This article is the first in a multi-part series based on the Lowndes white paper, “Selling & Acquiring Distressed Real Estate in Florida.” Each installment will examine key legal and strategic considerations for acquiring...more
If you are buying or financing beachfront property in Florida, you should be aware of the state’s Beach and Shore Preservation Act in Chapter 161, Florida Statutes. This Act was adopted by the legislature to regulate certain...more
Developers who create residential subdivisions in Florida are typically obligated to form a homeowners’ association (HOA) to govern the community. Mandated by permitting authorities like counties, cities, and water management...more
In Florida, a Notice of Commencement (NOC) must be recorded in the public records of the county where construction of certain property improvements occurs. This document serves two key functions....more
Title fraud in Florida has increased significantly in recent years. This type of fraud typically involves a person forging a deed to transfer someone else’s real property to a shell company formed by the fraudster. The...more
Florida has attracted a lot of investors buying homes to rent out, as well as persons buying vacation or second homes. Additionally, some owners downsize or upsize their homes, keeping and renting out their old home after...more
It is customary for landlords to require their tenants to pay real estate taxes attributable to the landlord’s property being leased, along with other common area expenses like maintenance, insurance and the like. When there...more
3/22/2024
/ Commercial Leases ,
Florida ,
Landlords ,
Property Owners ,
Property Tax ,
Property Valuation ,
Real Estate Market ,
Rental Property ,
Residential Leases ,
Tax Assessment ,
Tax Liability ,
Tenants
If you are a commercial landlord in Florida, you may inadvertently be subjecting your land and building to liens by contractors who perform work for your tenants. With the recent economic downturn, many commercial buildings...more
Effective July 1, 2023, the Florida statutes were revised to allow people to carry concealed weapons without a permit. However, permits are still available for those interested, and qualified persons may obtain them from the...more
In an economy where land prices are rising, it is not unusual for a buyer who has a property under contract to consider flipping all or part of the property to another purchaser for a profit. If a contract gives the buyer a...more
7/12/2023
/ Closing Agents ,
Closing Costs ,
Construction Project ,
Florida ,
House Flipping ,
Housing Developers ,
Real Estate Investments ,
Real Estate Market ,
Real Estate Transactions ,
Stamp Taxes ,
Title Insurance
Owners and buyers of commercial buildings are increasingly using drones also known as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), to inspect roofs and other exterior elements of buildings. In addition to making it easier to access the...more
11/2/2022
/ Airspace ,
Commercial Real Estate Contracts ,
Commercial Use ,
Drones ,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ,
Florida ,
Infrastructure ,
Innovative Technology ,
Inspections ,
Privacy Concerns ,
Public Safety ,
Real Estate Transactions ,
Regulatory Oversight ,
Regulatory Standards ,
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
If you are buying or financing properties with businesses selling alcoholic beverages, Florida’s regulatory requirements may seem daunting. To successfully navigate the complexities of Florida alcoholic beverage licensing, a...more
7/18/2022
/ Alcohol Beverage Control ,
Business Development ,
Creditors ,
Financial Services Industry ,
Florida ,
Grocery Stores ,
Hospitality Industry ,
Lenders ,
Licensing Rules ,
Liquor Licences ,
Real Estate Investments ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Restaurant Industry ,
Retail Market ,
Wine & Alcohol
Land in Florida continues to be rapidly developed due to the economic growth still taking place in the state. The housing market currently remains strong, and new residential developments (both apartments and single-family...more
It is not unusual to find mineral reservations in the chain of title to real properties located in Florida. When the State of Florida first conveyed title to state owned lands, it was customary for the state to reserve an...more
Florida imposes sales tax on rent payable under commercial leases. The rate imposed by the state is 5.5%, but local governments have the right to impose a surtax which varies based on the jurisdiction....more
There’s no doubt about it, the U.S. real estate market is strong. With low interest rates and low unemployment rates, it is not surprising that the National Association of Realtors included parts of Florida among the top 10...more
1/17/2020
/ Building Permits ,
Closing Date ,
Construction Permits ,
Construction Project ,
Economic Development ,
Florida ,
Housing Market ,
Liens ,
Loans ,
Multi-Family Development ,
Notice Requirements ,
Property Improvements ,
Real Estate Development ,
Real Estate Market ,
Recording Requirements ,
Regulatory Requirements ,
Single Family Housing ,
State and Local Government
The Central Florida real estate market is still relatively strong. As a result, some speculators have been placing single and multiple properties under contract for purchase, only to offer to sell the property that they don’t...more
There are many ways to acquire a distressed residential subdivision for what may seem to be a bargain price. Whether an investor is buying the property at a foreclosure sale or purchasing a defaulted mortgage loan on the...more