Easy Law Finder

Category: Blog article

  • New Law Protects Pregnant and Nursing Employees

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    1. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was signed into law on December 29, 2022, and goes into effect on June 27, 2023. 2. The PWFA requires certain employers, including most private employers with 15 or more employees, to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees’ and applicants’ known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related…

  • Building or Renovating a Home in Florida: What High Schoolers Need to Know

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    1. In Florida, every contractor must be licensed in the state before working on a home building or remodeling project. 2. There are different types of contractor licenses, such as certified or registered, and they are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. 3. It is important to check a contractor’s license…

  • New Florida Rule: E-mail Service Explained

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    – The Florida Supreme Court issued a new rule requiring attorneys to serve court papers by e-mail. – Attorneys practicing in civil, probate, small claims, family law, and appellate cases must begin e-serving court papers from September 1, 2012. – Attorneys practicing in criminal, traffic, and juvenile divisions may elect to begin e-service from September…

  • “Reduce Your Employment Taxes with an S Corporation”

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    – For 2023, the self-employment (SE) tax rate is 15.3% on the first $160,200 of net SE income, including 12.4% for Social Security tax and 2.9% for Medicare tax. – The S Corp Advantage: For wages paid in 2023 to an S corporation employee, the FICA tax wage withholding rate is 7.65% on the first…

  • Florida Charities Must Now Report Conflicts of Interest and Finances

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    – Charities subject to the Florida Solicitation of Contributions Act are now required to adopt a conflict of interest policy for transactions with related parties. – Most charitable organizations must now file a tax return and financial statements with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. – Charities with over $1 million in revenue and…

  • “Can You Sue a Hotel or Rental Property for Bed Bugs? Know Your Rights”

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    – At least 80% of hotels in the United States had to treat their properties for bed bug infestations in 2015. – Bed bugs can easily spread from room to room and even to guests’ homes. – Legal grounds for suing a hotel for bed bug bites include breach of warranty, evidence collection, potential damages,…

  • How Much Do Insurance Companies Pay for Pain and Suffering? – Simplified for High School Students

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    – The insurance company considers a variety of factors when calculating pain and suffering damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and therapy costs. – In Florida, injuries must be permanent in order to be compensated for pain and suffering. – It is important to keep and organize all documentation, bills, and receipts related to…

  • Safe Deposit Boxes and Florida Probate: What You Need to Know

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    – The personal representative is responsible for locating and inventorying all assets, including safe deposit boxes, in accordance with Florida Statute Section 733.607. – They must diligently search for keys, rental agreements, and account information to determine the existence and location of the safe deposit boxes. – The personal representative must follow specific legal requirements,…

  • Protecting Business Leaders in Florida Courts: Understanding the Apex Doctrine

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    – The Florida Supreme Court formally codified the apex doctrine in August 2021. – Florida is one of only a few states that have formally adopted the doctrine, including California, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and West Virginia. – On February 8, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court denied a request from the Florida Attorney General to reconsider…

  • Is a Car Accident a Crime? – Understanding Your Legal Rights in a Car Accident

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    1. A car accident is usually considered a civil incident, but can become a criminal case if it involves driving under the influence, hit-and-run, or reckless driving. 2. Driving under the influence can result in serious penalties, including jail time and fines, especially if someone is injured or killed. 3. Hit-and-run occurs when a driver…

  • “Medical Marijuana Laws in Florida: What Employers Should Know”

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    – The medical marijuana amendment to the Florida Constitution passed in November 2016, expanding the use of medical marijuana in the state. – Fla. Stat. § 381.986 was passed in response to the amendment, allowing for the use of medical marijuana for a list of 13 medical conditions. – The expansion of Florida’s medical marijuana…

  • “Challenging Probate in Florida: What You Need to Know”

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    – Probate is the court-supervised process for distributing a deceased person’s assets to their beneficiaries. – Probate in Florida is necessary for nonresidents and residents who own property in their individual names without a named beneficiary. – Objecting to probate in Florida can be done on grounds such as undue influence, fraud, mistake, lack of…

