Doing Business in the USA: What Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs Need to Know

2. Florida Legal Context

Federal Law

• Covers areas like immigration, intellectual property, antitrust, securities, and international trade.
• Applies uniformly across all 50 states.
• Example: U.S. federal trademark law protects a brand nationwide.

State Law

• Governs business formation, contracts, employment, property, and many commercial disputes.
• Each state has its own statutes, regulations, and court systems.
• Example: Florida has its own Revised LLC Act and Business Corporation Act, which differ from Delaware’s corporate statutes.

Key Distinction: Federal law sets nationwide standards, but state law dictates how a business is created, operated, and dissolved.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of how laws differ across states:

• A foreign investor forming a corporation in Delaware benefits from its well-established corporate court system.
• A real estate investor in Florida must comply with Florida-specific property, landlord-tenant, and licensing laws.
• A tech startup in California faces stricter employment and privacy laws than in Texas or Florida.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Understanding federal vs. state distinctions is critical for compliance and success.

Why it matters:

• Entity formation: LLC or corporation rules differ by state.
• Taxation: Some states (like Florida, Texas, and Nevada) have no state income tax, while others (like New York and California) impose higher taxes.
• Employment laws: Hiring rules, wage laws, and non-compete enforceability vary dramatically.
• Contracts: State law governs contract interpretation and litigation.
• Litigation risk: A lawsuit in Florida may look very different from one in New York or California.

Common mistakes international businesses make:

• Assuming one set of U.S. laws applies everywhere.
• Registering in the wrong state without considering tax and compliance impacts.
• Ignoring federal regulations that apply regardless of state.
• Not aligning contracts with the correct state law and jurisdiction.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A European investor chose Delaware for incorporation but operated in Florida — requiring foreign qualification with the Florida Division of Corporations.
• A Latin American entrepreneur entered Florida’s real estate market and had to comply with Florida’s property and licensing laws while still observing federal tax rules.
• An Asian technology company opened a California subsidiary and faced strict employee classification laws compared to Florida’s more flexible rules.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we represent international investors and entrepreneurs across industries. We provide:

• Guidance on federal vs. state compliance for U.S. businesses
• Advising on entity formation and state selection (Florida, Delaware, or others)
• Drafting contracts tailored to the correct jurisdiction and governing law
• Coordinating with tax and immigration counsel for comprehensive compliance
• Representing clients in Florida business disputes and litigation

We ensure your business entry into the U.S. is legally compliant and strategically structured.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Should I incorporate in Delaware or Florida?
A: Delaware offers corporate-friendly laws and courts, but Florida may be better if you primarily operate here. Each situation is unique.

Q: Do I need to comply with both federal and state laws?
A: Yes. Federal laws apply nationwide, and each state has its own rules for business operations.

Q: Can my Florida LLC do business in other states?
A: Yes, but you may need to register as a “foreign entity” in each state where you operate.

Q: Do employment laws differ by state?
A: Absolutely. Wage, non-compete, and workplace rules vary widely.

Q: Why hire a Florida law firm for doing business in the U.S.?
A: We help you navigate both Florida and federal law while coordinating compliance across states where needed.

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.