Florida’s business landscape continues to evolve, with recent legislative sessions bringing significant changes that affect companies of all sizes. Whether you’re running a small business in Miami, managing a mid-size firm in Fort Lauderdale, or overseeing operations in Palm Beach, understanding these legal updates is essential for compliance and strategic planning.
Here’s what South Florida business owners need to know about the most impactful legal changes affecting Florida businesses in 2025 and 2026.
Corporate Transparency Act: Beneficial Ownership Reporting
The federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has created new reporting obligations that affect most Florida businesses. While this is federal legislation, Florida businesses must comply with the new beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements.
Who Must Report: Most corporations, LLCs, and similar entities registered with Florida’s Division of Corporations must file beneficial ownership reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Large companies with more than 20 full-time employees and over $5 million in gross receipts may qualify for exemptions.
What You Must Disclose:
- Names and addresses of beneficial owners
- Dates of birth
- Identification numbers (from driver’s licenses or passports)
- Images of identification documents
Deadlines: Businesses formed before 2024 initially had until January 1, 2025, to file, though recent court rulings have created uncertainty. New businesses must file within 90 days of formation. Consult with a business attorney to understand current requirements given ongoing litigation.
Action Item: If you haven’t filed your BOI report, contact your business attorney immediately to assess your obligations and deadline.
Florida’s Employment Law Updates
Several employment-related changes affect how Florida businesses manage their workforce.
Minimum Wage Increases
Florida’s minimum wage continues its scheduled increases under the constitutional amendment passed in 2020:
- September 2024: $13.00 per hour
- September 2025: $14.00 per hour
- September 2026: $15.00 per hour
Employers must update pay rates accordingly and ensure wage notices are posted prominently.
E-Verify Requirements
Florida expanded its E-Verify requirements for private employers. Companies with 25 or more employees must now use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility for new hires. Penalties for non-compliance include license suspension.
Compliance Steps:
- Register with E-Verify at e-verify.gov
- Train HR staff on proper procedures
- Verify all new hires within three business days of their start date
- Maintain proper documentation
Heat Exposure Protections
New OSHA and state-level discussions around heat exposure standards are increasingly relevant for Florida’s outdoor industries. While comprehensive heat standards are still developing, employers should proactively implement heat illness prevention programs, especially for construction, landscaping, and agricultural operations.
Tort Reform Impact on Businesses
Florida’s 2023 tort reform continues to reshape the legal landscape for businesses facing liability claims.
Key Changes Still in Effect:
Modified Comparative Negligence: Florida now follows a modified comparative negligence standard. In premises liability and other cases, plaintiffs who are more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. This provides additional protection for property owners and businesses.
Reduced Statute of Limitations: The general negligence statute of limitations dropped from four years to two years. This affects how long businesses might face liability for past incidents but also means businesses have less time to pursue claims against others.
Insurance Bad Faith Changes: New procedural requirements make it harder to bring bad faith claims against insurers, which can affect business insurance disputes.
Practical Takeaway: While these reforms provide some liability relief, businesses should still prioritize risk management, safety protocols, and adequate insurance coverage.
LLC and Corporation Law Updates
Florida continues to refine its business entity laws to remain competitive with other business-friendly states.
Series LLC Now Available
Florida now allows the formation of Series LLCs, following Delaware and other states. A Series LLC allows a single LLC to create multiple “series” or cells, each with its own assets, liabilities, and members.
Benefits for Real Estate Investors:
- Hold multiple properties in separate series
- Liability protection between series
- Single filing fee instead of multiple LLCs
- Simplified administrative management
Caution: Series LLCs are relatively new in Florida, and some lenders and title companies may be unfamiliar with them. Consult with an attorney before forming a Series LLC for real estate holdings.
Annual Report Deadlines
Florida businesses must file annual reports with the Division of Corporations by May 1 each year. Fees remain:
- Corporations: $150
- LLCs: $138.75
Late filings incur a $400 penalty, and failure to file can result in administrative dissolution.
Tax Law Considerations
Sales Tax Updates
Florida’s sales tax rate remains 6%, plus applicable local surtaxes (Broward County adds 1%, making the effective rate 7% in Fort Lauderdale). However, recent developments affect specific industries:
Digital Products: Florida continues to grapple with taxation of digital goods and services. Businesses selling software, streaming services, or digital products should review their sales tax obligations.
Remote Sellers: Out-of-state businesses selling to Florida customers must collect and remit sales tax if they exceed $100,000 in Florida sales annually, following the South Dakota v. Wayfair decision’s implementation.
Commercial Rent Sales Tax Phase-Out
The sales tax on commercial rent continues its phase-down:
- 2024: 4.5%
- 2025: 4.0% (current)
- Future reductions pending legislative action
This provides meaningful savings for South Florida businesses facing high commercial rents.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
While Florida doesn’t yet have a comprehensive consumer privacy law like California’s CCPA, businesses should prepare for potential future legislation and strengthen cybersecurity practices.
Data Breach Notification
Florida’s Information Protection Act requires businesses to notify affected individuals within 30 days of discovering a data breach affecting personal information. Notification to the Attorney General is required for breaches affecting 500 or more Floridians.
Best Practices:
- Maintain an incident response plan
- Know what data you collect and store
- Train employees on security awareness
- Review vendor security practices
What South Florida Business Owners Should Do Now
Given these changes, business owners should take several immediate steps:
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Consult with Legal Counsel: Schedule a meeting with your business attorney to review compliance with new requirements, especially beneficial ownership reporting.
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Audit Employment Practices: Ensure minimum wage compliance, E-Verify registration (if applicable), and updated employee handbooks.
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Review Insurance Coverage: Work with your insurance broker to ensure adequate coverage given the changing liability landscape.
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Update Contracts: Review customer and vendor agreements for compliance with new legal requirements.
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Document Everything: Good recordkeeping becomes even more important with shortened limitation periods and enhanced transparency requirements.
Looking Ahead
The Florida legislature continues to consider business-related legislation. Areas to watch include:
- Further commercial rent tax reductions
- Potential consumer privacy legislation
- Gig economy and independent contractor regulations
- Additional tort reform measures
Staying informed about these developments helps South Florida businesses adapt quickly and maintain competitive advantages.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified business attorney to address your specific legal needs.
Last updated: February 2026