Question 1

When should a developer bring in counsel?

Accepted Answer

Before you sign the land contract. Every downstream decision — entitlements, financing, construction — is shaped by the acquisition structure. Fixing a bad land contract later is expensive and often impossible.

Question 2

Can you handle Miami-Dade and municipal permitting?

Accepted Answer

We handle the legal work associated with permitting — applications, variances, special exceptions, and hearings. We coordinate with expediters, architects, and engineers on the technical submissions.

Question 3

Do you draft condominium documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We draft the Declaration of Condominium, Articles, Bylaws, Rules, and Prospectus, and manage the Division of Condominiums filings for conversions and new condominium developments.

Question 4

What is a SNDA and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement protects existing tenants when a new lender takes a lien on the property. It tells the tenant that even if the lender forecloses, the lease survives. Lenders require SNDAs from material tenants. We draft, negotiate, and reconcile SNDAs as part of construction and permanent financing closings.

Question 5

How do construction lien rights work in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida construction lien law is highly procedural — Notices to Owner, releases of lien, contractor's affidavits, and proper waivers must move with each payment to avoid surprise liens at the end of the project. We draft owner-side protective language into your contracts and supervise the lien-waiver process during the build.

Question 6

Can you help me structure a joint venture with a money partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Common structure: developer contributes the deal and operating expertise, money partner contributes capital, profits split via a waterfall (return of capital first, then preferred return, then promote tiers). We draft the operating agreement and capital call mechanics so both sides know exactly what each contribution earns.

Question 7

What entitlements work do you handle versus what is the architect or engineer doing?

Accepted Answer

Architects and engineers prepare the technical submissions (site plans, elevations, civil drawings). We handle the legal-side work: zoning analysis and verification, variance and special exception applications, hearing representation, conditions of approval negotiation, and coordination with the city or county attorney's office. The two roles dovetail throughout the entitlements process.

Question 8

When does a Florida new condo or conversion trigger Division of Condominiums oversight?

Accepted Answer

Most for-sale condominium developments — new construction or conversions of 20+ units — must file a Prospectus and be reviewed by the Division. The disclosure requirements are substantial. Smaller projects may qualify for streamlined treatment. We map out the Division track at the start of the project.

Developer Representation

About developer representation

What we handle

Land acquisition

Entitlements and land use

Construction contracts

Joint ventures and capital stacks

Condominium conversions and sales

Questions we hear

Related services

Real Estate

Investor Services

Commercial Litigation

Private & Hard Money Lenders

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