Federal Law Compliance Overview

2. Florida Legal Context

Even though your business is based in Florida, federal law still applies. Key federal agencies and laws impacting businesses include:

• IRS (Internal Revenue Service) – federal income tax, payroll tax, and employer reporting.
• OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) – workplace health and safety rules.
• EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) – anti-discrimination in hiring and employment.
• FTC (Federal Trade Commission) – advertising, marketing, and consumer protection rules.
• SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) – securities laws for businesses raising capital.
• FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) – federal minimum wage, overtime, and employee classification.

Florida businesses must comply with these federal rules in addition to state laws. Failure to do so may result in audits, civil penalties, or even criminal liability.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of federal compliance for Florida businesses:

• A Tampa restaurant files federal payroll taxes with the IRS while also paying state reemployment taxes.
• A Miami construction company complies with OSHA job site safety standards while maintaining state contractor licenses.
• An Orlando e-commerce store follows FTC rules on online advertising and truthful product labeling.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Ignoring federal compliance can cost your business dearly.

Why it matters:

• Avoid penalties: Federal fines can range from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on violations.
• Protect employees: Compliance with federal labor laws reduces risk of lawsuits.
• Consumer trust: FTC and SEC compliance protects your brand’s reputation.
• Business continuity: Federal compliance is often required to secure contracts, financing, or insurance.

Common mistakes Florida business owners make:

• Failing to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
• Misclassifying workers as independent contractors instead of employees.
• Ignoring federal advertising disclosure rules in online marketing.
• Assuming state compliance automatically satisfies federal obligations.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota retailer was fined by the IRS for late payroll tax filings despite being up to date with Florida state taxes.
• A Jacksonville manufacturer avoided OSHA fines by adopting a workplace safety program ahead of a federal inspection.
• A Fort Lauderdale startup secured venture funding because it demonstrated SEC and FTC compliance in its investor documents.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we help Florida businesses manage compliance with federal regulations. We provide:

• Guidance on Department of Labor requirements
• Employee handbook and HR policy reviews for EEOC and FLSA compliance
• FTC advertising and consumer protection audits
• Workplace safety reviews for OSHA compliance
• SEC compliance support for businesses raising capital
• Representation in federal investigations, audits, or disputes

We bridge the gap between Florida state rules and federal requirements—keeping your business fully compliant.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do all businesses in Florida need to comply with federal law?
A: Yes. Federal compliance applies to all businesses, regardless of size or industry.

Q: What’s the difference between state and federal compliance?
A: State law governs Florida-specific requirements (Sunbiz filings, sales tax, DBPR licenses). Federal law governs nationwide rules (IRS, OSHA, FTC, EEOC, etc.).

Q: Can I be penalized at both state and federal levels?
A: Yes. Businesses often face enforcement from both state and federal agencies simultaneously.

Q: Who enforces federal compliance?
A: Agencies such as the IRS, DOL, OSHA, EEOC, FTC, and SEC.

Q: Why hire a lawyer for federal compliance?
A: A lawyer ensures your policies, filings, and operations meet both state and federal requirements—protecting you from costly mistakes.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.