Business Law
Fiduciary Duties of Title Insurance Agents
Title insurance agents owe their clients the fiduciary duties of loyalty, disclosure, care, and confidentiality.
Silvino Diaz
June 11, 2021
Business Law
What is a Commercial Lease?
A commercial lease is a contractual agreement for a business to rent office space or
Eric Gros-Dubois
May 25, 2021
Real Estate Law
What Happens if a Foreigner Dies with Real Estate in the U.S. Under Florida Law?
If a foreigner who owns real estate in the United States passes away, and the
Elizabeth Fernandez
March 9, 2021
Probate & Guardianship
How can a Remainderman be Removed from Real Estate Title in Florida?
The changing of a remainderman in Florida can be complex and tricky business, however, here
Elizabeth Fernandez
February 8, 2021
COVID-19
Termination of Tenancy at Will in Florida
During these trying times due to COVID-19, many Miami residents have been out of work for months, making it nearly impossible to keep up with rent payments. Many of these Miami residents are being evicted. In some cases, these tenants have reached the end of their lease or do not have a written lease. The lack of a written lease may give the landlord the impression they can evict the tenant whenever they want, but Florida law states differently.
Eric Gros-Dubois
December 9, 2020
Documentary Stamp Tax
Foreign Investing in Florida Real Estate
Foreign investing has seen a dramatic increase the last several years. Florida has been one of the more prominent locations where such foreign investing occurs, specifically in real estate. Miami, in particular, contains a lucrative real estate market where many investors from all over the world come to invest. It is imperative that these foreign investors are aware of the various implications when acquiring property with a particular holding structure and properly plan their investments.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 17, 2020
Real Estate Law
Florida’s Eviction Moratorium has Expired. Now What?
In March, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic disadvantage it placed many Floridians, the Governor of Florida issued a moratorium on all mortgage foreclosure and eviction causes of action in the state. Although this executive order has now expired, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new order, “Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to Prevent the Further Spread of COVID-19.”
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 10, 2020
Real Estate Law
Statute of Limitations on Landlord Tenant Security Deposit Disputes
A security deposit is a refundable fee that a new resident gives to their landlord in addition to advance rent payment. The security deposit is essentially an insurance on the property in the event that the tenant causes any damages made by the tenant that exceeds ordinary wear and tear.
Eric Gros-Dubois
November 3, 2020
Real Estate Law
What is a “Condition Precedent” to Filing a Foreclosure Action in Florida?
In Florida, if a bank, lender or servicer anticipates filing a foreclosure action, there are certain steps it must take prior to doing so. These provisions are called conditions precedent to foreclosure. State and federal law, as well as the contractual language of the mortgage and promissory note, set forth some of those requirements. Financial institutes are under the obligation to abide by these conditions. Failure to do so opens the door to defenses to the foreclosure claim which can lead to dismissal of the case.
Oscar Gomez
October 27, 2020
Real Estate Law
When May a Landlord Withhold a Tenant’s Security Deposit?
A security deposit is a refundable fee a landlord takes from a tenant at the start of a lease term. Landlords may withhold security deposits for several reasons, such as protection against damage to the premises, to cover a loss due to non-payment of rent, or to cover unpaid utilities once the tenant has vacated the premises.
Eric Gros-Dubois
October 1, 2020
Foreign Reporting
What to Know if you Want to Invest in U.S. Real Estate as a Foreigner?
The simple answer is yes. Anyone can buy property in the United States. However, foreigners are best suited to buy U.S. property with one-time payment instead of financing it. This is because if a foreigner wants to get a U.S. mortgage or a loan – it is often nearly impossible to get approved due to the lack of U.S. credit history.
Eric Gros-Dubois
August 3, 2020
Real Estate Law
How do Non-Florida Residents Establish Residency in Florida?
If you reside in another state but wish to convert your domicile to the state of Florida, there are many ways you can make a showing that would reflect Florida residency, especially for purposes of homestead exemption or paying in-state tuition at a Florida university. Many individuals, including investors, choose to make Florida their state of domicile, mainly because Florida has no state income tax, as opposed to states like New York, Georgia or California.
Eric Gros-Dubois
June 23, 2020
Real Estate Law
What Registrations and Licenses does a Landlord need to rent a Property in DC?
To rent a property in Washington, D.C., a landlord needs a Basic Business License (BBL). The landlord must first obtain the category that their BBL falls into, such as beauty services, health services, or rental housing.
