Orlando Law Scoop - Don't go to jail in 2024

Orlando Law Group • November 15, 2023

We're here to help with your small business needs

Being an entrepreneur is one of the toughest things to do.


You spend your days building your business, dealing with employees, finding new customers and so much more.


You spend your nights worried about your business, your employees, your competitors and your clients.


The last thing you need is to worry about any legal issues facing your business.


I certainly understand. Yes, The Orlando Law Group is a small business, but I also own other businesses too. I have experienced the same worries and fears you have had.


Hopefully, I can help you with your legal issues to take some of the concerns off your plate and work with you on any issue your business might be facing.


One thing I want to make sure you know about is the Beneficial Ownership Information you will be required to file with the federal government next year. The penalties for not doing it are severe.


We focus on so many issues facing small businesses. We have experience with the following and so much more:


  • Contracts
  • Partnerships and succession planning
  • Trademarks and copyrights
  • Mergers and aquisitions
  • Human resources
  • Transactions
  • Litigation
  • Insurance


I hope you will reach out to me if you think there maybe an issue The Orlando Law Group can help you with. Our attorneys have worked with a wide range of business issues and can work with you too.


Sincerely,

Jennifer


HOA/COA Information for You

Next year, the federal government will be requiring businesses to increase the amount of reporting it provides. It is a new step that may catch businesses off guard as many businesses may not have even heard of the new types of disclosure.


But, if you own, invest or work for a small business, be ready to file your Beneficial Ownership Information to the federal government in January.


Not doing so could result in significant fines and possibly jail time.


That sounds scary, right? 


It can be, but for most businesses, the actual act of filing this newly required information can be simple. Where it gets complicated is if your business is required and who you must disclose to the federal government. 


Read More

Next year, the federal government will be requiring businesses to increase the amount of reporting it provides. It is a new step that may catch businesses off guard as many businesses may not have even heard of the new types of disclosure.


But, if you own, invest or work for a small business, be ready to file your Beneficial Ownership Information to the federal government in January.


Not doing so could result in significant fines and possibly jail time.


That sounds scary, right? 


It can be, but for most businesses, the actual act of filing this newly required information can be simple. Where it gets complicated is if your business is required and who you must disclose to the federal government. 


Read More

Over the summer, there was a very public battle over the phrase “Taco Tuesday.” Lebron James wanted the phrase. Taco Bell wanted the phrase. Restaurants around the country wanted the phrase.


Of course, the owners of the trademarked phrase “Taco Tuesday” didn’t want to give it up and had fought allowing others to use it for years.


Eventually, Taco John’s, which had a trademark on the phrase for decades, decided to release the trademark without a fight and now Lebron James, Taco Bell and your neighborhood food truck can use it legally in most places.


While it is highly unlikely your company will develop a tagline or marketing phrase that becomes as common of a term as Taco Tuesday, it does serve as an important lesson for any business: protect your marketing just like you would a trade secret, an invention or a unique differentiator.


Not doing so can cause a business significant issues in the future, ones that could be easily avoided.


Read More

Jennifer Englert

Known for a caring heart, as well as a drive to make a difference, Jennifer Englert is the driving force behind The Orlando Law Group as it enters its second decade serving the Central Florida community.


Englert is the managing partner and founder of OLG. For over 22 years, she has focused on business disputes, business law, general civil litigation, special needs & education law, family law, personal injury, and real estate.


She has represented entities and individuals in both federal and state trial and appellate courts.


Read more about Jennifer

Erika De Jesus

Taught from a young age that hard work will lead to success, attorney Erika De Jesus grew up with parents who motivated her to be better everyday, which is something she carries with her throughout her career.


Erika is an enthusiastic, charismatic, and dedicated attorney, practicing in entertainment law, estate planning, probate, business law, as well as deeds and real estate issues.


De Jesus graduated from the University of Central Florida with her bachelor’s degree in legal studies and went on to receive her juris doctor degree from Barry University School of Law.


While studying for the bar exam, Erika acted as a Civil Litigation and Family Law Clerk, which reignited her passion for helping people and applying the law in innovative ways.


Read more about Erika

Adam Herman

Adam concentrates his practice in the areas of construction defect litigation, professional liability and property and casualty claims.


He has frequently served as defense counsel for contractors, subcontractors and professionals and has represented numerous corporations in commercial litigation matters, breach of contract, breach of the good faith and fair dealing, as well as violation of Florida’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act.


Adam has also successfully tried many cases to verdict and has also argued before State and Federal Appellate Courts.


Read more about Adam
February 17, 2025
Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!
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Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.
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