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Signing a commercial lease is a significant step for any business. It’s an exciting milestone, but it also comes with serious legal and financial obligations. These contracts are often filled with complex terms, hidden costs, and obligations that could impact your business for years. Understanding what to look for—and what to negotiate—can help you secure…

Running a small business is rewarding and challenging. While entrepreneurs focus on growth and profitability, legal compliance often takes a backseat until an issue arises. Legal missteps can lead to costly penalties, lawsuits, and even business closure. As an experienced business lawyer, I have seen small business owners face significant legal challenges that could have…

It’s no secret that in Florida, many real estate agents are taught there is no need to involve a real estate lawyer.  Sometimes, real estate agents and real estate lawyers are at odds during the purchase or sale of a property. Agents want to close the deal as quickly as possible without complications, while lawyers…

As a real estate agent in the State of Florida, you have a fiduciary duty to your clients.  You must act in your client’s best interests, not your own.  You must also act with the highest standard of care. “This may include dishonesty, such as not disclosing land disputes or flood risk. Any breach of…

Commercial landlords and tenants should be aware of the tax ramifications when doing business in Florida. Florida stands apart from other states in that it subjects commercial real estate rental payments to a state sales tax and a discretionary surtax imposed by the counties where the rental properties are located. Both the sales tax and…

If you are considering opening a business in Miami-Dade and want to rent, instead of purchase, property for your business, several leasing options are available. There are three basic commercial leases available, designed around two different methods of calculating rent: gross or net. Choosing the right calculus for your business depends on the type of business you run, your monthly…

One component of net rent is the Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fee that a landlord includes in the commercial lease. CAM is considered part of the landlord’s operating expenses and overhead and often appears in commercial leases. CAM expenses usually include hallways and stairwells, elevators, lobbies, parking lots, landscaping, and any building security costs, depending on the type…

Buying or selling real estate in Florida often entails the inclusion of an “earnest” deposit, an agreed-upon amount usually placed in escrow by the buyer during the negotiating process as a sign of goodwill between the parties and an intention to complete the negotiations. Once the transaction closes successfully, the earnest deposit is often applied…

Commercial Real Estate (CRE) is a property that produces an income, whether rented or sold for a profit. It covers everything from apartments in your neighborhood to downtown office buildings and your local grocery store. According to Reonomy, Florida has just under three million commercial properties of all types. Of those, the most populated county,…

Commercial real estate investors want to turn a profit. If you have long-term goals but lack a plan for the property you want to buy or don’t consider all of the risks involved, you’ll face some roadblocks. New and experienced investors can run into issues along the way. It’s better to get all the advice…