Florida’s legal system is based on statutory laws enacted by the Florida Legislature, interpreted by the courts, and supplemented by administrative regulations. For more information on Florida State Laws and Statutes, click here.
Florida Law Articles & Blogs
Practice Areas
Administrative Law
Administrative law in Florida includes the legal principles and regulations that govern the operations and decision-making of administrative agencies within the state. Administrative agencies are governmental bodies created by the legislature to implement and enforce specific laws and regulations.
Alcohol Laws
Florida has specific laws regulating the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21, and the state has regulations regarding liquor licenses, hours of sale, and penalties for underage drinking and DUI offenses.
Animal Welfare Laws
Florida has laws that protect the welfare of animals and address issues such as animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. The state also regulates pet ownership, dangerous dog breeds, and wildlife protection.
Business & Commercial Law
Florida has laws that regulate businesses and commercial transactions within the state. These laws cover areas such as business formation, contracts, consumer protection, intellectual property, and employment relationships.
Civil & Political Rights
Florida’s civil law deals with legal disputes between individuals or entities. It covers areas such as contracts, torts, property law, family law, and personal injury. Florida’s civil law is influenced by common law principles, statutory law, and court decisions.
Constitutional Law
Florida has its own constitution, which serves as the supreme law of the state. The Florida Constitution establishes the structure of the state government, outlines the rights and protections of its citizens, and provides the framework for lawmaking.
Consumer Protection
Consumer protection in Florida refers to the laws and regulations designed to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers within the state. The goal is to ensure fair business practices, protect consumers from fraud and deceptive practices, and provide avenues for seeking recourse in case of consumer-related issues.
Contract Law
Contract law in Florida is primarily governed by common law principles, as well as specific statutes and regulations. The state follows the general principles of contract law, which are consistent with contract law principles in many other jurisdictions.
Corporate Law
Corporate law in Florida includes the specific statutes, regulations, and legal principles that govern the formation, operation, and dissolution of corporations within the state. While many of the general principles of corporate law apply in Florida, there are certain aspects that are specific to the state.
Criminal Law
Florida’s criminal law defines offenses and penalties for criminal conduct within the state. Crimes are classified as felonies (more serious offenses) or misdemeanors (less serious offenses). Florida has its own criminal code that covers a wide range of offenses, including homicide, assault, theft, drug offenses, and DUI (driving under the influence).
Cybersecurity, Data & Technology Laws
Florida has enacted laws related to cybersecurity and data breaches to protect individuals’ personal information. These laws require businesses and organizations to take steps to secure sensitive data and notify affected individuals in the event of a data breach.
Disaster and Emergency Laws
Florida has specific laws and procedures in place to address disasters and emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, and other natural or man-made emergencies. These laws provide guidelines for emergency preparedness, evacuation procedures, and the allocation of resources during a crisis.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence laws in Florida are designed to protect individuals who are victims of abuse within a domestic or family setting. These laws aim to prevent and address acts of violence, threats, or stalking perpetrated by one family or household member against another.
Education Law
Florida’s education laws outline the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and educational institutions. The state has compulsory education requirements, sets academic standards, and establishes regulations for public and private schools.
Consumer Financial Services
Bankruptcy
Fraud & Recovery
Fraud & Recovery includes corporate theft, insurance fraud, schemes, recovery of funds, and protection strategies.
Government & Political
Government affairs and public policy laws include all laws that are regulated by the government. Local policy in Florida includes legislative & regulatory issues, public funding, government contracts, political law, international trade, and cannabis.
Elections and Voting Laws
Florida has specific laws governing elections and voting procedures. These laws regulate voter registration, absentee voting, campaign finance, and the conduct of elections.
Employment & Labor Law
Florida has its own employment laws that cover areas such as minimum wage, workplace safety, discrimination, and workers’ compensation. These laws establish rights and protections for employees and regulate the relationship between employers and workers.
