How to Do Business in Florida as a Foreign Investor or Entrepreneur

2. Florida Legal Context

Foreign entrepreneurs must comply with both federal law and Florida state law when doing business. Key areas include:

• Entity Formation
  • Governed by the Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605, Fla. Stat.) and the Florida Business Corporation Act (Ch. 607, Fla. Stat.).
  • Foreign investors can form LLCs or corporations even without U.S. residency.
• Registration
  • Must register with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
  • Must appoint a Florida registered agent.
  • Annual reports are required to maintain “active” status.
• Federal Compliance
  • Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
  • Comply with federal tax reporting obligations for foreign-owned entities.
• Contracts and Licensing
  • Florida business contracts are enforceable under state law, but must be drafted to avoid ambiguities.
  • Some industries (restaurants, real estate, healthcare, construction) require state or local licenses.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of international entrepreneurs doing business in Florida:

• A European investor forms an LLC in Miami to acquire real estate rental properties.
• A Latin American entrepreneur establishes a logistics company in Jacksonville to serve Caribbean trade routes.
• An Asian software company incorporates in Orlando to expand operations in the U.S. market.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Florida is a prime gateway for international business, but its legal system is complex.

Why it matters:

• Asset protection: LLCs and corporations shield owners from personal liability.
• Compliance: Proper filings avoid fines, dissolution, or lawsuits.
• Access to markets: Florida offers entry into U.S. and Latin American economies.
• Investor credibility: A properly structured U.S. entity reassures customers, partners, and banks.

Common mistakes foreign investors make:

• Believing they must be U.S. citizens to own a Florida business (false).
• Failing to file annual Sunbiz reports, resulting in administrative dissolution.
• Using boilerplate contracts that don’t comply with Florida law.
• Mixing personal and company finances, undermining liability protections.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota restaurant investment group from Europe successfully launched a chain after obtaining proper food service and liquor licenses.
• A Jacksonville freight company owned by South American investors thrived after complying with Sunbiz requirements and hiring local employees under Florida labor laws.
• A Fort Lauderdale retail group avoided tax penalties by setting up a U.S. entity with an EIN and keeping business finances separate from personal accounts.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we represent international clients doing business in Florida. Our services include:

• Advising on the best business structure (LLC, corporation, partnership)
• Filing with Sunbiz and maintaining compliance with annual reports
• Drafting enforceable contracts under Florida law
• Counseling on licensing requirements and industry-specific regulations
• Protecting intellectual property with state and federal trademarks
• Coordinating with trusted immigration and tax professionals as needed

We simplify the process and protect your investment from costly legal missteps.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. resident to own a Florida business?
A: No. Foreign nationals may form and own Florida businesses.

Q: Can I run my business remotely from outside the U.S.?
A: Yes, but you must maintain a Florida registered agent and comply with filings.

Q: What taxes apply to foreign-owned businesses in Florida?
A: Florida has no state income tax, but federal corporate and withholding taxes apply.

Q: Can I open a U.S. bank account for my Florida company?
A: Yes, but you will need an EIN and compliance with U.S. banking regulations.

Q: Why hire Black Rock Trial Lawyers?
A: We ensure your company complies with Florida and federal law, protect your contracts, and safeguard your investment while connecting you with trusted tax and immigration advisors.

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.