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Henderson Franklin Legal News and Updates
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 in August
2024 for your reference and awareness.  

Employment Law

Federal Judge Finds FTC Non-Compete Rule Illegal; Prohibits Its Enforcement Nationwide

In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Texas has struck down the Fed-
eral Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule prohibiting non-compete agreements nationwide,
just weeks before it was set to take effect. This ruling not only halts the enforcement
of the rule but also reaffirms the authority of Florida employers to rely on the state’s
existing non-compete statutes.

As legal challenges to non-competes continue across the country, this decision has
important implications for businesses. Employment Law Group Chair Scott Atwood’s
provides an analysis of the ruling and what it means for employers moving forward.
Click here to read more.   

Estate Planning

What is a Florida Durable Power of Attorney and How Can it Avoid the Need for Guardianship?  

Planning for the future is essential, especially when it comes to protecting your in-
terests and ensuring your wishes are honored. A Florida Durable Power of Attorney
is a powerful tool that can help you avoid the complexities of guardianship should
you become incapacitated.

In this article, wills, trusts and estate planning attorney Anthony Cetrangelo explains
how this legal document works, the roles of the principal and agent, and how it can
provide peace of mind by safeguarding your future. Click here to learn more about
how a Durable Power of Attorney can be a crucial part of your estate planning strat-
egy.  

Condominium and
Homeowners’ Associations

2024 Legislative Update

Staying up to date with the latest legislative changes is crucial for anyone involved in
the community association industry. The 2024 legislative session has brought about
several significant updates that may impact condominiums, homeowners’ associa-
tions, and the community association managers who oversee them.

Association lawyer Colby Keefe breaks down these new laws, providing insights and
action items for board members and CAMs alike. Don’t miss out on understanding
how these changes could affect your community—click here to read the full legislative
update.

Florida DBPR Offers Free Condominium Board Certification Course to Help Directors Comply with New Education Requirements

With new education requirements now in effect for community association directors
in Florida, staying compliant has become more important than ever. Fortunately, the
Florida Division of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and offered a free
online course specifically for condominium board members in early August. To be
notified of future courses held by the State, email:
[email protected].

To learn more about the new mandatory certification requirements outlined in recent
legislative updates, click here to learn more from Real Estate Department Chair Colby
Keefe.  

In the News


16 Henderson Franklin Attorneys Recognized in the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America® and Ones to Watch in America

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is proud to announce that fourteen of our at
torneys have been honored in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, with
an additional two attorneys recognized in the 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in
America. These distinctions, awarded through rigorous peer review and a thorough
vetting process, reflect the high level of professional excellence maintained by our
team.

The fourteen (14) attorneys named to 2025 The Best Lawyers in America® list and prac-
tice areas include:

Scott A. Beatty – Commercial Litigation and Construction Law
J. Matthew Belcastro – Construction Law
Michael J. Corso – Legal Malpractice Law (Defendants), Personal Injury
Litigation (Defendants), and Professional Malpractice Law (Defendants)
Thomas H. Gunderson – Real Estate Law
Eric Gurgold – Trusts and Estates
Erin Houck-Toll – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partner-
ships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Health Care
Law, and Tax Law
Carlos A. Kelly – Commercial Litigation
David J. Ledermann – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
C. Richard Mancini – Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Christina M. O’Brien – Family Law
Douglas B. Szabo – Commercial Litigation
G. Donald Thomson – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, and
Real Estate Law
Beth T. Vogelsang – Family Law
Jeff E. Wright – Land Use and Zoning Law

The following lawyers are recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to
Watch in America: –

Kayla Richmond – Family Law
Robert V. White – Litigation – Construction

Click here to learn more about this national achievement.  

Henderson Franklin Community Efforts

As members of the local community, we extend a warm invitation to join us at upcoming
events, including:

– September 20, 2024, Association of Family Law Professionals Annual Confer-
ence at The Landings Yacht Golf & Tennis Club
– September 28, 2024, LCEC United Way Fishing Tournament 
– October 11, 2024, Babcock Ranch Foundation Mardi Gras Invitational
– November 6, 2024, Lee County Bar Association Foundation Wine Tasting
– November 16, 2024, Nashville Night at Babcock Ranch 
– November 21, 2024, Valerie’s House Sunset Soiree  

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