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Florida law requires all businesses to file an annual report with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations (the “Department”). Annual reports are due between January 1 and May 1 of the year following the calendar year in which the business’ articles of organization/incorporation became effective or the foreign entity obtained a certificate of authority to transact business in this state. If annual reports are not filed, businesses could incur penalties or even worse, potential administrative dissolution of the business. Annual reports must be filed with the Department between January 1 and May 1 of each calendar year thereafter.

Electronic Filing of Annual Reports – Proceed with Caution

Continue Reading Business Owners, BEWARE: Business Identity Theft is on the Rise

Just in time for the start of the 2018 hurricane season, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched a new website, FloridaDisaster.biz, to help Florida businesses prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters.

In a recent press release published by Florida Trend Magazine, Governor Rick Scott said:

Floridians understand the importance of being prepared for disasters, especially during hurricane season. This new website will help businesses make safe and informed decisions for themselves, their employees and their customers. Every Florida business can visit FloridaDisaster.biz, make a disaster plan and stay updated as we move further into hurricane season.”

The website focuses on three main areas:
Continue Reading State Launches FloridaDisaster.Biz to Help Florida Businesses

CAK big wheelYeah, that’s me on a Big Wheel at age 6 or 7. Check out that air! Good thing there was grass for soft landing….

Recently, my law partner and I tried a temporary injunction in a complicated business dispute. When I cross-examined the opposing expert, he answered “Yes” to most of my leading questions, as…

Guest post by Bonita Springs Trust and Probate Litigation Attorney Richard Mancini:

As Clarence famously said in “It’s A Wonderful Life”:

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

Many plan for the time when their time on earth is over and plan to distribute their wealth to family and friends. Unfortunately, sometimes the plans aren’t clear or the plans forget an important aspect, which leads to fights and litigation after their passing. As we reflect back on 2016 and look to the future, it is critical to have a complete estate plan, but not just any plan.Continue Reading Reflecting on Trust and Probate Law with Richard Mancini

Have you ever received a letter from a shareholder in your business demanding an inspection of the books and records of the company? If you never have, count yourself lucky.

Florida Law

That’s because Florida law provides a right for any shareholder to inspect the books and records of a company. Florida Statutes section 607.1602 gives a shareholder the right to inspect various categories of company books and records. The key to evaluating a request is to determine what is being requested. Florida law defines corporate records; not everything for which a shareholder demands an inspection must be provided.Continue Reading “I demand an inspection of the books and records of the company!”

Experienced business leaders know how difficult and expensive it is to hire, train and retain good employees. It can take years of “on the job” training for an employee at any level to become master of their trade. Businesses invest thousands of hours and dollars in honing those skills and often do nothing to protect their most valuable asset, their people. You must take steps to protect your business up front; otherwise, former employees and contractors may be free to solicit your employees and customers or claim ownership or co-ownership in your intellectual property.

In over 30 years, I have received many calls from anxious clients regarding former employees. Do any of these statements sound familiar:

  • “What can I do, my office manager just took a job with another company and he/she is calling on all of my best employees/customers to jump ship?”
  • “What can I do, I assigned one of my employees to create a new marketing plan [product], he/she left and is claiming ownership.”
  • “What can I do? I hired a company to do [blank] for me, and now they’re using that same concept for my competitors.”

The Good NewsContinue Reading Protect the Business You Built: Company-Wide Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreements