Florida’s CHOICE Act allows non-compete and garden leave agreements lasting up to four years for “covered” high-earning employees and shifting the burden to employees to prove that an agreement is not enforceable. Supporters argue that the Act protects trade secrets and attracts businesses, while critics warn it may harm worker mobility and increase unemployment.
Attorneys Ghada Skaff and Jeffrey Lieser are honored to announce that they have been named to Florida Trend’s 2025 Legal Elite-Notable Managing Partners list for the second consecutive year in recognition of their leadership, mentorship, and service to their firm and to the broader legal community.
Effective October 1, 2025, Florida will eliminate sales tax on commercial leases, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness for landlords. Landlords and tenants should review existing lease terms, communicate about the changes, and consult with an attorney to ensure that they are prepared for the impact of the upcoming changes.
If you are thinking of representing yourself in court, remember that Florida courts can hold self-represented parties to attorney-level standards. Pro se (self-represented) litigation can result in emotional decisions, costly mistakes and time-consuming missteps.
When a Florida lease ends and the tenant stays, they are either a tenant at sufferance or at will. Knowing which one a tenant is considered under the law is crucial to knowing what your obligations are for evicting the tenant because a tenant at sufferance requires no notice while a tenant at will requires you to follow very specific notice and procedural requirements.
Before signing a commercial lease in Tampa, a landlord should conduct due diligence on tenants, decide on the lease structure, and clearly define terms relating to rent, maintenance, permitted use, and default provisions. Taking these steps reduces risks, enhances profitability, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
A lis pendens is a public notice indicating that there is pending litigation involving a property. While a lis pendens does not prevent the sale of the property, it is intended to warn potential buyers and can cloud the title to the property. In Florida, a lis pendens expires after one year unless extended by the court if it is unrelated to recorded instruments such as mortgages or construction liens.
