluctance to return your money are concerning. The fact that your name is not listed in the cannabis company and the handwritten statement without... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I'm starting a online viral Aromatherapy service and would like to know if a business trust is possible to setup.

I would also like to know if a phase that is the business name should be trademark

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 15, 2024

Starting an online aromatherapy service is an exciting venture. Regarding your question about setting up a business trust, it's indeed possible. A business trust can manage the business's assets and operations, but the specifics can vary widely based on your location and business needs.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Business Formation for Florida on
Q: Hello I live in Pinellas County Florida. I'm looking into starting my on business.

I would like my personal taxes and my business taxes to be seperate. Which entity would I create my business as?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you're aiming to keep your personal and business taxes separate in Pinellas County, Florida, considering the structure of your business entity is crucial. For your goals, forming a corporation (either a C Corporation or an S Corporation) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) could be... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: Is a person who has their own business, working as a 1099 independent subject to a non- competition contract?

I have an LLC, EIN, business license and taxi. All of which I had while working with yellow cab of Sarasota. I payed them a portion of my wages for Dispatch services. Soon after I began working with yellow cab, I was made to sign a very basic non- competition paper. All along i was a 1099... View More

Shayla N. Waldon
Shayla N. Waldon
answered on Jan 29, 2024

There are many variables here, starting with who signed the non-compete agreement, i.e., whether it was done in an individual capacity or whether it was signed on behalf of your company. A contractor in Florida likely could have a non-compete enforced against him/her, provided that the hiring... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I have a florida partnership llc for Etsy which makes 2-3k a year. I never drew a salary. Do I need to pay any taxes?

The money is saved in llc checking account and never used unless it’s for business expense like buying materials. Both me and my husband don’t draw salary. Do we still need to file any tax forms or pay taxes on it?

William T. Harmon
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answered on Jan 14, 2024

If the partnership has reported income( falls within the Income definition within IRC), it should be reported on the annual 1065 partnership return. Based on the partnership income/expense allocation agreement, that amount will be reported on an individual K1, which will then be reported on your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I have a florida partnership llc for Etsy which makes 2-3k a year. I never drew a salary. Do I need to pay any taxes?

The money is saved in llc checking account and never used unless it’s for business expense like buying materials. Both me and my husband don’t draw salary. Do we still need to file any tax forms or pay taxes on it?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 15, 2024

Yes, even though you don't draw a salary from your Florida partnership LLC for your Etsy business, you still need to file taxes for the business income and expenses.

As a partnership, the LLC itself does not pay taxes. Instead, the LLC's profits and losses "pass through"...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can a registered agent for a LLC in Florida have someone else receive documents addressed to the LLC?

If a process serving delivery is attempted at a moment that the registered agent is not at the FL LLC's registered office, can someone else that is not their employee, such as a family member, friend or housemate receive the delivery on their behalf?

Is a signature required for... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 26, 2023

Yes, service can be made by serving an employee of the registered agent, at the registered office. Also, the registered agent is required to have at least one person (such as in your words "a family member, friend or housemate") at the registered office, as the registered agent's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I am looking to start a 501(c)(3) for cat rescue. is it similar to a llc where you are protected from lawsuits finaciall

I am looking to start a 501(c)(3) for cat rescue. is it similar to a llc where you are protected from lawsuits financially. for example if a feral colony cat bites someone or if when you are showing a foster cat to a possible new owner and they get bit. if not can a non profit llc own the... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 27, 2023

Entities that are tax exempt pursuant to section 501(c)(3) include limited liability companies (LLCs), as well as non-profit corporations. Both afford limited liability, and are formed under state laws, while 501(c)(3) is federal tax law. The entity you form should have liability insurance, to... View More

Q: I am purchasing land to establish a farm and I am told I need a lawyer, but I don't know what kind.

I need to have a purchase agreement with the seller to proceed with the FSA who is giving a farm loan to purchase the land 100%.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 24, 2023

For the real estate transaction, hire a real estate lawyer. If you still need to set up your business entity for the farm, hire a lawyer handling business formation. You might be able to find a lawyer/law firm that does both. Another issue is whether your land is already zoned for everything you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Tax Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: As an F2 with an LLC which tax form should i select for the business c-corp or s-corp

Ok so I'm currently on an F2 visa (dependent visa in the US) I opened my business which is an LLC but as im applying for a tax application in florida for the business i'm not sure whether to file it for a S-Corp or a C-Corp. Due to the fact that technically I'm not allowed to work in the US.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

Selecting between a C-Corp and an S-Corp tax status for your LLC is a significant decision, especially considering your F2 visa status.

Generally, F2 visa holders are not permitted to engage in employment in the U.S., and this includes active management of a business. While owning a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Internet Law and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Is a fictitious name registration required for Florida LLC's when they only use it for marketing?

I just registered an LLC in florida which has a different name than the name of my website. Do I have to register a fictitous name for that website name, even though I'm not using it for any formal business interactions like contracts and banking?

the website name is only used for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2024

Yes, in Florida, if you operate your LLC under a name different from its official registered name, you generally need to register a fictitious name. This applies even if the alternate name is only used for marketing, branding, or displayed in your logo. Registering ensures that the public is aware... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: I have an LLC , and I want to convert in a private Non profit Organization what are the requirements?

please guide me steps by steps

my organisation is a service business tax businesses

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Oct 6, 2024

A good explanation of the steps to take are at:

https://charitableallies.org/can-you-convert-an-llc-into-a-nonprofit/#:~:text=At%20this%20point%2C%20you'll,exempt%20status%20with%20the%20IRS.

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: Is it OK to buy a business in your personal name then switch to llc
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 24, 2024

Sure. Federal tax returns might be more complicated, if you had personal income before the switch, but it should work.

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: What do I need to operate an online Spanish teaching business in Florida?

My relative has a spanish language teaching business where students are taught via video call. Her business is in a foreign country, she wants me to become her business partner to expand to USA since I live here. I was wondering what the steps would be in order to launch the business here, like... View More

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on Sep 9, 2024

Expanding your relative's Spanish language teaching business to the U.S. is an exciting opportunity, and we’re here to help guide you through the process of launching the business stateside.

To get started, here are some of the key steps to consider:

Business Structure:...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: Starting a dual-member Florida LLC

I'm going to open in Florida LLC. I will own 51% through another Florida LLC that I own, and my partner will own 49% through a Florida LLC that he owns. My question is, will our personal names be made public even though we own our shares through other LLC's?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 13, 2024

Annual reports are to be filed with Sunbiz ( https://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/ByName). These reports may require names and addresses of the registered agents and other company officers.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: How much does it cost for necessary paperwork to be able to operate a food trailer in Palm Beach Florida?

What would an attorney charge me to aquire lisence/permits for food trailer?

Jennifer Newton
Jennifer Newton
answered on Jul 15, 2024

The costs involved for the required licenses and permits can vary depending on several factors, such as specific local regulations and the type of food services you plan to offer. To provide you with an accurate estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Do I need to register my small business as a sole proprietorship if it has my legal first name in the name?

My name is Janina G., my small business name is ‘janinasdiycrafts’. I currently sell handmade goods as a hobby, I haven’t made enough money to register it as a business. (Still in the hobby tax bracket) my questions is do I need to register it as a sole proprietorship in Florida since it’s... View More

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Oct 17, 2023

There is no registration with the Florida Secretary of State's Office for a sole proprietorship. However, since you are doing business other than your own name you need to comply with Florida's Fictious Name Statute.

In Florida, Section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes requires the...
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