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Florida Business Formation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: Forming a LLC in Florida to buy 2nd home, can I list condo address as the place of business before we take ownership?

We have not closed on second home condo. We want the condo to be owned by me and my wife's new LLC we are forming in Florida. On the LLC application, it asks for Place of business in Florida. Can we list the condo address as the Place of business before we technically own the condo? If we do,... View More

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Apr 23, 2021

I would initially use your first home as the place of business and then amend the Articles of Organization once you have closed on the second condo.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Identity Theft and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: How can I find an attorney that specializes in providing privacy to normal street Joes that have a w2 job & a house?

I just want to minimize my digital footprint exposed to the public by municipalities and commercial data brokers.

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Apr 14, 2021

To the best of my knowledge, no such attorneys exist.

IMO, what you want to do is not possible in this nation of laws that intentionally encourage unlimited commercial advertising with its corresponding egregious invasion of privacy coupled with complete "transparency" of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Back in 2005, how would a Florida general partnership transfer its assets when it changes to a corporation?

If a Florida general partnership incorporated in 2005 to become an S-corp, what steps would they have had to take in order to properly transfer the partnership's assets to the corporation? Is there a Florida statute regarding how this is done or are assets just automatically transferred? Does... View More

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Apr 13, 2021

You have to prepare a Bill of Sale and other transfer documents depending on the nature of the assets from the GP to the Corp. This would be the capital contribution of each partner as each partner would become a shareholder in proportionate to his or her partnership percentage. You would also... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can a partner be forced to "move on" if no partner agreement was signed?

I work at a restaurant in Florida where the GM -- we'll call him John -- is also a part owner of the establishment. Another owner -- we'll call him Chuck -- is also the owner of the building -- from whom the space is rented. And finally, another owner is the chef -- We'll call him... View More

Bruce Alexander Minnick
Bruce Alexander Minnick
answered on Mar 26, 2021

This fishy "Contracts, Business Formation and Business Law " story sounds like it was taken right out of a business law course at Santa Fe Community College; otherwise why would you--a mere observer--be interested in knowing how "John" and "Chuck" should show "Rob" the door?

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation for Florida on
Q: Can I legally work as a handyman in Florida without a license if I'm not doing contractor type work in residential homes

Because the State of Florida does not issue a handyman license for the small jobs that I'm trying to do there is no license form such as caulking windows Doors lawn maintenance fence repair kitchen cabinets and so forth being that the state does not issue handyman license is can I legally work... View More

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Mar 19, 2021

Yes are correct but you may need a business (occupational( license in the county in which you do business. If you do business other than the name of your LLC you will have to comply with Florida's Fictitious Name Statute set for in Section 865.09 F.S.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I had a LLC administratively dissolve in 2015. Can I create a new LLC with the same name instead of reinstatement?

No business was conducted from 2015-present under that name. No outstanding debts or contracts either. The name is really the only asset, but I don't want to pay $1000+ in fees. The name of the expired LLC is still available.

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Feb 20, 2021

Yes you can.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: My business was vandalized by another bussiness. I am suing for fraud.
Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Jan 21, 2021

Fraud would not be the appropriate cause of action based on these facts. However, there may be other causes of action including trespass. Please contact me to discuss further.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Banking and Business Formation for Florida on
Q: TLDR; If something is bought with stolen money, what happens to the thing that was bought with that stolen money?

Background Context: I'm putting together a story and there's huge plot point i want to do revolving around a homeless shelter/kitchen and an orphanage both bought by this sort of robin-hood like character who steals from the rich, (cheesy, i know), and what I'm plotting is the... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 17, 2021

The "person whom the money was stolen from" would be the victim. The money, if cash, is (after possibly being used in the trial as evidence) would go back to the victim. If the money was used to purchase something, that too is seized, sold, and the proceeds perhaps returned to the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Trademark, Real Estate Law, Business Formation and Intellectual Property for Florida on
Q: I want to make an underwear line with a specific name, but the name I want to use is already trademarked. Can I use it?

It's trademarked for Real Estate agencies and Real Estate Brokerage. This is a different industry than I would be in so does it really matter?

Marcos Garciaacosta
Marcos Garciaacosta
answered on Dec 31, 2020

You should consult with an attorney to understand your risks

In general trademarks can coexists if they are in different categories that there is no chance people can get confused as of the origin of the product or service

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I am starting a clothing brand business and need to trademark a logo for my brand. How do I legally do this?
Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Dec 7, 2020

You may apply to register a trademark that does not infringe on any other trademark in use in the same or related category of goods or services. For federal registration, you may go to the USPTO website for more information. It is recommended that you work with a trademark attorney to assist you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Does a Florida single-member LLC offer personal asset protection in the event of a lawsuit?

