Best Corporate Governance Lawyers in Florida

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Icaza, Gonzalez - Ruiz & Aleman (IGRA)
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1920
500 people in their team
Spanish
English
Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán merges tradition and vision to provide practical legal solutions, delivering outstanding results to corporate and private clients worldwide.Since its inception in 1920, its experts have been involved in some of the most pivotal milestones in Panama's legal...
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Miami, United States

Founded in 1931
1,100 people in their team
English
Founded in 1931, Weil has provided legal services to the largest public companies, private equity firms and financial institutions for the past 90 years. Widely recognized by those covering the legal profession, Weil’s lawyers regularly advise clients globally on their most complex Litigation,...
Douglas Law Firm
Palatka, United States

21 people in their team
English
Douglas Law Firm is a full-service Florida law firm that represents clients throughout Putnam County, Clay County, St. Johns County, Duval County, and Flagler County. Our lawyers take pride in helping their neighbors in the local community navigate and resolve a wide range of legal issues with...
NDM LAW FIRM & ASSOCIATES
Panama City, United States

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
Spanish
English
We are a team of lawyers that operates in Panama, with partners in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia who will attend to your case in detail, focused on your needs.17 years of experience in several areas of law accompany our lawyers in challenging cases with successful results for our...
Quijano & Associates
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1959
200 people in their team
Spanish
English
Our experts also provide the registration and representation of vessels under the Panamanian flag, and a wide range of advisory services for the establishment and maintenance of legal entities formed in a plurality of jurisdictions, including the Republic of Panama, the British Virgin Islands,...
Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP
Tallahassee, United States

Founded in 1946
2,057 people in their team
English
At Arnold & Porter, we are client-driven and industry-focused. Our lawyers practice in more than 40 practice areas across the litigation, regulatory and transactional spectrum to help clients with complex needs stay ahead of the global market, anticipate opportunities and address issues that...
Morgan & Morgan
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1923
1,000 people in their team
Spanish
English
Our law firmWith 100 years of successful trajectory, Morgan & Morgan is a full-service Panamanian law firm, regularly assisting local and multinational corporations from different industries, as well as recognized financial institutions, government agencies, and individual clients.We support...
BALCH & BINGHAM LLP
Jacksonville, United States

Founded in 1922
439 people in their team
English
Balch & Bingham LLP is a corporate law firm with more than 230 attorneys across offices in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; Houston, Texas and Washington, D.C. We are recognized for our deep experience serving...
Galindo, Arias & Lopez
Panama City, United States

Founded in 1968
200 people in their team
Spanish
English
Serve the economic development of Panama and the regionWith more than 50 years of experience, we distinguish ourselves as a legal services firm dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for local and foreign clients with business interests in Panama. In a dynamic and changing world, we have...
Bailey Glasser
St. Petersburg, United States

Founded in 1999
123 people in their team
English
Founded by Ben Bailey and Brian Glasser in 1999 in Charleston, West Virginia, Bailey Glasser has grown to include 76 lawyers, with 17 offices across the United States. The firm’s complex litigation practice focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation; class actions for consumers, insureds,...
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About Corporate Governance Law in Florida, United States

Corporate governance refers to the system of rules, practices, and processes that direct and control how a corporation operates. In Florida, corporate governance law is built on a framework of state statutes, case law, and best practices that guide the responsibilities of company directors, officers, shareholders, and other stakeholders. The main aim of corporate governance is to ensure accountability, fairness, and transparency in a company's relationship with its stakeholders. Whether your company is a startup or a well-established entity, following proper corporate governance can greatly affect its success, reputation, and compliance with the law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Corporate governance covers a wide range of legal requirements and best practices. Here are some common scenarios where legal assistance becomes crucial:

  • Forming a new corporation and drafting initial bylaws or operating agreements
  • Ensuring compliance with the Florida Business Corporation Act and other applicable laws
  • Resolving disputes among shareholders, directors, or officers
  • Advising on fiduciary duties and potential liability of board members
  • Handling mergers, acquisitions, or dissolution of a corporation
  • Amending articles of incorporation or bylaws
  • Addressing allegations of conflicts of interest, negligence, or breaches of duty
  • Responding to regulatory investigations or government enforcement actions
A qualified corporate governance attorney can provide tailored advice, prevent costly mistakes, and help protect your interests.

