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Professional Corporations (PL & PA) in Florida

1. Definition

A Professional Corporation is a special type of business entity in Florida formed specifically by licensed professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, and architects—who offer services that require a state license. In Florida, these entities are designated as either “P.A.” (Professional Association) or “P.L.” (Professional Limited Liability Company).

These structures offer personal liability protection for business debts while still holding individual professionals accountable for their own malpractice.

2. Florida Legal Context

Florida professional corporations are governed by:

  • Chapter 621, Florida Statutes (Professional Service Corporations and LLCs)
  • General corporate law under Chapter 607 (Corporations) and Chapter 605 (LLCs)

Key legal requirements:

  • Only individuals licensed in the same profession can form and own shares or membership interests
  • Entity names must include “P.A.” for corporations or “P.L.” for professional LLCs
  • Must file Articles of Incorporation (P.A.) or Articles of Organization (P.L.) with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
  • Must maintain a Registered Agent and file an Annual Report

Examples of eligible professions:

  • Attorneys
  • Physicians
  • Dentists
  • Accountants
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Mental health professionals

3. Real-World Application

Common uses of Florida professional corporations include:

  • A law firm in Fort Lauderdale forming a P.A. to provide legal services
  • A group of licensed chiropractors forming a P.L. in Tampa
  • An architect in Orlando setting up a solo P.A. for her design practice

Each structure protects the personal assets of the owners from business debts while complying with Florida licensing and ownership laws.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Benefits of forming a P.A. or P.L. in Florida:

  • Limited liability for business debts and obligations
  • Professional compliance with state licensing boards
  • Separate legal identity for your practice
  • Tax planning opportunities, including S-Corp election (if eligible)

Important limitations:

  • Only licensed professionals can be shareholders or members
  • You remain personally liable for your own malpractice
  • Formal structure requires ongoing compliance, governance, and filings

Operating without a proper professional entity may violate licensing rules or expose you to unnecessary legal risk.

5. How Our Law Firm Can Help

We help licensed professionals establish legally compliant and liability-conscious business structures:

  • Form and file P.A. or P.L. documents with Sunbiz
  • Draft Operating Agreements (P.L.) or Bylaws (P.A.)
  • Advise on S-Corp election, taxation, and ownership structuring
  • Ensure licensing compliance with Florida regulatory boards
  • Assist with multi-member professional practices or group buy-ins

Flat-Fee Retainers – Transparent pricing for entity formation. 1-Hour Strategy Consultations – For new and existing professionals seeking legal structuring. 3-Hour Master Strategy Sessions – Strategic planning for firms with multiple licensed members, buyout plans, and profit-sharing structures. BELAW Membership – Ongoing legal support for your practice: contracts, compliance, employment matters, and more.

6. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I form a P.A. or P.L. with someone in a different profession? A: No. Florida law requires all shareholders or members to be licensed in the same profession.

Q: Can I choose between a P.A. and a P.L.? A: Yes. Both are valid options. The decision often depends on whether you prefer a corporate or LLC structure. We help you choose based on your goals.

Q: Does forming a P.A. or P.L. protect me from malpractice claims? A: No. You are still personally liable for your own malpractice, but the entity protects you from liability for business debts and the malpractice of other members.

Q: Can I elect S-Corp status for a P.A. or P.L.? A: Yes, if eligibility criteria are met. This can provide tax savings. We guide you through the process.

Q: Do I need to maintain annual filings and records? A: Yes. Professional entities must file Annual Reports and follow governance requirements like any Florida LLC or corporation.

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.