Best Sanctions & Export Controls Lawyers in Coral Gables

1. About Sanctions & Export Controls Law in Coral Gables, United States

Sanctions and export controls are federal laws that regulate cross-border trade and financial transactions. In Coral Gables, as in the broader United States, businesses and individuals must comply with programs that restrict dealings with certain countries, entities, and individuals. The primary bodies are the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). These rules are designed to protect national security, foreign policy, and economic stability in complex global markets.

Coral Gables residents and local businesses-whether exporting goods, importing materials, or engaging with foreign partners-face sanctions and licensing requirements that can impact everyday operations. Compliance hinges on understanding which items or transactions are controlled, who is prohibited, and which licenses or exemptions may apply. Federal enforcement actions can involve civil penalties and criminal charges for violations, so professional guidance is often essential.

For authoritative guidance, refer to the official federal sources cited here.

OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.

The Export Administration Regulations control dual-use and certain military-related items through BIS, including licensing requirements for sensitive technologies.

Key federal sources include OFAC, BIS, and DDTC materials, which govern Coral Gables businesses that engage in international trade. These rules are nationwide and not unique to Florida or Coral Gables, though local professionals in this area often serve Miami-Dade clients given the region’s international commerce links.

For ongoing updates, consult OFAC, BIS, and ITAR resources below. These sites reflect the current sanctions programs, licensing processes, and enforcement priorities that affect Coral Gables entities every day.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Use cases below illustrate concrete scenarios for Coral Gables residents and local businesses where Sanctions & Export Controls expertise matters. Each scenario describes how a lawyer can help navigate licensing, screening, and compliance to minimize risk.

• Exporting dual-use technology from a Coral Gables supplier to a foreign buyer in a sanctioned country. A lawyer can assess whether the product falls under EAR controls, determine applicable licenses, and guide license applications or exemptions to avoid violations.
• Distributing hardware components through a local distributor to a foreign partner that operates in a high-risk jurisdiction. Counsel can help implement a robust screening process, review end-use assurances, and create contractual language to reflect compliance obligations and liability allocations.
• Transactions with a company or individual placed on OFAC’s sanctions list in the greater Miami area. Legal counsel can perform risk assessments, advise on blocking requirements, and handle interactions with OFAC if designation issues arise.
• Transactions involving Cuban assets or activities under CACR due to proximity to Florida and strong business ties with the Caribbean market. An attorney can advise on which activities are permitted or restricted and help obtain needed authorizations.
• Planning international travel for employees, or arranging equipment shipments for a Coral Gables project where ITAR or EAR controls may apply. A lawyer can determine licensing needs, screening obligations, and potential exemptions for travel and shipments.
• Internal compliance program gaps in a small business that could trigger OFAC, EAR, or ITAR exposure. Counsel can design a tailored sanctions compliance program, conduct internal audits, and prepare response plans for potential inquiries.

3. Local Laws Overview

Coral Gables does not have separate city sanctions statutes; rather, compliance rests on federal regimes administered by OFAC, BIS, and DDTC. The following named laws and regulations are central to sanctions and export controls in Coral Gables and across the United States.

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) - 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq. This law gives the President authority to regulate international commerce during national emergencies. OFAC’s programs implement these powers through specific sanctions.
• Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) - 31 C.F.R. Part 515. Administered by OFAC, CACR governs most financial or asset-based dealings with Cuba and Cuban nationals. Recent changes reflect Florida’s long-standing business interactions with Caribbean markets.
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR) - 15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774. Administered by BIS, EAR controls dual-use items and select technologies; licensing and exemptions determine what can be exported, re-exported, or transferred.
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) - 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130. Administered by the DDTC, ITAR controls defense articles and defense services, with licensing and end-use restrictions that often impact Miami-Dlae logistics and manufacturing.
• Executive Orders and related sanctions programs - Implemented via OFAC and administered through regulations that may add or remove countries, entities, or individuals from sanctioned lists. These EOs shape day-to-day compliance for Coral Gables businesses engaged in international activity.

