Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.

Today, we celebrate the exceptional women attorneys at Henderson Franklin who continue to lead, advocate and inspire in the legal profession. Their contributions impact their clients and shape the future of law, business and justice in our communities. From corporate law and litigation to real estate, family law and estate planning, these women bring skill, dedication, and leadership to every case they handle. On International Women’s Day, we recognize their achievements, celebrate their impact, and reaffirm our commitment to empowering and advancing women in the legal profession. Join us in celebrating the women who make a difference every day. #InternationalWomensDay #swfl #law #FL

Legal access is a fundamental aspect of property ownership, yet it is often overlooked during real estate transactions. Buyers who fail to verify access rights may encounter unexpected legal disputes, restricted property use, or financial liabilities. Fort Myers Real Estate Attorney Alessandro Secino provides insights into: - Defining legal access and the importance of verifying it before closing; - Title searches and recorded easements as essential tools for confirming access rights; - Express vs. implied easements and their role in securing access; and, - Legal options for addressing access disputes and protecting property rights. Proper due diligence is imperative in real estate acquisitions, development, and land use planning. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/efJF8Dz4 #swfl #law #realestate #propertyrights #legalaccess #FL

Tonight, Henderson Franklin is proud to sponsor Community Cooperative’s annual Sam Galloway, Jr. & Friends Soup Kitchen Benefit, a signature event dedicated to combating hunger and food insecurity in Southwest Florida. This event raises crucial funds to support: ✅ Community feeding initiatives and food pantries; ✅ Meals on Wheels programs for homebound seniors; and, ✅ Emergency food assistance for families in crisis. We are grateful to be part of this effort to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Thank you to Stefanie Ink Edwards, Tracy Siekmann, MBA and your incredible team at Community Cooperative for the vital work you do every day. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXH8AAKj #swfl #law #FL #HungerRelief #CorporateSocialResponsibility

Florida’s boating industry is thriving, and many vessel owners are turning to Bareboat Charters to make their boats more profitable. But without a properly structured agreement, boat owners may still be liable for accidents, injuries, or regulatory issues. Florida Maritime Attorneys Amanda Ross and Steven Gendreau explain: ✔️ What qualifies as a legal Bareboat Charter under federal law; ✔️ How a Bareboat Charter shifts liability from the owner to the charterer; and, ✔️ The key contractual elements required for compliance; To read the full article visit: https://lnkd.in/eneX4prh #swfl #law #MaritimeLaw #BareboatCharter #FloridaBoating

Businesses facing Beneficial Ownership Information Report (#BOIR) compliance requirements should take note: FinCEN and the Treasury Department have effectively made BOIR filing voluntary for now. On February 27, 2025, FinCEN announced no fines, penalties, or enforcement actions for companies that do not file BOIRs by the current deadline. Read more from Southwest Florida Business & Tax Attorney Margaret Karakashian: https://lnkd.in/eFa6figK #swfl #law #CTA #FL #corporatelaw

For many, pets are family—but few people consider what will happen to them if they pass away or become incapacitated. A simple verbal promise from a friend or family member may not be legally enforceable, leaving your pet’s future uncertain. Florida Estate Planning Attorney Eric Gurgold discusses: - The difference between a Will provision and a Pet Trust; - Why a Pet Trust provides immediate financial support and avoids probate delays; - How to designate a trusted caregiver and set aside funds for your pet’s care; and, - Real-world examples of estate plans that protect pets. To read more on Pet Trusts, visit: https://lnkd.in/gS5rkXW #swfl #law #EstatePlanning #PetTrust #FL

Boat Buyers: Should You Register Your Vessel in Florida or Document It with the U.S. Coast Guard? If you're purchasing a boat in Florida, understanding the difference between state registration and federal documentation is critical. Both have distinct legal, financial, and operational implications. Florida Maritime Law Attorney Amanda Ross covers key considerations, including: - Florida’s registration requirements and where to file; - U.S. Coast Guard documentation and why some boat owners prefer it; - How financing, foreign travel, and vessel ownership structure influence your options; and, - The legal and financial protections provided under federal documentation. To read more, visit: https://lnkd.in/efwJSPKa #swfl #law #MaritimeLaw #BoatRegistration #CoastGuard #FloridaBoating

We are excited to announce that Real Estate & Land Use Attorney Colten Thomas has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Uncommon Friends Foundation! He shares: “The Uncommon Friends Foundation’s dedication to character education, ethics, and historic preservation is truly inspiring. I am honored to serve and help further its mission." The Uncommon Friends Foundation promotes ethical business practices, leadership development, and historic preservation—including maintaining the historic Burroughs Home. As a third-generation Fort Myers native, Colten is committed to sustainable development and preserving Southwest Florida’s rich history. His legal practice focuses on: - Land use & zoning approvals; - Real estate transactions & compliance; - Community association governance; and, - Sustainable growth initiatives. Colten is a proud alumni of Duke University and Florida State University College of Law. We are proud to see Colten step into this leadership role and look forward to his contributions to our community! To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/e-qMGhpg #swfl #law #FL #community #realestate #landuse #zoning #HFcares

Who Has the Right to Enforce or Challenge a Zoning Ordinance in Florida? When it comes to zoning disputes, not everyone has the legal standing to sue. In our latest blog, Land Use Attorney Jeff Wright and Business Litigation Attorney Krithika Venugopal explore the key requirements for enforcing or challenging local zoning ordinances in Florida, including: ✔️ The three types of standing recognized under Florida law; ✔️ What it takes to enforce a zoning ordinance vs. challenge one; ✔️ The impact of the Everett v. Martin County case on zoning disputes; and, ✔️ Why the “special injury” rule can make or break a case. If you’re facing a zoning or land use issue, knowing your rights is critical. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/e-8ndfKJ #swfl #law #standing #landuse #zoning #Floridalaw #floridarealestate

With no state income tax, strong asset protection laws, and favorable estate planning options, Florida residency offers long-term benefits. In this post, Southwest Florida Estate Planning attorney Braxton Bowen outlines: - How Florida’s Homestead Exemption can reduce property taxes - The asset protection advantages of Florida trusts & estate laws - Steps to secure your Florida residency and avoid tax disputes If you spend part of the year in Florida, now may be the time to make it official! To read more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eAtYwc6D #swfl #law #FL #BonitaSprings #FortMyers #FloridaResidency #EstatePlanning #Snowbirds #TaxSavings #RetirementPlanning