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Focus on Florida

  1. Applying Sales Tax on Internet Transactions in Florida

    While the 2011 Republican leadership in the Legislature will not pass any measure that can be characterized as a tax increase or anti-business, one proposal whose time may come and does have growing support from the retail business community is for Florida to take steps to impose the sales and use tax on transactions consummated over the Internet.

    by Matthew J. Feil, January 05, 2011
  2. Ten “Techy” New Years Resolutions Every Company Should Make in 2011

    The New Year is a time for celebration and to reflect on the past year, as well as a time for resolutions, new budgets, plans and corporate goals. As you plan for 2011, don’t forget that just like you increasingly rely on tech and IP in your everyday life, companies increasingly rely on their trade secrets, email services, hosted solutions, websites, enterprise software, technology services and loyal employees.

    by Gaida Zirkelbach, December 29, 2010
  3. Another Split Decision in the Battle for Insurance Coverage For Chinese Drywall Losses

    On December 16, the federal court in Louisiana overseeing the Chinese Drywall Multi-District Litigation (“MDL”) issued an order dismissing homeowner claims for first-party insurance coverage due to damage caused to their homes by defective Chinese drywall.

    by Robert Friedman, December 22, 2010
  4. Insurance Coverage May Cover Madoff Clawback Settlement Payments

    This past Saturday, December 11 was the deadline for Irving Picard, the Madoff trustee, to file fraudulent transfer (“clawback”) lawsuits against Madoff net winners. Several high profile individuals, including Carl Shapiro and Robert Jaffe, recently settled the claims against them.

    by Robert Friedman, December 16, 2010
  5. Will Congress authorize internet poker before the end of the year?

    As the clock winds down on the 111th Congress, proponents of legal Internet poker are eyeing a last-minute chance to pass a bill creating a licensing system for legal online poker forums. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), while previously opposed to efforts to legalize Internet gaming, has circulated a draft bill that seeks to legalize and tax the industry which is estimated to include 15 million paying American customers.

    by John Lockwood, December 08, 2010
  6. Banks are Slower to Recover Because of Real Estate Dependence

    A recent article by Wayne Tompkins in the Daily Business Review states that ‘South Florida’s dependence on real estate is keeping both its banks and its economy bogged down even as the banking industry nationwide is showing measurable signs of recovery.’

    by Greg Bader, December 02, 2010
  7. Understanding the Different Types of Florida “Homestead” Exemptions

    Given the current income and estate tax environment in other states, relocations to Florida are increasing significantly these days thanks to its tax-friendly reputation. Many view Florida as a “debtor-friendly” state, but it’s not as easy as it seems as the devil can be in the details!

    by Lisa A. Schneider, November 24, 2010
  8. Important New Chinese Drywall Decision Impacts the Liability of Homebuilders and Insurers

    Fifteenth Circuit Court Judge Glenn D. Kelley issued a decision on November 5 which limits the liability of the home builders who installed the problematic drywall, commonly known as Chinese Drywall.

    by Robert Friedman, November 18, 2010
  9. Historic Deal Means Better Everglades Restoration

    After nearly three years of economic hurdles and legal negotiating, the United States Sugar Corporation (U.S. Sugar) closed on the sale of 26,791 acres to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) for $197, 398, 372.08.

    by Boardroom Brief, November 10, 2010
  10. Florida’s Election System Has Come A Long Way, Almost Full Circle

    On Tuesday, Floridians took to the polls to elect a new U.S. Senator, Governor, Attorney General and numerous local representatives. At the end of the day as the votes were tallied, the scene unfolded much differently than one we experienced ten years ago.

    by Joe Negron, November 04, 2010
  11. H. Wayne Huizenga—Changing the Face of South Florida

    On Friday, October 29th, the City of Fort Lauderdale celebrated their 100th birthday with an event honoring H. Wayne Huizenga as Man of the Centennial. As one of the most influential business leaders of our generation, and as a man who has helped shape the City of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida in many ways, we can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.

    by Bill Perry, October 28, 2010
  12. Build It and They Will Come—Bioscience in Florida is Prospering

    No statement describes the theme of Florida’s bioscience vision better than “Build it, and they will come.” Over the past decade, officials from the state have worked alongside local community and business leaders to relocate international bioscience centers to Florida and provide support for home grown life science facilities.

    by Kevin M. Levy, October 20, 2010
  13. Water Quality in Florida – An Insurmountable Obstacle or A Hidden Opportunity?

    Water Quality in Florida has become a national focus. In November, the federal government proposes to adopt water quality rules for Florida that are the first of their kind in the nation. These rules, called “numeric nutrient criteria” will regulate nutrients in Florida’s waters to new and more stringent levels.

    by Luna Phillips Esq., October 14, 2010
  14. The Burger King Buyout – How Will It Impact South Florida?

    Burger King, the second largest operator of fast food hamburger restaurants in the world, was recently sold to a private equity firm for approximately $3.3 billion. While this deal is still subject to some approvals and contingencies, observers believe that it will be consummated during the fourth quarter of this year.

    by Robert C. White Jr., October 06, 2010
  15. U.S. Financial Institutions Corresponding with Foreign Banks May Be Under Scrutiny Under New Regulation

    U.S. financial institutions that maintain correspondent accounts of foreign banks may be soon be required by the U.S. government to certify to the Secretary of the Treasury that their foreign bank customers are not facilitating Iran’s nuclear weapon proliferation program or Iranian activities linked to terrorism. U.S. financial institutions might even be required to “audit” foreign bank customers in order to be able to make such certification.

    by Clemente L. Vazquez-Bello, September 29, 2010
  16. South Florida’s Water: Are We Down to the Last Drop?

    Living in south Florida, we have water all around us, yet we face some of the most complex and difficult water resources issues in the country. Why? Because we are an area of feast or famine.

    by Luna Phillips Esq., September 21, 2010
  17. Women in Leadership Roles: Will the Gender Gap Ever Narrow?

    Is the success of these executives rising through the ranks in historically male dominated businesses, consistent with what we’re seeing for women pursuing leadership roles throughout the corporate world? The answer reflected in the following statistics is unequivocal….no.

    by Linda Conahan Esq., September 16, 2010
  18. Federal Contractors Beware!

    Most companies that hold federal contracts are aware that in accepting government funds, the company must assume certain affirmative action obligations. Many of these companies, however, are not aware of the government’s renewed focus on compliance with these obligations.

    by Tanya Reed, September 14, 2010
  19. Prepare for the Worst: Commercial Property Owners Can Act Now to Avoid Insurance Problems Later

    Nobody can predict when the next hurricane will hit South Florida, but there is no reason to wait for a storm to brew to get your business ready to weather the financial consequences of a catastrophic event.

    by Robert Friedman, September 08, 2010
  20. Florida Insights by Bill Perry

    As Florida’s Law Firm for Business, Gunster advises many Florida businesses on their employment issues. However, once in a while, we are asked to represent a person whose legal rights have been abused. In some cases, our social conscience and morality dictate that we must take certain cases.

    by Bill Perry, September 03, 2010
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