| February 2025 Edition  Legal News & Updates February 2025 Edition Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., is dedicated to providing regular updates to our valued clients and the community regarding legal matters that may influence their businesses and families. We are pleased to present articles and news shared for your reference and awareness. Business & Tax  Businesses must resume compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) following a court ruling that lifted a prior injunction. Most reporting companies now have until March 21, 2025, to submit their Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR) to FinCEN. Business & Tax Attorney Margaret Karakashian explains the latest updates, key deadlines and what businesses need to know. Click here to read more. Business Litigation  With economic shifts impacting Southwest Florida’s commercial real estate market, landlords are seeing an uptick in delinquencies and eviction concerns. Understanding the eviction process—and the importance of a well-drafted lease— is critical to protecting your property rights. In his first article of the series, Business Litigation Attorney Craig Goddy breaks down key steps, common pitfalls and legal considerations for commercial landlords. Click here to read more. Land Use & Environmental Law  If your neighbor’s ever-growing flock of chickens—or another zoning violation—is disrupting your property, can you take legal action? In Florida, the answer depends on whether you have “standing” to sue. Land Use Attorney Jeff Wright and Business Litigation Krithika Venugopal break down the legal standards, recent court rulings and what property owners must prove be- fore enforcing or challenging a zoning ordinance. Click here to read more. Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning  A surviving spouse in Florida may have the right to claim 30% of the deceased’s estate— regardless of what the will says. For those in second marriages or with significant assets, this can disrupt estate plans and lead to legal disputes. Estate Planning Attorneys Anthony Cetrangelo and Ernest Hatch, along with Divorce, Marital and Family Law Attorney Beth Vogelsang, explain Florida’s elective share law, its impact on estate planning and key strategies to protect your wishes. Click here to read more. In the News  As AI continues to reshape industries, businesses face new legal challenges in compliance, liability, and intellectual property. Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney Michael Corso served as a panelist at PR University, hosted by the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA and Florida SouthWestern State College. The panel explored AI’s impact on public relations, business operations, and the evolv- ing legal landscape. Click here to read more.  Real estate and Land Use Attorney Colten Thomas has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Uncommon Friends Foundation, furthering his commitment to responsible development and historic preservation in Southwest Florida. A Fort Myers native, he helps clients navigate land use, zoning, and real estate matters while advocating for sustainable growth. To learn more about his Colten’s leadership role and the Foundation’s mission, click here.  Keeping up with zoning, permitting and growth management is essential for real estate professionals in Collier County. On February 17, 2025, Henderson Franklin stockholder Jeff Wright, a Florida Bar Board Certified expert in City, County & Local Government Law, shared key insights at the NABOR Government Affairs Committee meeting. His presentation covered current trends, challenges, and opportunities in land development. Click here to read more.  As members of the local community, we extend a warm invitation to join us at upcoming events, including: – Tuesday, March 6, Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends – Soup Kitchen Benefit – Thursday, March 13, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Banquet – Thursday, March 20, Market Trends – Thursday, March 20, Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs’ Off the Walls – Friday, March 21, Humane Society Naples Pet Lovers Gala – Saturday, March 22, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice’s Venetian Ball – Sunday, March 23, Special Equestrians’ Taste of Love – Tuesday, March 25, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida’s Hall of Fame honoring Timothy Cartwright (Fifth Avenue Family Office), William Price, Jr. and Matthew Price (Seagate Development Group) and Aysegul Timur, Ph.D. (Florida Gulf Coast University) Fort Myers | Bonita Springs | Naples       Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. 1715 Monroe Street Fort Myers, FL 33901 www.henlaw.com |