Eric Gros-Dubois
June 1, 2020
Real Estate Law
Landlord Remedies in Florida: Distress Writs
A landlord in a commercial or residential landlord-tenant relationship may enforce remedial acts against a tenant and the leased premises, in the event of default or breach. Upon a landlord deciding to evict his or her tenant, a distress writ may be obtained to substantially protect the landlords needs. Among this remedial measure, a landlord has the ability to receive a distress writ issued by the Clerk of Court, which authorizes the landlord to essentially put a lien on the tenant’s assets at the rental premises when he or she owes rent.
Eric Gros-Dubois
May 14, 2020
Homestead Exemption
Can Foreign Non-Resident Investors Claim Florida Homestead Exemption?
The traditional rule is all individuals living in Florida with temporary visas may not be eligible to claim the Florida homestead exemption because their residency is based on a durational, temporary period. However, in 2012, the Florida Supreme Court put this constitutional issue before them in Garcia v. Andonie
Eric Gros-Dubois
April 22, 2020
COVID-19
Is there a Grace Period for Rental Payments during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
A grace period is a predetermined period of time immediately following a payment due date
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 30, 2020
Real Estate Law
Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae Protect Renters From Eviction During Coronavirus
Last week Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac suspended evictions and foreclosures for families living in houses financed through one of their loans. This policy was now extended by the two banks to include renters as well, in the event when they are not able to pay rent due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 27, 2020
Business Law
What Constitutes a Valid Escrow in Florida?
An escrow occurs when property is held by a third party until the occurrence of a predetermined event, at which time the third party delivers the property as instructed by the parties to the transaction. Thus, an escrow agent is the intermediary third-party depositary assisting the parties to the transaction. Escrows are used to ensure that the parties to the underlying transaction act as agreed upon.
Silvino Diaz
March 16, 2020
Business Law
Should you Lease Property to a Business?
Saving money on taxes is a great incentive to consider leasing your assets to a corporation. It is common for shareholders of corporations to lease real estate, equipment, and other property, such as vehicles, to the corporation, either directly or indirectly.
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 16, 2020
Real Estate Law
Can you file for Bankruptcy if your House is in Foreclosure?
If you believe foreclosure is imminent and need assistance moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys at EPGD Business Law.
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 13, 2020
Real Estate Law
Attacking the Validity of the Mortgage
One of the ways to win a foreclosure fight is by attacking the validity of the mortgage. There are multiple ways to do this, including but not limited to, using defenses such as fraud, standing to sue, and proving the statute of limitations.
Eric Gros-Dubois
March 3, 2020
Estate Planning
What is Ancillary Probate?
The primary probate proceeding is usually held in the decedent’s state of residence or home state. However, a state probate court only has authority over property in its own jurisdiction; it does not have the power to issue orders for property that is located in another state. Therefore, an additional probate proceeding becomes necessary.
Niuris Bezanilla
February 17, 2020
Estate Planning
Preserving a Tenancy by the Entirety in your Florida Estate Plan
Traditionally, estate planners have split tenancies by the entirety in order to fund separate trusts for both spouses, with the aim of maximizing estate tax exemptions.
Niuris Bezanilla
February 13, 2020
Homestead Exemption
How do I Apply for Homestead Exemption in Florida?
In Miami-Dade County, the 2020 Homestead Exemption applications and Portability applications are due on March 2nd. Read our blog below to find out how to apply!
Eric Gros-Dubois
January 25, 2020
Homestead Exemption
Can my Homestead Assessment Savings be Transferred from my old Property to my new Property?
Imagine being a homeowner in Florida, selling your home and not buying a new home until three years later. Did you know that you were most likely receiving property tax savings at your old property? And better yet, you could have transferred some or all of those savings to your new property if you had just filed a homestead portability application within two years.
Eric Gros-Dubois
January 25, 2020
Real Estate Law
Homestead Exemption v. JTWROS
In Florida, JTWROS means that the full title to property goes to the owner that survives. The “survivor” of the joint owner automatically owns 100% of the asset when the other joint owner passes away.
Niuris Bezanilla
January 17, 2020
Real Estate Law
What are Some Foreclosure Alternatives?
Foreclosure is a lengthy and expensive process that your lender may also be trying to avoid. Your lender may be calling regarding the following alternatives to foreclosure.
Oscar Gomez
January 17, 2020
Homestead Exemption
Can I Lose my Homestead Exemption in Florida?
To qualify for the homestead exemption, a person must meet certain requirements and a person may lose their homestead exemption if the requirements of the statute are not met every year.
Niuris Bezanilla
January 16, 2020