I am a Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant (1099 Independent Contractor) in FL. I have professional liability insurance but want to make sure my personal home, retirement, savings and investment accounts are safe if I am sued. I set up a single-member LLC, but my accountant recommended to... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 3, 2020

You seem to be concerned about protecting yourself from any professional malpractice suits, which is what professional liability insurance is for. If you provide your services under an LLC, you'd need to insure both the LLC and yourself individually, and if that causes a substantial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for Florida on
Q: how can the nonprofit organization (sorority) keep the name (trademarked) when the pres/founder has been impeached

Founder/President was impeached for misappropriation of funds and possible fraud. Sorority registered in Georgia. The Sorority name is trademarked. How can we continue use the name and register the sorority in Florida with a different EIN.

Timothy John Billick
Timothy John Billick
answered on Oct 9, 2020

You're talking about two distinct issues here: Trademark law and fraud. It's a little unclear from the above hypothetical how the two are related.

Unless the fraud was somehow connected to the name itself, or if there was fraud in the registration and/or procurement of the mark,...
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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Trademark for Florida on
Q: how can the nonprofit organization (sorority) keep the name (trademarked) when the pres/founder has been impeached

Founder/President was impeached for misappropriation of funds and fraud. The organization would like to still use the sorority name but incorporate in another state. Organization registered in Georgia, would like to register the organization in Florida with a new EIN.

Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Oct 9, 2020

Depends on how the trademark is registered and whether there is another entity using the name. If the nonprofit owns the trademark, then it should be able to continue using it in Florida. My nonprofit clients in Florida typically register their marks this way. Consult with an attorney to guide you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts and Government Contracts for Florida on
Q: I want to source hvac units and resell them to licensed installers locally. Am I able to sell them legally w/o license?

I would sell them to local small businesses that do ac repair and need hvac units for their customers. I do not have a license and wanted to know if I legally needed one to be able to buy and sell hvac in FL

Keith Kanouse
Keith Kanouse
answered on Oct 7, 2020

I don't think you need a license from the Construction Industry Licensing Board but you would need an occupational license. You should also form an S corporation or LLC to protect you and have the manufacturer cover you under its product liability insurance..

2 Answers | Asked in Copyright, Products Liability, Business Formation and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Could I use a trademark name that's been abandoned since 1-8-2018?

I want to name my company " viva la vixen" but I see another company has that as their trademark name and name of their company. however the status is showing as abandoned, what do I do

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 21, 2020

If this is in Florida you apply for the name once the company has been administratively dissolved for 1 year. If you are not sure what to do you should get an attorney to help you with this process. The old company is able to reinstate their name for a fee and the late filing penalty, but not after... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can a business operate under an LLC license only?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 16, 2020

It depends upon what product or service the business sells. And, by the way, registering a LLC is not licensing; there is no such thing as a "LLC license".

Q: I have an organizing system that would complement box legend clothes organizer. I would like to sell the idea.

I would like to sell the idea to the patent owner of box legend clothes organizer.

Kevin E. Flynn
PREMIUM
Kevin E. Flynn
answered on Sep 7, 2020

Congratulations on having a good idea. You may be able to make and sell this as an aftermarket enhancement for installed systems. That is one route and a route that does not require buy-in from the BoxLegend folks. You may wish to obtain a patent so that others do not make a similar product.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: CAN I SUE THE BANK?

THEY ARE SAYING LIKE I HAVE 4 DAYS TO RESOLVE OR FUNDS ARE SEIZED FOR UP TO 2 YEARS. MONEY MISSING, AND ASKING MY BROTHERS SIGNATURE THAT HE IS THE APT LEASE HOLDER..CAN I SUE THE BANK FOR DISCRIMMINATION? THEY CAN SEE IS FROM BENEFITS FROM UNEMPLOYMENT AND MY SCHOOL. I DO FEEL DICRIMMINATED... View More

Martin George Prego
Martin George Prego
answered on Aug 17, 2020

Hello, based on the facts you described it is difficult to assess the situation. Banks under different laws, rules, and regulations have responsibilities to monitor, review, and act on customer's accounts to deter, detect, and report suspicious activities. During the review process, under... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Copyright and Trademark for Florida on
Q: Can Cosmetic Warriors remove my listing for saying Lush? Their trademark is LUSH not Lush.

Cosmetic Warriors keeps flagging all of my listings even though the title and description of my listings on Ebay specifically say my brand name, not theirs. They are complaining for using terms such as "(my company name) bath fizzies lush roses" saying it is copyright infringement.... View More

Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Aug 11, 2020

This use of the word may fall under Descriptive Fair Use of a trademark when a word is used in a descriptive manner and not as a trademark, and there is no association implied with the trademark owner.

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2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can I register for a 'Fictitious Name' & pay for the Advertisement of the use of the name in newspaper on the same day?

Can I still run the Advertising after registering for a fictitious name? I will run the Ad within the same week.

Evelyn Suero
Evelyn Suero
answered on Jul 27, 2020

In Florida, when you register a fictitious name you only have to certify that the name has already been advertised. However, publications may not place the advertisement on the same day that you submit a request for advertisement. Verify that the name has been advertised before you register.

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