Entertainment & Sports Law
Entertainment law in Florida include the legal aspects related to the entertainment industry within the state. It covers a wide range of legal issues that arise in the creation, production, distribution, and protection of various forms of entertainment, including film, television, music, theater, sports, and other artistic endeavors. While entertainment law principles are generally consistent across jurisdictions, there are certain aspects that are specific to Florida.
Environmental Law
Florida has various environmental laws and regulations aimed at protecting natural resources, managing wildlife, conserving water, and preserving ecosystems. The state is home to diverse ecosystems, including the Everglades, and has specific laws to address environmental challenges and promote conservation efforts.
Family Law
Florida has specific laws governing marriage, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and other family-related matters. These laws define the rights and obligations of spouses, parents, and children in various family law proceedings.
Gambling Law
Florida has a complex set of laws pertaining to gambling and gaming activities. The state allows certain forms of gambling, such as pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and jai alai, as well as a state lottery. However, casino-style gambling is generally restricted to tribal lands and certain designated areas.
Gun Law
Florida has specific laws regarding firearms and concealed carry permits. The state recognizes the right to bear arms, but it also imposes regulations on the purchase, possession, and use of firearms. Florida is a “shall issue” state for concealed carry permits, meaning that qualified individuals can obtain permits for carrying concealed weapons.
Healthcare & Medical Law
Florida has laws related to healthcare, medical practice, and patient rights. The state regulates medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, and has laws governing medical malpractice, patient confidentiality, and the operation of healthcare facilities.
Housing Law
Housing laws in Florida include a range of regulations and statutes that govern the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, as well as various aspects of residential property management.
Immigration Law
Immigration law in the United States, including in the state of Florida, is a complex area of law that deals with the regulation of individuals’ entry, stay, and status within the country. While immigration law is primarily governed by federal statutes and regulations, Florida has certain laws and policies related to immigration enforcement in cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These state-level laws can address issues such as law enforcement’s interaction with immigration authorities, employment verification, and access to public benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Insurance Law
Insurance laws in Florida regulate the insurance industry and establish the rights and obligations of insurers and policyholders in the state. These laws cover various types of insurance, including auto insurance, homeowner’s insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and others.
Intellectual Property Law
Florida recognizes and protects intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trademarks. These laws provide legal protections for creators and innovators to safeguard their intellectual property from unauthorized use or infringement.
Juvenile Law
Florida has a separate juvenile justice system that handles cases involving minors who have committed delinquent acts. The state has specific laws and procedures to protect the rights of minors and provide rehabilitative services.
Maritime Law
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, includes the legal principles and regulations that govern activities and disputes related to maritime commerce, navigation, and accidents on navigable waters. As a coastal state with extensive coastlines and a robust maritime industry, Florida has a significant interest in maritime law.
Personal Injury Law
Florida’s personal injury law governs cases where individuals have been injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. It includes laws related to car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, and other forms of personal injury claims.
Personal Privacy Laws
Florida has laws that protect the privacy of individuals, including regulations related to data privacy, identity theft, electronic communications, and surveillance.
Probate and Estate Planning
Florida has specific laws governing wills, trusts, and probate proceedings. These laws provide guidelines for the distribution of assets after a person’s death and ensure that the wishes of the deceased are carried out.
Property Law
Property law in Florida includes the legal principles and regulations that govern the ownership, use, and transfer of real property (land and buildings) and personal property (tangible and intangible assets).
Real Estate Law
Florida has unique real estate laws due to its large population of retirees and the prevalence of vacation homes. The state has specific regulations related to real estate transactions, property ownership, landlord-tenant relationships, and homeowners’ associations.
Tax Law
Tax law in Florida includes the regulations and statutes that govern taxation at the state and local levels.
Traffic and Motor Vehicle Laws
Florida has a comprehensive set of laws that govern traffic regulations, driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and vehicle safety. These laws cover issues such as speed limits, seat belt use, DUI offenses, motorcycle regulations, and rules of the road.
Zoning and Land Use Laws
Florida has zoning and land use regulations that govern how land can be developed and utilized. These laws establish rules for residential, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as guidelines for environmental protection and conservation.
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