Website Privacy Policies & Terms in Florida

2. Florida Legal Context

While Florida does not yet have a standalone state privacy law (like California’s CCPA), businesses operating online in Florida must comply with:

• Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA, Ch. 501, Fla. Stat.) – prohibits misleading or unfair online practices.
• Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA, Fla. Stat. §501.171) – requires businesses to secure personal information and notify customers of data breaches.
• Federal laws:
  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – applies if collecting data from children under 13.
  • FTC Act – prohibits deceptive or unfair statements about how data is used.
• E-commerce rules: Contracts made online are enforceable in Florida if clear and properly presented.

A properly drafted Privacy Policy and Terms of Service protect your business against lawsuits, chargebacks, and regulatory enforcement.

3. Real-World Application

Examples of Florida businesses using website terms:

• A Tampa e-commerce shop posts a Privacy Policy explaining how customer emails and payment data are stored securely.
• An Orlando fitness coach’s website includes Terms of Service with disclaimers limiting liability for online training videos.
• A Miami tech startup adds an arbitration clause in its Terms to control how disputes are resolved.

4. Why It Matters for Business Owners

Without Privacy Policies and Terms, online businesses are exposed to significant risks.

Why it matters:

• Legal compliance: Avoids violations of federal and state consumer protection laws.
• Limits liability: Terms can include disclaimers, warranties, and liability limits.
• Protects IP: Terms safeguard your website content, logos, and brand from misuse.
• Manages disputes: Arbitration or jurisdiction clauses control where and how disputes are resolved.
• Customer trust: Transparency about data builds credibility and repeat business.

Common mistakes in Florida:

• Copying generic policies that don’t comply with Florida law.
• Failing to disclose third-party data sharing (such as Google Analytics or Meta Pixel).
• Omitting refund, return, or cancellation policies.
• Not updating policies after adding new features, products, or apps.

5. Real-World Florida Examples

• A Sarasota online boutique faced customer complaints after failing to disclose its no-refund policy—updated Terms resolved the issue.
• A Jacksonville tech company avoided penalties by updating its Privacy Policy to meet FIPA breach notification requirements.
• A Fort Lauderdale blogger protected her brand by including copyright and DMCA takedown language in her Terms of Service.

6. How Our Law Firm Can Help

At Black Rock Trial Lawyers, we draft and review Privacy Policies and Terms that are tailored to your Florida business. We provide:

• Custom Privacy Policies that comply with FIPA, FDUTPA, and federal privacy rules
• Terms of Service with disclaimers, refund policies, and dispute resolution clauses
• E-commerce contract protections for online sales, subscriptions, or memberships
• Updates to reflect changes in law, business operations, or technology
• Guidance on data breach obligations under Florida law
• Protection of intellectual property and digital assets

We don’t use cookie-cutter templates—we build agreements that actually protect your business.

7. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Are Privacy Policies legally required in Florida?
A: Yes, if you collect personal information (names, emails, payment data, etc.), a Privacy Policy is required under federal and state law.

Q: Do Terms of Service need to be posted online?
A: Yes. They must be clearly displayed and accepted (often via a “click-wrap” checkbox) to be enforceable.

Q: Can I copy Terms or Privacy Policies from another website?
A: No. They may not comply with Florida law and can leave your business exposed to lawsuits or regulatory penalties.

Q: Do I need a Privacy Policy if I only collect emails for a newsletter?
A: Yes. Even collecting basic personal data requires disclosure under Florida and federal law.

Q: Why should I have a lawyer draft these policies?
A: Templates miss critical protections. A lawyer ensures your policies comply with law, match your operations, and limit liability.

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.