Recent trends and updates in sanctions and export controls affect Coral Gables practitioners and businesses. OFAC has continued to expand or modify sanctions programs targeting specific regions and entities, while BIS has adjusted licensing controls for certain high-risk technologies. For example, Russia and Cuba-related measures have evolved in recent years, reinforcing the need for up-to-date compliance practices. See official sources for the latest program details and licensing guidance.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is OFAC and how does it affect Coral Gables businesses?

OFAC is a U.S. Treasury program that administers economic sanctions. It restricts transactions with targeted countries, regimes, and individuals, impacting Coral Gables exporters and service providers. Compliance requires screening and licensing where applicable.

What is the EAR and who enforces it in Florida?

The EAR controls dual-use items and certain technologies. BIS enforces it, and Florida businesses must verify export classifications and licensing requirements before shipments.

What is ITAR and when does it apply to defense articles in Florida?

ITAR governs defense articles and services. If your Coral Gables project involves military items or related software, ITAR licensing and compliance may apply, even for domestic partners.

Do I need an attorney to handle OFAC licensing?

Not required, but highly recommended. A lawyer can assess licensing needs, prepare applications, and help avoid inadvertent violations that carry penalties.

How long does an export license take to process?

Processing times vary widely by program and commodity. Typical BIS license reviews can range from weeks to several months, depending on complexity and the license type.

What is a sanctions screening process and why is it important?

A screening process checks counterparties, end users, and destinations against sanctioned lists. It helps prevent prohibited transactions and reduces enforcement risk.

Can I travel to sanctioned countries or do business there if I am not sanctioned personally?

Travel and business with sanctioned destinations often require licenses or exemptions. Personal status does not automatically grant permission for restricted activities.

Should I hire a local Coral Gables lawyer or a national firm?

Local expertise is valuable for understanding Florida-specific supply chains and business practices, while national firms may provide broader programmatic resources. Assess fit and bandwidth.

Do I qualify for any license exceptions or relief under the EAR or ITAR?

Some exemptions apply for certain types of transactions, end-uses, or destinations. A practitioner can determine eligibility and help with the proper documentation.

How much do sanctions and export controls legal services cost in Florida?

Costs vary by matter complexity, hours worked, and the need for licensing or litigation. Request a written engagement letter with an estimated budget before starting.

What is the difference between OFAC sanctions and BIS export controls?

OFAC sanctions are prohibitions on specific people, countries, or entities. BIS export controls regulate what can be shipped, with licensing requirements for controlled items.

Is there a timeline to respond to OFAC correspondence?

Yes. Respond promptly to any OFAC inquiry or enforcement action. Delays can result in penalties or escalation of enforcement measures.

5. Additional Resources

These official resources provide authoritative information on sanctions and export controls, and are essential for Coral Gables businesses and individuals.

• U.S. Department of the Treasury - Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) - http://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions-programs-and-country-information
• U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) - http://www.bis.doc.gov
• U.S. Department of State - Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) - ITAR - http://www.pmddtc.state.gov

Consulting these sources helps you verify whether a given activity is sanctioned, licensed, or exempt. They also provide guidance on how to prepare applications and respond to inquiries from regulators.

6. Next Steps

1. 1) Define your trade activity and risk areas - List products, destinations, customers, and intermediaries. Identify whether EAR, ITAR, or CACR may apply. This helps scope the engagement.
2. 2) Gather relevant documents - Collect licenses, screening records, contracts, and your existing compliance policies. Timebox initial collection to 1 week.
3. 3) Research Coral Gables sanctions specialists - Look for Florida-licensed solicitors or attorneys with federal sanctions and export controls practice experience. Request client references and engagement terms.
4. 4) Schedule consultations and clarify costs - Meet with 2-3 lawyers to discuss licensing, screening, and potential enforcement risks. Ask for a written estimate and billing method.
5. 5) Assess licensing needs and develop a plan - Work with counsel to determine whether licenses, exemptions, or self-disclosures are required, and outline a remediation plan if issues exist.
6. 6) Implement an interim compliance program - With your attorney, establish screening procedures, training, and documentation to reduce risk while you pursue licenses or exemptions.
7. 7) Monitor updates and schedule periodic reviews - Sanctions regimes change frequently. Set quarterly check-ins with your legal counsel to refresh compliance measures.