Florida General Partnerships

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida general partnerships are governed by the Florida Revised Uniform Partnership Act (Chapter 620, Florida Statutes).

Key legal aspects:

• No state filing is required to form a general partnership unless you choose to register it with Sunbiz for public record
• If operating under a business name that doesn’t include the partners’ legal names, you must file a Fictitious Name Registration with Sunbiz
• All partners have equal rights and responsibilities unless modified by a written Partnership Agreement

Each partner is personally liable for the business’s debts, lawsuits, and other obligations—even those incurred by another partner acting on behalf of the partnership

3. Real-World Application

General partnerships are commonly used in Florida by:

• Professionals like consultants, designers, or contractors working together
• Friends or family launching a local business without formalizing an LLC or corporation
• Business ventures seeking simplicity and minimal formation costs

For example, two chefs in Orlando who jointly open a catering business without filing any formal entity documents have likely created a general partnership under Florida law—even if they didn’t realize it.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Benefits of a general partnership:

• Simple and low-cost to create
• Shared responsibility and resources
• Pass-through taxation – profits and losses are reported on each partner’s personal tax return

Risks include:

• Unlimited personal liability for each partner
• Risk of disagreements or disputes without a written agreement
• No legal separation between business and personal assets

Many Florida entrepreneurs start with a handshake agreement and later face legal or financial issues. A well-drafted Partnership Agreement is critical to avoid misunderstandings.

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We help Florida partners establish and protect their business relationships from day one:

• Draft and negotiate a comprehensive Partnership Agreement
• File a Fictitious Name Registration with Sunbiz (if needed)
• Advise on profit-sharing arrangements, exit strategies, and partner roles
• Help you transition to a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or LLC for liability protection if your business grows

Flat-Fee Retainers – Affordable startup legal support. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – Get clarity on how to structure your partnership. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – For partners who want to plan roles, responsibilities, contingencies, and long-term goals. BELAW Membership – Keep our legal team on call for contract reviews, business disputes, and ongoing compliance.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to register a general partnership in Florida? A: No formal registration is required, but you must file a Fictitious Name Registration if you’re using a business name that doesn’t include the legal names of all partners.

Q: Do general partnerships offer liability protection? A: No. All partners are personally liable for business debts and legal claims. This is a major reason why many businesses later convert to an LLC or LLP.

Q: Can one partner bind the others to contracts or debts? A: Yes. In a general partnership, any partner can legally bind the business—and all partners—to contracts, loans, or obligations.

Q: How do I protect myself in a general partnership? A: Use a written Partnership Agreement to clarify responsibilities and reduce risks. Consider forming an LLC or LLP to limit personal liability.

Q: What’s the difference between a general partnership and an LLP? A: An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) offers some liability protection, while a general partnership does not. We can help you decide which is better for your goals.

7. How to Retain Our Law Firm

We offer multiple access points tailored to your needs:

• Flat-Fee Retainers: Set pricing based on project scope (quoted after your consultation)
• 1-Hour Strategy Consultations: A high-impact session to assess your issues, answer questions, and develop a legal roadmap. Pricing starts at $500.00.
• 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions: A deep dive analysis with detailed, actionable solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program (Read below)

All services are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.

8. Flagship Product: BELAW – Business + Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program

Our flagship service is the BELAW Membership – Business & Entrepreneurship Law Advisor Program. This is an exclusive, members-only, 12-month ON-DEMAND legal and business support program at a predictable flat monthly fee, tailored to each business client—regardless of company size.

BELAW is open to business owners, entrepreneurs, for-profit companies, non-profits, and foreign investors. Our members range from startups and nonprofits to established businesses.

At the core of BELAW is our P.O.N.C.E. methodology, developed by Attorney Gil Sanchez, to help businesses not just stay protected—but grow strategically.

What you get with BELAW:

• On demand strategic legal consultations with Attorney Gil Sanchez
• Document review and compliance audits
• Guidance on contracts, leasing, employment, and liability
• Drafting Collection Notices, Cease & Desist Letters and Confidentiality Agreements
• Proactive legal support to mitigate lawsuits and reduce risk exposure
• Strategic input on revenue-generating decisions like expansion, licensing, and joint ventures
• Entrepreneur coaching and a growing library of business education resources
• Litigation retainer and hourly rate discounts

We’re available when you need us—on demand, without hourly billing.

We make it easy to get started:

• Call or text us at (813) 254-1777
• Or fill out the secure contact form below

A member of our team will respond promptly to schedule your consultation.

9. How to Contact Our Law Firm to Retain

We make it easy for you to retain us:

• Call or text: (813) 254-1777
• Email: info@blackrocklaw.com
• Or submit your request using the form below

Our team will promptly follow up to confirm availability and next steps.

10. Who You Are Hiring

When you hire our firm, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re securing the insight, grit, and expertise of Attorney Gil Sanchez.

A proud double Gator, Gil earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida — one of the top public universities in the country. Since 2004, he has built a reputation as a formidable business and trial attorney, successfully trying cases before juries in both Florida state and federal courts.

Gil’s legal practice is deeply informed by real-life experience. He launched his first business at age 13 and has continued to build, lead, and advise companies ever since. He’s a licensed business broker (since 2007), an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at St. Petersburg College, and a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners across Florida.

He’s also an inventor, author, and public speaker — holding a U.S. utility patent and federal trademark. His invention was featured in TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023, and his legal insights have appeared on CNN, ABC’s 20/20, and other national platforms. Raised by Colombian parents in West Virginia and fluent in Spanish, Gil brings cultural fluency, resilience, and a fighter’s mindset to every client matter.

Above all, Gil is a devoted family man — happily married and the proud father of three beautiful children. His commitment to family shapes the way he practices law: with empathy, integrity, and a relentless drive to protect what matters most.

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, you’re not just getting a legal technician — you’re hiring a battle-tested strategist who understands both the courtroom and the real world. That’s who’s fighting for you.

11. The Law Firm’s Geographical Reach

We proudly represent businesses across all counties in Florida. With the power of virtual consultations, online filings, and remote court access, we can support your legal needs anywhere in Florida—without compromising service quality.

Our main office is in South Tampa, Florida, with a satellite office in South Florida – Miramar, Florida.

From Miami to Jacksonville, Pensacola to Key West—Black Rock Trial Lawyers is here to help Florida businesses thrive.

12. Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as legal advice. Every individual and business matter involves unique facts and circumstances that must be carefully evaluated. Additionally, Florida laws, including statutes and case law, are subject to frequent changes, and the information presented here may not reflect the most current legal developments. For a formal legal opinion or advice specific to your situation, you must consult directly with an attorney at our firm. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this site or by contacting our office through this website.