In Florida, non-competes may be enforced by professional service providers so long as they are reasonable in time, area, and line of business. In addition, the non-compete must also protect a “legitimate business interest,” as defined by Section 542.335 of the Florida Statutes. The statute defines legitimate business interests through […]
Professional service providers in the state of Florida find themselves in precarious legal situations often given the nature of their work. Because these companies are providing advice, consulting, or other services based an employee’s individual qualifications or relationships, there is always an opportunity for the individual to act in his […]
Many businesses require their employees to sign non-compete agreements, as a condition of their employment. In Florida, those non-compete agreements and their enforceability are governed by Section 542.335 of the Florida Statutes. As discussed more fully below, referral sources and patient and customer lists can be legitimate business interests warranting […]
Most lawyers can recite the elements for a cause of action for breach of contract. However, not as many lawyers can explain the effect of a prior material breach on a contract. This article analyzes prior material breaches and the effect on future performance of the contract. Many of the […]
The P.A., or P.L.L.C. is a corporate structure specifically designed for various licensed professionals who wish to hang their shingle and start their own practice. Fla. Stat. Ch. 621, also known as the Professional Service Corporation and Limited Liability Company Act proscribes certain benefits to those corporations and its members […]
As my high school baseball coach used to say, “proper preparation prevents poor performance.” The saying is equally applicable in preparing for any deposition. Litigation often involves depositions of witnesses, which can be fact witnesses, expert witnesses, as well as the parties’ corporate representatives. The focus of this article is […]
In a closely held business in which one person or a small group of people have control over the company’s voting majority, life can be made difficult for a minority owner. Often times when there is a disagreement about the business the majority owner(s) will use their majority interest in […]
Every small business contract should include a provision that states that the business is entitled to recover the maximum rate of interest permitted by law both prejudgment and postjudgment. Many contracts provide for the recovery of interest, but very few provide for the recovery of postjudgment interest at the highest […]
Corporations that want to make a profit and, at the same time, act in a socially conscious manner can incorporate as Social Purpose Corporations (“SP Corp.”) or Benefit Corporations (“B Corp.”) under Florida law. This type of structure can help steer and maintain the corporation’s goals, help with branding, and […]
Including an attorneys’ fees provision in a small business contract is vital when a small business wants to sue to enforce its contract. Without an attorneys’ fees provision, a lawsuit may become cost prohibitive for a small business. Part 1 of this Blog provided an overview of the importance of […]