As a business owner, you wear many hats. You are the CEO, the head of sales, the marketing director, and the chief problem-solver.
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and legal questions can pop up when you least expect them. Should I sign this lease for a space in Pier Park? What kind of business entity should I form? Is this contract fair?
Trying to find the right answers on your own is stressful and risky. You need a trusted advisor you can call when these questions arise.
You do not have to make these important decisions alone. At Gross Law Group, we act as the go-to legal counsel for businesses in Panama City Beach and throughout Bay County.
We are here to be your long-term partner, providing clear advice and strong action whenever a legal need arises. We’re here to support you in building and protecting your business for years.
If you are looking for a dedicated legal partner for your business, call a Panama City Beach business lawyer at (888) 858-1505 today.
Why Choose Gross Law Group as Your Business Counsel in Panama City Beach?
Choosing a lawyer for your business is more than just legal skill; it is about finding a strategic partner who understands your vision. Choose a law firm that thinks like a business owner and commits to your success.
At Gross Law Group, we are not your typical stuffy law firm. We are a team of entrepreneurs and business-minded attorneys who provide "Big Firm Results, Small Firm Attention." Our goal is to build a long-term relationship with you and your company.
Our unique approach starts with our founder, Keith Gross. Before becoming a lawyer, Keith was a successful entrepreneur who built several companies from the ground up. He understands that the best legal solution also makes good business sense. He serves as a strategic advisor who anticipates challenges and steers you clear of problems before they start.
Attorney Travis Tarpeh powers our Panama City Beach team with a background perfectly suited to advising growing businesses. Travis holds a law degree and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). This unique combination allows him to understand the intersection of law and business operations.
Whether you are looking at a financial statement, a marketing agreement, or a strategic plan, Travis can provide sound advice on the legal and business sides of the decision.
When you partner with Gross Law Group, you get a team invested in your success. We take the time to learn your business inside and out, so we can provide fast, effective advice whenever you need it.
What Does a General Business Lawyer Do?
Many large corporations have lawyers on staff called in-house counsel. For most small and medium-sized businesses, this is not affordable. Outside general counsel is a way for you to have your dedicated lawyer without the cost of hiring a full-time employee.
Your outside general counsel is your go-to Panama City Beach business lawyer who understands your company and is available to help with legal issues as they arise.
At Gross Law Group, we provide various general and business counsel to support your business.
Business Formation
How you structure your business from the beginning greatly impacts your taxes, your liability, and how you can grow. A Florida business formation lawyer can guide you in making this important choice. We handle the formation of:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): A popular choice that offers liability protection for owners. Chapter 605 of the Florida Statutes contains the rules for LLCs in Florida.
- Corporations (S-Corps and C-Corps): These entities have a more formal structure that can benefit businesses seeking to raise money from investors. The Florida Business Corporation Act governs them.
- Partnerships: Agreements for when two or more people go into business together.
We will prepare and file all the necessary documents with the Florida Division of Corporations, also known as Sunbiz, to ensure your business is set up correctly from day one.
Contract Drafting and Review
Contracts are the lifeblood of your business. You use them with customers, suppliers, employees, and landlords. A well-written contract protects you from disputes. A poorly written contract can leave you open to serious risks.
As your general business counsel, we can:
- Draft new contracts that are clear and protect your interests.
- Review contracts from other parties before you sign them.
- Explain your rights and obligations under an existing agreement.
- Update your standard contracts as laws and your business change.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Once you form your business, you must follow specific rules to keep it in good standing. This is called corporate governance. It includes holding regular meetings, keeping proper records, and filing annual reports.
We ensure you stay on top of these requirements to maintain the liability protection your LLC or corporation provides. We also advise you on complying with local, state, and federal regulations that apply to your industry.
General Legal Advice and Strategy
As your business grows, new questions will come up every day. Can I use this image on my website? How should I handle this difficult employee? What are the risks of this new business opportunity?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers many resources, but it is no substitute for personalized legal advice. Having a go-to business law counsel means you have someone to call for a quick, reliable answer.
Your Trusted Advisor for Every Stage of Business
A general business attorney is a partner who can help your business at every point in its journey. Our goal is to grow with you.
- Starting Up: The decisions you make at the beginning are some of the most important. We guide you in choosing the right legal structure and draft foundational documents, like an LLC operating agreement or corporate bylaws. This sets you up for success and helps prevent future disputes between owners.
- Growing: As your business expands, your legal needs will change. You may need to hire your first employees, sign a commercial lease, or negotiate larger supplier contracts. We are here to guide you through these milestones and ensure your protection as you grow.
- Facing Challenges: Every business faces bumps in the road. A dispute may arise with a customer, a key partner may want to leave the business, or you may need to pivot your business model. Having a lawyer who already knows your business is a huge advantage during these stressful times. We provide calm, strategic advice to overcome the challenge.
Why Having a Go-To Panama City Beach Business Lawyer Saves You Money
Some business owners think that hiring a lawyer is too expensive. They wait until they are facing a lawsuit to call for help. This is almost always a mistake. Being proactive about your legal health can save you money and stress in the long run.