Local Laws Overview

Florida law governs most corporate governance issues for companies incorporated within the state. The primary statute is the Florida Business Corporation Act (FBCA), found in Chapter 607 of the Florida Statutes. Key aspects include:

  • Rules for formation, operation, and dissolution of corporations
  • Director and officer duties, including the duty of care and duty of loyalty
  • Procedures for shareholder meetings, voting, and records keeping
  • Requirements for maintaining corporate formalities to protect against personal liability
  • Process for handling conflicts of interest and related party transactions
  • Provisions for the distribution of dividends and management of corporate assets
Florida law also provides special regulations for publicly traded companies, non-profit organizations, and limited liability companies (LLCs), each with its own governance guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is corporate governance?

Corporate governance is the set of practices, policies, and rules that determine how a corporation is directed and controlled. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct among a corporation’s leaders and stakeholders.

Who is responsible for corporate governance in a Florida corporation?

The board of directors is primarily responsible for overseeing corporate governance. Officers and, to some extent, shareholders also play important roles in maintaining good governance.

What are fiduciary duties?

Fiduciary duties are legal obligations requiring directors and officers to act in the best interests of the corporation. These typically include the duty of care and the duty of loyalty.

Can shareholders directly manage a corporation in Florida?

In most cases, management duties are delegated to directors and officers, but shareholders retain important powers such as electing directors and approving major corporate changes.

What happens if a director breaches their duties?

A director who breaches their fiduciary duties may be personally liable for damages and may be removed from their position by shareholders or the court.

Are Florida corporate governance laws different for LLCs and non-profits?

Yes, LLCs and non-profit organizations follow separate governance rules set out in different chapters of the Florida Statutes, often providing more flexibility than traditional corporations.

How can companies maintain effective corporate governance?

Maintaining comprehensive bylaws, holding regular board and shareholder meetings, keeping accurate records, and consulting legal counsel are core practices for strong governance.

Do I have to hold annual meetings in Florida?

Yes, under Florida law, corporations are generally required to hold annual meetings of shareholders unless otherwise stated in the articles of incorporation or bylaws.

What should be included in corporate bylaws?

Bylaws typically cover board structure, officer roles, meeting procedures, voting rights, conflict of interest policies, and indemnification provisions, among other items.

How do I amend corporate governance documents?

Amending articles of incorporation or bylaws requires approval from the board of directors and sometimes the shareholders, in accordance with Florida law and the corporation’s existing governance documents.

Additional Resources

If you need more information about corporate governance in Florida, consider starting with these resources:

  • Florida Department of State - Division of Corporations: Provides forms, regulations, and guidance for business entities.
  • Florida Statutes, Chapter 607: The main law governing business corporations in Florida.
  • The Florida Bar Association: Offers lawyer referrals and educational materials on business law.
  • Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Can assist with compliance and operational questions for small businesses.
These organizations can provide valuable information, but consulting an attorney is always recommended for legal advice specific to your situation.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance related to corporate governance in Florida, consider these actions:

  • Gather relevant documents, such as your corporation’s articles of incorporation, bylaws, meeting minutes, and any written agreements.
  • Make a list of specific questions or concerns about your company’s governance.
  • Contact a qualified corporate governance attorney in Florida to schedule a consultation.
  • Discuss your company’s structure, recent activities, and any upcoming decisions with your attorney.
  • Follow your attorney’s advice on compliance, updates to governance documents, or dispute resolution to protect your business and meet legal obligations.
Effective corporate governance is a crucial part of business success. Seeking proper legal guidance helps ensure your company stays compliant, well-managed, and ready for future growth.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Florida through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Corporate Governance, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Florida, United States - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.