Insights Archive

The ERC program, part of Covid relief, allowed businesses to claim payroll tax credits. Misuse led to an IRS moratorium, but now a withdrawal process is available.

Starting December 1, 2023, Florida lowers sales tax on commercial property leases from 5.5% to 4.5%, applicable to payments for occupancy periods beginning on or after that date.

SB 40, sponsored by Florida Senator Linda Stewart, proposes a new law mandating employers to furnish employees with a copy of their employment contract upon request.

Effective January 1, 2024, changes to Florida Statutes 695.26(1)(c) mandate including witness post office addresses on recorded documents; failure may result in rejection by recording clerks.

Commercial landlords in Florida may expose their properties to contractor liens through tenant work. State law provides protection, yet many landlords overlook it, risking their assets.

DH Form 432is crucial for unwed fathers in Florida, enabling official recognition as the child's biological parents in the presence of witnesses or a notary.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's divorce highlights custody issues. In Florida, parental relocation, changing the principal residence, is legally defined and subject to specific criteria.

Positive changes for developers and property owners as a corrective statute, effective October 1, 2023, addresses a court decision impacting local government policy on public hearing notices.

Silence on rent in a commercial lease renewal provision leads to the extension of all terms, including the expiring rental rate, as per Certified Motors, LLC v. Aventine Hill, LLC.

FinCEN's new rule, part of the Corporate Transparency Act, aims to boost transparency in various sectors, impacting real estate with increased scrutiny and administrative responsibilities.

The ERC program in Covid relief packages offered refundable payroll tax credits to eligible businesses, but misuse led to IRS warnings and a moratorium on processing claims.

The Corporate Transparency Act targets money laundering and terrorism financing by requiring businesses to report and update beneficial ownership information with FinCEN.

Senior Housing News highlights how AI enhances senior living. Examples include Alexa for social interaction and in-room sensors for real-time issue alerts. 

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) provided COVID relief to businesses in 2020 and 2021. Despite potential benefits, caution is advised due to risks, disclaimers, and potential IRS audits.

Pickleball's surge in popularity has created a shortage of facilities. Opening your own requires navigating legal complexities. This article outlines key legal considerations.

Hurricane Idalia underscores the importance of assessing "force majeure" clauses in contracts, enabling relief from obligations due to hurricane-related disruptions and unforeseen events.

Effective September 30, 2023, the minimum wage in Florida will increase to $12.00 per hour, and the tipped minimum wage in Florida will increase to $8.98 per hour. 

Applicants seeking a prized liquor license in Florida's 2023 lottery can enter for $100. The drawing, which will be held in 2024, offers 89 licenses across 30 counties.

Retired NFL star Michael Oher claims he was misled into a conservatorship, thinking it was adoption. The case underscores the need for legal guidance in guardianship matters.

The latest updates and insights on Florida's Live Local Act. 

Inflation Reduction Act created Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, offering solar/wind facilities with IRS special allocations up to 20% additional tax credits. 

In triple net office leases, a "gross-up" provision helps landlords estimate operating costs at full occupancy, allowing them to charge tenants based on higher, normalized expenses.

Revised Florida statutes, effective July 1, 2023, impact landlords minimally. Property owners retain the right to designate their premises as "gun-free zones."

In this episode of “Lowndes Client Corner,” Shareholder Stephen Thomas talks with Dr. William J. Mallon about his latest invention, The Grail, a putting training aid for novice and pro golfers.

A survey by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care shows improved staffing trends, declining shortages, increased full-time vacancies filled, and rising occupancy rates.

Stephen Thomas discusses Dr. Mallon's game-changing putting tool, revolutionizing golf for enthusiasts at all skill levels.

Recent legislation revised Florida's restaurant alcohol licensing criteria, allowing smaller establishments to qualify for full-service liquor licenses more easily.

Flipping property for profit in Florida's rising land market involves contract clauses, tax implications, and simultaneous closings, requiring careful consideration.

Florida's Senate Bill 250, effective July 1, 2023, extends emergency order tolling periods for development permits, authorizations, retroactive from Sept. 28, 2022.

Billboard leases offer mutual benefits but require careful consideration of ownership, rights, advertisement type, and legal aspects for clarity and protection.

Governor DeSantis signed a bill on June 30, 2023, amending Florida's alimony laws, eliminating "permanent" alimony and imposing restrictions on "durational" alimony.

Governor DeSantis signed a bill changing Florida's alimony laws on June 30, 2023, eliminating permanent alimony and revising durational alimony's parameters.

The Federal Reserve's FedNow service launches July 1, 2023, enabling real-time digital funds exchange for financial institutions, differing from central bank digital currency.

Starting July 1, 2023, Florida mandates E-Verify usage for private employers with 25+ employees to verify new hires' eligibility, aligning with existing requirements for public entities since 2021.

The US Supreme Court's Moore v. Harper ruling curtails state legislature's election power, subjecting federal election decisions to state judicial review.

Two new laws will affect most employers and their employees who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding their infant children.

Florida's usury laws restrict high-interest lending; violating these limits can nullify loans. Interest, fees, and loan types influence usury regulations.

New Florida law effective July 1, 2023 grants unwed fathers rights through established paternity, sharing parental responsibilities but allowing court intervention if needed.

FHFA seeks input on tenant protections in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac-backed properties, aiming to address challenges through stakeholder feedback by July 31.

Florida Senate passes CS/CS/SB 770 to regulate residential loan alternative agreements, preventing deceptive practices, protecting homeowners' rights, effective July 1, 2023.

Governor DeSantis signs SB 154, addressing SB 4D issues in Florida's Condominium Act, clarifying regulations, inspections, insurance, records access, and more.

U.S. fund managers warn of issues in $5.6 trillion commercial real estate industry due to higher rates, falling prices, bank failures.

Supreme Court narrows "Waters of the United States" definition, limiting federal control over wetlands under the Clean Water Act.

NLRB’s General Counsel, Abruzzo, deems non-competes as potentially violating NLRA, but exceptions exist for certain cases and interests.

Florida Senate Bill No. 540 allows prevailing parties in comprehensive plan amendment challenges to recover attorney fees and costs.

HUD releases 2023 AMI Income and Rent Limits; Orange County's AMI rises to $84,700. Live Local Act aids affordable housing projects.

SB264, signed by Governor DeSantis, restricts certain foreign nationals from buying Florida properties near critical infrastructure, imposing penalties for non-compliance.

Governor DeSantis approved Live Local Act effective July 1, 2023, expediting multifamily development approval with affordable housing requirements.

Senior housing owners face $10 billion maturing debt in a positive market, but challenges with rising rates, reinvestment needs, and limited bank loans.