Business Succession Planning in Florida | Scheer Legal
Securing Your Legacy: Business Succession Planning for Florida Families
For many families in Florida, the business isn’t just a source of income — it’s a legacy. Whether you run a local service company, a medical practice, or a growing enterprise, your business represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. But one question often gets overlooked: What happens to the business if something happens to you?
At Scheer Legal, we help families and business owners bridge the gap between estate planning and business planningso that your legacy is secure, your loved ones are protected, and your company continues to thrive for generations.
Why Business Succession Planning Matters
Without a clear plan, even the most successful business can face challenges:
Family conflict over ownership and control
Loss of value if the business is forced to sell quickly
Tax burdens that reduce what your heirs receive
Legal disputes between partners, employees, or family members
A well-structured business succession plan protects against these risks and ensures that your wishes — not the courts — dictate the future of your business.
Key Legal Strategies for Business Owners
1. Operating Agreements with Succession Clauses
If you own an LLC, your operating agreement should specify what happens if an owner dies, becomes incapacitated, or wants to exit. Without this, Florida’s default laws may apply — often leading to results you never intended.
2. Buy-Sell Agreements
For businesses with multiple partners, a buy-sell agreement provides a roadmap for ownership transfers. This agreement can:
Set valuation methods for the business
Outline how ownership interests are purchased (insurance, cash, financing)
Prevent unwanted third parties from gaining control
3. Estate Planning Tools for Business Owners
Your estate plan should work hand-in-hand with your business plan. Trusts, wills, and powers of attorney are critical for:
Ensuring smooth management transition if you’re incapacitated
Protecting business assets from probate delays
Reducing estate taxes and preserving more wealth for your family
4. Family Governance and Training
Sometimes, succession isn’t just about documents — it’s about preparing the next generation. Formal family governance structures, training programs, and clear communication can help ensure a successful handoff.
Why Work with Scheer Legal?
At Scheer Legal, we understand both sides of the equation: the legal frameworks businesses need and the family dynamics that make planning essential. We regularly advise South Florida entrepreneurs on:
Drafting and updating operating agreements
Coordinating estate and business succession planning
Creating trusts designed to protect both family and business assets
Serving as outside general counsel to provide ongoing guidance
Our mission is simple: to give business owners peace of mind knowing that their hard work and legacy are protected.
Take the First Step Today
Don’t leave the future of your business to chance. Whether you’ve built a family-run operation or a multi-partner enterprise, now is the time to create a plan that protects your legacy.
👉 Schedule a consultation with Scheer Legal today and take control of your business’s future.