Think of your business lawyer like your doctor. You go for regular check-ups to catch small problems before they become big. In the same way, having an attorney review a contract before you sign it can prevent a misunderstanding that can lead to a million-dollar lawsuit.
Here is how having an ongoing relationship with a lawyer saves you money:
- Preventing Problems: Preventing a legal problem is much cheaper than solving one. A small lease review fee is nothing compared to the cost of litigating an eviction.
- Saving Time: When a legal issue arises, you need help quickly. If you already have a lawyer who knows your business, you do not have to waste precious time explaining your company's history from scratch. They can get to work on your problem right away.
- Better Deals: A lawyer can often negotiate better terms in a contract that can save you money or increase your revenue over the life of the agreement.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a trusted advisor to call gives you the confidence to focus on running your business. That peace of mind is priceless.
Florida's laws are constantly changing. The state maintains a master business index and has rules for everything from economic development agencies like the Bay County Economic Development Alliance under Fla. Stat. § 288.075 to the business entities lawyers can use under Florida Bar rules. A good lawyer helps you keep up.
First Steps to Building a Relationship With Your Business Attorney
Taking the first step is easy if you decide your business can benefit from having a go-to lawyer. Building a long-term relationship starts with an initial conversation to see if the firm fits you.
Here is what you can do to prepare:
Step 1: Gather Your Important Business Documents
Before your first meeting with general business counsel, it is very helpful to get organized. Gathering your company’s key legal and financial papers will make your consultation more productive.
Think of it like going to a new doctor. You bring your medical records. For a lawyer, your business documents are those records. Try to collect the following:
- Formation Documents: These are the official papers you filed with the state of Florida when you started your business. For a corporation, these are your Articles of Incorporation. For an LLC, it is your Articles of Organization.
- Governing Documents: These are your company's internal rulebooks. Your LLC Operating Agreement outlines how the business operates and how it distributes profits. For a corporation, these are your Bylaws.
- Key Contracts: If you have specific agreements you have questions about, bring copies. This can be the commercial lease for your office in Panama City Beach, a large contract with a new client, an agreement with a key supplier, or a loan document from a bank.
- Partnership Agreements: If you have partners, your partnership agreement is one of your most important documents.
Having these papers ready saves time and allows your first meeting to focus on your questions and goals.
Step 2: Write Down Your Current Legal Questions
As a business owner, you likely have dozens of questions running through your mind. When you finally sit down with a lawyer, it can be easy to forget important things you wanted to ask.
To ensure you get the most value out of your meeting, take some time beforehand to write down a list of all your legal questions and concerns. No question is too small.
Step 3: Think About Your Business's Future Goals
A great business lawyer does more than just solve today’s problems. They act as a strategic advisor who helps you prepare for the future. The legal advice you need today often depends on where you want your business tomorrow.
Consider these types of goals:
- Growth and Expansion: Do you plan to open a new location outside Panama City Beach? Are you thinking about selling your products online across the country? Your growth plans will affect your legal needs.
- Bringing on Partners or Investors: If you plan to seek funding from investors or bring on a new partner, your company’s legal structure and records must be perfect.
- Your Exit Strategy: Do you dream of selling your business in five or ten years? Or do you hope to pass the company down to your children? Your exit strategy changes your decisions today.
When your business law attorney understands your long-term goals, they can become a true partner in your success.
Step 4: Schedule Your Initial Consultation
After gathering your documents and thinking about your questions and goals, the final step is to take action. Call the law firm to schedule an initial consultation.
This first meeting is critical in finding the right legal partner for your business. It is a two-way conversation. Interviewing the attorney and seeing if you feel comfortable with their approach is your chance.
General Business Law FAQs
What is the difference between an LLC and a sole proprietorship?
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure, where the business and the owner are legally the same. This means you are personally liable for all business debts. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, creates a separate legal entity. This separation protects your personal assets, like your house and car, from business liabilities and lawsuits.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business structure?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you change your business's legal structure. For example, if you convert a sole proprietorship into an LLC or a corporation, the IRS considers it a new entity that requires a new EIN.
What is an operating agreement and why is it important for my LLC?
An operating agreement is an internal document for an LLC that outlines the business's financial and functional decisions, including rules, regulations, and provisions. While not always required by the state, it is a critical document that helps prevent future disputes between owners over responsibilities, profit distribution, and what happens if a member wants to leave the business.
Can I write my own business contracts?
A poorly written contract can be unenforceable or, worse, leave you exposed to significant financial loss. Having an attorney draft or review your contracts ensures they are clear, legal, and tailored to your specific situation.
Call a Panama City Beach Business Lawyer Today
Running your business is a marathon, not a sprint. You will need a trusted partner to guide you through the legal hurdles. The Gross Law Group is ready to be that partner for your Panama City Beach business.
We offer an entrepreneur's practical, business-focused advice and an experienced attorney's sharp legal skills.
Call a Panama City Beach business lawyer at Gross Law Group today at (888) 858-1505 or visit our contact page to start a relationship that will serve your business for years.