We have recently experienced some of the worst financial and economic conditions that we (hopefully) will see in our lifetimes. Most of us have been touched personally by these conditions. Thankfully, it appears that things are improving, and that economic and financial conditions will continue to get better.
2011-2012 Trends in Residential and Commercial Real Estate
With economic indicators pointing to the beginning of a recovery, the real estate market is still lingering with an undetermined direction. Existing home sales trickle higher, although home values continue to slide. Commercial lending is available but with tighter lending restrictions and the flurry of real estate activity has not returned. But we can see […]
U.S. Banks Fear Loss of Foreign Deposits Due to Proposed IRS Regulation
The IRS has proposed a regulation where banks must disclose foreigners’ interest income to the IRS, which could the share it with their homelands. Under current law, interest income earned by non-resident aliens on U.S. deposits is not currently subject to U.S. taxation. This brings up concerns about privacy and personal security to wealthy foreigners.
Will Miami Be The New Technology Hub for Life Sciences?
According to a recent article in Life Science Leader, the first phase of the University of Miami Life Science & Technology Park (UM-LSTP) is almost ready to open in the Miami health district. When completed, the UM-LSTP will be one of the largest medical footprints in the country.
Growth Management In Florida in 2011: Where are we going?
Just about a month ago, Governor Rick Scott’s transition team recommended, among other things, that three of the largest state agencies be combined – The Department of Transportation (DOT), The Department of Community Affairs (DCA), and The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Applying Sales Tax on Internet Transactions in Florida
While the 2011 Republican leadership in the Legislature will not pass any measure that can be characterized as a tax increase or anti-business, one proposal whose time may come and does have growing support from the retail business community is for Florida to take steps to impose the sales and use tax on transactions consummated over the Internet.
Ten “Techy” New Years Resolutions Every Company Should Make in 2011
The New Year is a time for celebration and to reflect on the past year, as well as a time for resolutions, new budgets, plans and corporate goals. As you plan for 2011, don’t forget that just like you increasingly rely on tech and IP in your everyday life, companies increasingly rely on their trade secrets, email services, hosted solutions, websites, enterprise software, technology services and loyal employees.
Another Split Decision in the Battle for Insurance Coverage For Chinese Drywall Losses
On December 16, the federal court in Louisiana overseeing the Chinese Drywall Multi-District Litigation (“MDL”) issued an order dismissing homeowner claims for first-party insurance coverage due to damage caused to their homes by defective Chinese drywall.
Insurance Coverage May Cover Madoff Clawback Settlement Payments
This past Saturday, December 11 was the deadline for Irving Picard, the Madoff trustee, to file fraudulent transfer (“clawback”) lawsuits against Madoff net winners. Several high profile individuals, including Carl Shapiro and Robert Jaffe, recently settled the claims against them.
Will Congress authorize internet poker before the end of the year?
As the clock winds down on the 111th Congress, proponents of legal Internet poker are eyeing a last-minute chance to pass a bill creating a licensing system for legal online poker forums. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev), while previously opposed to efforts to legalize Internet gaming, has circulated a draft bill that seeks to legalize and tax the industry which is estimated to include 15 million paying American customers.
