St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Attorneys

Depending on the proposed use of the property, purchasing commercial real estate as an investment or for business purposes requires a thorough understanding of business law, zoning, real estate law, and financial and tax issues.

A skilled commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg is the only person who can ensure the process goes smoothly.

Working with an attorney is the best way to avoid the pitfalls of buying or selling commercial property. Whether you are leasing retail space, embarking on a construction or development project, buying or selling commercial buildings, or resolving zoning issues, a skilled lawyer will protect your interests and minimize risk.

Based in St. Petersburg, the Lopez Law Group represents businesses and individuals in commercial real estate transactions. We will listen carefully to understand your goals, advise you of your rights under Florida law, and work collaboratively to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact our law office today to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.

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St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Guide

• Why Choose Our St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Lawyers?
• Our Services
• Title Examination
• Title Insurance
• Closing Coordination
• How a St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Attorney Helps
• Do I Need a Commercial Real Estate Lawyer If I Have a Realtor?
• Do I Need to Set Up a Separate Entity to Hold My Commercial Real Estate?
• How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

Why Choose Our St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Lawyers?

At Lopez Law Group, we aim to serve as caring mentors for you. We are relatable because we are part of your community. Our clients are family, not just customers.

We pick up the phone when you need us—day or night.

Passionate Advocacy: Serving as trusted attorneys for years, our team has earned a reputation for passionate advocacy on behalf of our clients. From residents and business owners to tenants, our clients are our community.

Choosing our firm means you will benefit from extensive experience in all aspects of legal practice, from St. Petersburg to Tampa Bay and throughout Florida.

Comprehensive Legal Experience: Over the years, we have proudly represented the community’s interests through various legal processes and pride ourselves on being a vast knowledge resource in all aspects of the law.

Our attorneys have varied backgrounds and assist with a wide variety of issues. We are here whether you have a property you want to purchase or were involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Continuous Communication: We maintain constant contact with our clients and provide our own cell phone numbers, ensuring you can reach us at any time, seven days a week.

When you hire an attorney, they work for you, and you should never have to wonder about the status of your case.

Our Services

At the Lopez Law Group, we have substantial experience handling all aspects of commercial real estate transactions.

We can handle any issues that may arise when buying, selling, or leasing a commercial property, including:

• Purchase and Sales Agreements: We can draft documents that set forth the rights and obligations of buyers and sellers. A well-written purchase and sale agreement may prevent disputes from occurring and offer guidance should the parties disagree about some aspect of the transaction.
• Lease agreements: We will draft, edit, and review commercial leases on behalf of landlords and tenants.
• New construction agreements: For clients who plan to purchase new commercial construction, we review and edit all necessary documents and contracts to protect your rights.
• Commercial lease disputes: If an issue arises with a commercial lease, we will advise you of your options and, if necessary, represent you in any litigation

Our legal team handles every aspect of commercial real estate transactions, from title examination and insurance to closing. Because we represent clients throughout the process, we develop a comprehensive strategy that meets your needs.

Title Examination

Before a commercial real estate transaction can move forward, it will be necessary to evaluate the property title to ensure no clouds or encumbrances.

We carefully evaluate your documents for issues such as:

• Easements
• Encroachments
• Restrictions
• Existing Mortgages
• Any other pre-existing issues
• Changes to the terms of the original contract

We identify potential problems during our title examination and formulate a solution. Unlike traditional title insurance companies, our law firm is not limited to spotting deficiencies in the title.

We take a proactive approach to fix the issue, understanding that any delays in closing can cost you both money and potential business opportunities.

As St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorneys, we approach each matter holistically. We understand that these transactions have many moving parts and that an error in one part of the process can lead to substantial unexpected expenses.

We will work with you to make the process as straightforward as possible, spotting and addressing problems immediately.

Title Insurance

In Florida, two types of title insurance are available: owner’s and lender’s. Owner’s title insurance protects the buyer, while lender’s insurance protects the lender.

Although you don’t have to have owner’s title insurance in Florida, buyers who obtain financing are typically required to obtain a policy as a loan requirement. We highly recommend title insurance because it protects the buyer of a home if an issue with the title arises in the future.

An owner’s title insurance policy protects against third-party ownership claims, unforeseen clouds on the title, and liens against the property.

Title insurance is relatively inexpensive and should be a priority for all purchasers of commercial real estate in St. Petersburg. The Lopez Law Group can help you find a title insurance policy that meets your needs and protects you from future claims against the title to your new property.

Beyond title insurance, there are several other types of insurance you should also consider. For commercial real estate, you will likely need to purchase property insurance, liability, and even workers’ compensation insurance to ensure you comply with Florida law and have adequate protection against potential liabilities.

As experienced commercial real estate lawyers in St. Petersburg, we will help you determine what type of insurance you need and even connect you with the right insurance broker to assist you with quotes and help you find the best rates on the market.

