Representing a Foreign Investor or Entrepreneur in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

Foreign investors must navigate both U.S. federal law and Florida state law when doing business:

• Entity Formation
  • Governed by the Florida Revised LLC Act (Ch. 605, Fla. Stat.) and Florida Business Corporation Act (Ch. 607, Fla. Stat.).
  • Foreign investors can form LLCs, corporations, or partnerships in Florida even without U.S. residency.
• Federal Compliance
  • IRS requirements for obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
  • Tax reporting obligations for foreign-owned U.S. entities.
• State Compliance
  • Filing with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
  • Maintaining annual reports and registered agents.
• Other Considerations
  • U.S. banking laws for opening corporate accounts.
  • Intellectual property protection (state and federal trademarks).
  • Immigration/business visas (E-2, L-1, EB-5), typically handled by specialized immigration counsel (to whom referrals can be made).

3. Real-World Application

Examples of how Florida law firms represent international entrepreneurs:

• A European investor forms a Florida LLC to purchase and manage commercial real estate.
• A Latin American entrepreneur establishes a restaurant franchise in Miami with trademark protections.
• An Asian tech startup incorporates in Florida and licenses software nationwide.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Investing in the U.S. market offers huge opportunities, but mistakes in setup or compliance can be costly.

Why it matters:

• Legal protection: Proper structuring shields personal assets and ensures compliance.
• Efficiency: Experienced counsel streamlines filings and contract drafting.
• Risk management: Prevents exposure to lawsuits, tax penalties, or regulatory problems.
• Market entry: Skilled representation helps avoid cultural and legal missteps.

Common mistakes foreign investors make in Florida:

• Believing they must be U.S. citizens to form a company (they don’t).
• Using generic online templates instead of customized legal documents.
• Ignoring Florida’s requirement for annual reports and registered agents.
• Mixing personal and business finances, jeopardizing liability protections.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota hotel investment group from Europe successfully established a Florida corporation and protected its brand with U.S. trademarks.
• A Jacksonville shipping business owned by South American investors expanded seamlessly after legal guidance on Sunbiz compliance and contract drafting.
• A Fort Lauderdale real estate entrepreneur avoided IRS penalties by structuring ownership through a properly formed Florida LLC.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we provide full legal support for international entrepreneurs entering Florida’s market. Our services include:

• Forming LLCs, corporations, or partnerships tailored to foreign ownership
• Filing and maintaining corporate compliance with Sunbiz and IRS
• Drafting contracts, partnership agreements, and shareholder agreements
• Advising on Florida real estate and business acquisitions
• Protecting brands through trademark registration (state and federal)
• Coordinating with trusted immigration and tax attorneys when required

We bridge the gap for foreign investors — making Florida business entry seamless and legally sound.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a business in Florida?
A: No. Foreign nationals can form and own Florida LLCs or corporations.

Q: Do I need to live in Florida to operate a company here?
A: No, but you must maintain a Florida registered agent and comply with annual filings.

Q: What is the best structure for a foreign-owned business?
A: Often an LLC, but it depends on your goals, tax obligations, and whether you plan to seek investors.

Q: Can a foreign investor open a U.S. bank account?
A: Yes, but banks require EINs and compliance with U.S. banking regulations.

Q: Why hire Black Rock Trial Lawyers?
A: We simplify the process, ensure compliance, and protect your investment while connecting you with trusted advisors for immigration or tax-specific issues.

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.