Orlando Business Lawyer

We currently live in a day and age where just about anyone can launch a successful business if the services or products fill an existing need. As entrepreneurs and experienced Orlando Florida business lawyers, we understand what it takes to start and manage a lucrative business venture. Whether you are a new startup or your business has been around for years, an Orlando business law firm is a beneficial addition to your business resources. Attorneys who specialize in business law have extensive experience and knowledge in this area of law, which governs the various procedures and regulations for forming and managing a business. 

We will begin by discussing the various ways our experienced Orlando business law firm can help you and your business.  

Launching A New Business

Starting a business in Orlando typically begins with an idea for a product or service that you would like to offer the public. In order to operate your business legally, you will first need to take the appropriate steps to register the business with the appropriate local jurisdiction. This can be accomplished by filing the necessary documents with the appropriate state or county agency after you decide which operating structure best fits your business. Below, we outline some of the various structuring options available:

Corporation - a business that exists separately from the people who own or control it, which in turn provides the owners with limited liability. The business can independently enter into contracts, pay taxes, and conduct regular business proceedings.

Limited Liability Company (“LLC”) – a LLC is similar to a corporation except that business owners do not have to comply with some of the requirements mandated by corporations, such as stockholder or management meetings.

Partnership – a partnership exists when more than one person owns the business and each person benefits from the profits, and suffers from the losses of the business. This business structure mandates that the partners provide an agreed upon contribution to the partnership, either by monies or some other agreed upon investment. A partnership can be general or limited, with each structure having its own limitations and requirements.

Sole Proprietorship – a sole proprietorship limits ownership to one person and there is no distinction between the owner and the business, which can render the individual legally liable for claims made against the business. If you intend to form a sole proprietorship, the business name must be your legal name, or you will be required to file a fictitious name registration, which encompasses its own separate filing process.

As outlined above, there are various structure options to consider when starting a business. Our Orlando Florida business lawyers are knowledgeable in the advantages and disadvantages of each business structure, and can work with you to determine which option is the best fit for your business. We can also assist you in the ensuing registration process. Depending on your chosen business structure, you may need various Operating or Partnership Agreements in place to outline the rights and responsibilities of the business owner(s) – our Orlando business law firm can prepare these documents and advise you on issues that typically arise during the preparation of these documents.

Once your business is up and running, you might consider filing a Trademark or Copyright to protect the intellectual property of the business, such as the business name or logo. Our local Florida business lawyers are also experienced in intellectual property matters and can evaluate the potential for a Trademark or Copyright application, and then help you navigate through the registration process.

Buying An Existing Business

Not all business owners start by building from the ground up. Occasionally, an entrepreneur or investor comes across a lucrative business opportunity. Sometimes the business is successful, and sometimes it needs funds or new management to turn things around. Purchasing an existing business requires substantial due diligence on behalf of the potential new owner, and that is where our experienced business law attorneys become a pivotal asset. Our Orlando business law firm will help you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the purchase, including a thorough review of the financials and any potential pending claims against the business or current owner. Our business law attorneys in Orlando, Florida will review existing employment contracts and vendor agreements, if applicable, and advise you on any changes we think may be beneficial to your operation. Since issues are bound to arise as the business grows, we can, at your request, continue to provide legal counsel as the need occurs.

Managing Your Business

There are various components to operating a successful business. Depending on the services or products you offer, you might have to consider staffing issues, vendor relationships, overseeing day-to-day operations, and larger stressors such as protecting yourself and your business from legal claims. Perhaps you are vetting multiple vendors and have concerns regarding contractual nuances; you might be considering hiring an independent contractor but you have questions about trade secrets and noncompete clauses; your internal employee policies and operational handbooks may need to be updated for compliance purposes; our business law attorneys can handle these matters and more.

Closing Or Selling An Existing Business

During your tenure as a business owner, an occasion might arise in which it makes sense to sell or close your business. Ideally, you will be in a position to sell your business and walk away with a profit. Sometimes, however, the decision to close the doors is the only viable option. In either scenario, consulting with a local Orlando area business law attorney can provide you with valuable insight into your potential options.  

Our firm is comprised of knowledgeable business law attorneys whose experience spans well over five decades. Our attorneys are well-versed in the vast expanse of corporate formation and operating procedures, as well as the preparation of employment and vendor agreements. If your new or existing business has a web presence, it is important that you have up-to-date terms and policies included on your website – we can help you with that too. Thinking about buying or selling a business? Let our Orlando business law firm assist you in the process and fully vet the transaction. Have you made the difficult decision to cease operations? 

Let us help you navigate the next steps. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you through any stage of the business life cycle.

If you are an existing business owner, or have an idea for a startup, please contact us today to see how our business law firm might be a valuable asset to you.