  • Personal Injury Law Firm: Hoiberg Group Replace “Hoiberg Group” with “Smith & Associates”

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    – Taxpayers have the right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum. – The IRS’s Independent Office of Appeals must be separate from the office that initially reviewed a taxpayer’s case. – Taxpayers who receive a statutory notice of deficiency can dispute the proposed adjustment before they must pay the tax by timely…

  • “Keep Your Connecticut Business Safe: 5 Steps to Avoid Legal Problems”

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    1. Dolly Parton is known for her philanthropy and has valuable lessons to teach about giving back and doing good. 2. After winning a money judgment in court, it’s important to understand that it entitles the individual to the amount stated, but does not provide immediate access to funds. 3. Non-citizens in the U.S. may…

  • The Dangers of Being Your Own Contractor in Florida

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    – The Florida Legislature regulates the construction industry for public health, safety, and welfare through Chapter 489, Florida Statutes and 61G4 of the Florida Administrative Code. – In Florida, construction work generally needs to be performed by a licensed contractor, unless specifically exempted from licensure under 489.103, Florida Statutes. – Homeowners in Florida can act…

  • Child Support in Florida: Can You Get Out of Making Payments?

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    – In Florida, child support is calculated based on the Income Shares Model, taking into account the income of both parents, the number of children, and certain other expenses. – A parent may seek to waive or modify child support payments if they can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances, such as financial hardship or…

  • Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable?

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    – Insurance settlements for auto injury cases do not increase your net worth, so they are not taxed by the IRS. – Compensation for physical injuries, vehicle repair, and emotional distress from a car accident is non-taxable. – Proceeds for emotional distress or mental anguish from a physical injury are treated the same as proceeds…

  • Understanding Indemnification in Florida Construction Contracts

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    – Florida has specific requirements for indemnification provisions in construction contracts – The indemnification clause must have a monetary limitation that is reasonably related to the contract – The provision must be part of the project specifications – The indemnification provision cannot cover claims not caused by the party giving indemnity or protect against gross…

  • Changes to Florida Homeowners Construction Recovery Fund: What High School Students Need to Know

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    – The Florida Homeowners Construction Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) was created to help Florida homeowners who have been financially harmed by licensed contractors. – Homeowners seeking payment from the fund must be the owner of an owner-occupied residence, and the property must meet certain criteria. – The homeowner must have a final judgment, arbitration award,…

  • “Florida’s Updated Phone Solicitation Law Upheld in Court”

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    1. The Florida Telephone Solicitation Act (FTSA) was amended in 2023 to provide more clarity and balance in protecting consumers and businesses. 2. The original FTSA led to a large number of consumer complaints and class action lawsuits due to its broad reach and lack of protections for businesses. 3. The 2023 amendments to the…

  • Upcoming Changes to Florida Construction Laws

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    1. Florida construction lien and bond law is constantly changing and should be reviewed regularly. 2. Recent amendments to Florida lien and bond law will take effect on October 1, 2023. 3. The amendments to Florida Statute 255.05(2)(a)2 will better protect bond claimants who were not provided with a copy of the bond. 4. The…

  • 2024 Changes to Inheritance and Gift Tax Exemptions Announced

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    – The IRS has announced that the estate and gift tax basic exclusion amount and the generation‑skipping transfer (“GST”) tax exemption will increase from $12,920,000 to $13,610,000 effective January 1, 2024. – The gift tax annual exclusion amount will increase from $17,000 to $18,000 per person in 2024, and the annual exclusion for gifts to…

  • Understanding Conflicts of Interest in Florida Class Action Cases

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    1. In the case of Young v. Achenbauch, the Florida Supreme Court found that the balancing test used by the Third District Court of Appeals was inappropriate for addressing conflict of interest issues in class action lawsuits. 2. The court determined that the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct fully addressed the conflict of interest issue…

  • Smart Tax Tips for Small Business Owners

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    1. Accelerating cash collections can help small business owners increase profits on their current year’s tax return, while deferring collections can keep taxable profits lower and delay tax payment to the following year. 2. Small business owners can also accelerate or defer deductible expenses to offset income and reduce taxable income in a more profitable…