Closing Coordination

The final step of any real estate transaction is the closing. Every party involved in the transaction (or their representative) must be present during a closing. That can be a significant hassle when the sale involves a large group.

We will coordinate with all involved parties, which can include:

• Buyers
• Sellers
• Lenders
• Brokers
• Surveyors
• Inspectors
• Other attorneys and important entities

Having all parties involved present at the closing ensures that everyone is on the same page and that they can resolve any last-minute issues on the spot. The goal is to make the closing as easy and painless as possible.

If you prefer that we coordinate scheduling matters with all involved parties, we can do that. We will ensure everyone who must be there on closing day is present. The simple task of coordinating scheduling can make all the difference at your closing.

Real estate closing involves an extraordinary amount of paperwork, including the contract, title, and insurance coverage. Having a knowledgeable legal counselor to guide you through the process helps you avoid potential issues and increases the odds of a smooth closing where all parties are satisfied.

How a St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Attorney Helps

Commercial real estate often involves a significant investment. A St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney will protect your rights regarding corporate ownership, commercial lease disputes, and other matters.

Having a lawyer involved from the outset can make it easier to complete a deal and shield yourself from legal liability.

At the Lopez Law Group, our real estate attorneys protect our Florida clients during real estate closings. That is why we offer comprehensive and customized services that can address common issues that may arise during the process.

If this is your first time investing in commercial property, we will explain the process, from earnest money deposits to obtaining an inspection of the property. If you are an experienced commercial property investor, we will work with you to make the transaction as seamless as possible.

Our team can help you review all critical paperwork involved in a transaction. For example, an inspection report for a commercial property often differs from the type used in residential real estate.

We will use our experience to ensure that the property is up to industry standards, reviewing environmental reports, property surveys, and related documentation to ensure that the property meets your specific needs.

Once you have decided to purchase a property, we will draft, review, and edit all related documents.

All real estate transactions involve substantial paperwork, from loan and mortgage documents to purchase agreements and leases. These documents are typically very detailed, including the exact terms of the transaction, financial liability, each party’s rights and obligations, and more.

We will review all required and recommended paperwork for completeness, knowing that anything addressed incorrectly via a contract could open you to litigation or future disputes.

These agreements form the basis of the deal that you are making, so it is critical that a seasoned commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg carefully analyze each contract with your financial and legal interests in mind.

We can also assist with the negotiation process. While many business owners have strong negotiation skills, they may lack in-depth knowledge of Florida real estate law and processes.

With an experienced lawyer, you will have access to the information and skills you need to get the best possible deal.

Legal representation is crucial in a commercial real estate transaction if the other party has hired an attorney. It levels the playing field and protects your interests.

You can negotiate all aspects of a commercial real estate transaction. Beyond the price, your St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney can help you negotiate clauses and details, such as what will happen if you find a defect in the property after closing.

When your money and business are on the line, you can’t afford to be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Investing in experienced legal representation can increase the likelihood of closing on your property on time and avoid pitfalls often associated with real estate transactions.

Just as a residential real estate attorney assists you with buying a home, an experienced commercial real estate lawyer can help you purchase, sell, and lease commercial properties throughout the greater St. Petersburg region.

Do I Need a Commercial Real Estate Lawyer If I Have a Realtor?

Yes. While real estate agents are licensed professionals, they are typically not attorneys. As such, the law prohibits them from giving legal advice.

Because commercial real estate transactions involve significant legal documentation, you need a lawyer who can counsel you on the legal implications of your decisions.

Commercial real estate matters often involve related areas of law, such as zoning and environmental law. An attorney advises you on these issues and how they will affect your planned purchase or sale.

Do I Need to Set Up a Separate Entity to Hold My Commercial Real Estate?

Generally, you are not required to create a separate corporate entity to purchase or hold commercial real estate. However, some lenders may require that you make a single-purpose entity to obtain a property loan.

Even if your lender does not require the creation of an entity, there are several benefits – such as asset protection and reduced tax liability.

A seasoned commercial real estate attorney in St. Petersburg helps you decide whether you should create an entity for your property – and advises you on the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.

How Our Law Firm Can Help with Your Commercial Real Estate Needs

SeanCarlo Lopez, St. Petersburg Commercial Real Estate Lawyer

Whether you are an experienced commercial real estate investor or a first-time buyer, having a skilled attorney can make the process seamless. Our lawyers will assist you with every step.

At The Lopez Law Group, we are fierce advocates for our clients in all Florida real estate matters, including both residential and commercial transactions.

We work with you to help you achieve your goals as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a St. Petersburg commercial real estate attorney, call us at (727) 933-0015 or fill out our online contact form.

Our Office Location

Lopez Law Group

700 7th Ave N, Suite A,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701