The Permitting Process: Where to Start
Getting a construction project from idea to opening in Florida means following a sequence of steps that will extend far beyond just pulling permits. The process starts with visioning and master planning and moves through regulatory compliance, environmental review, technical permitting, building permits, inspections, and, ultimately, the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Understanding […]
Loan Restructuring and How It Can Help You
Loan restructuring is a strategy used by businesses, homeowners, and real estate investors to adjust the terms of a debt obligation in ways that make repayment more manageable and sustainable. Loan restructuring can be an attractive option for borrowers facing short-term liquidity issues or long-term shifts in business models. For businesses experiencing rough patches or […]
Understanding Easements: Rights, Duties, and Restrictions
Easements are legal rights that allow one party to use another’s property for a specific purpose without owning it. In Florida, understanding the nuances of easements is important for property owners, as they can significantly impact property use, value, and development potential. The attorneys at Cobb Cole’s Real Estate Law group and Land Use & Zoning group work with […]
A Deed’s a Deed, Right? Ways of Taking Title
A Deed’s a Deed, Right? Ways of Taking Title In a Florida real estate transaction, the deed doesn’t just confirm ownership. It defines how that ownership is held—and that can have major implications for taxes, liability, control, and transfer. The appropriate form of title for a purchase will differ if you’re buying with a spouse, a business […]
What’s an Encroachment?
Encroachment occurs when one property owner either inadvertently or intentionally allows the use or occupation of his own property to cross over a neighboring property line that divides two pieces of property without the permission of the other property owner. Florida has laws designed to protect property owners from encroachment. Owners are encouraged to take […]
If I Do Not Pay My Property Taxes This Year, Do I Immediately Lose My Property?
The short answer to this pressing question is no. You won’t lose your property immediately. You will have at least 2 years from the date of delinquency to pay your owed taxes plus interest and fees. In Florida, failing to pay property taxes initiates a multi-step process that can ultimately lead to the loss of your property, […]
What is Environmental Due Diligence?
Environmental due diligence refers to the assessment of potential environmental liabilities associated with a property or project. Before acquiring a property or starting a project, buyers, investors, and developers want to identify and mitigate all the potential environmental risks it may entail. In Florida, where soil and groundwater contamination and former commercial and industrial sites pose […]
What is Responsible Development?
Understanding Responsible Development Responsible development is far more than simply an ethical or regulatory consideration—it is a forward-thinking approach that aligns private investment with long-term community, economic, and environmental benefits. In Florida, where rapid growth and land-use challenges often intersect, responsible development is often a key component in strategic land investments. At its core, responsible […]
Navigating the Landscape: 5 Practice Areas to Consider When Purchasing Commercial Property
Investing in commercial property is a substantial commitment that requires careful consideration of various factors. To make well-informed choices, it is crucial to examine different legal practice areas that may affect your investment and operations. At Cobb Cole, a team of 23 attorneys across 13 distinct practice areas collaborate to address challenges, develop proactive strategies, […]
What is the Florida Brownfields Redevelopment Program?
What are Brownfield Sites? Brownfield sites are properties with actual or perceived environmental contamination that may present a barrier to redevelopment. These properties are often abandoned, derelict, or underutilized, and may have previously been the sites of commercial operations like these: Florida’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program Brownfield sites often represent significant redevelopment opportunities that go unrealized […]
