Hunter Business Law is guided by our core values at this time, which are:

Partnership: We seek out ways to provide unexpected benefits to our clients, referral sources, and valued service providers.
Engagement: We are inspired to meet the needs of our clients, each other, and the firm.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: We are curious, lifelong learners who embrace and capitalize on opportunities.
Responsive: We are proactive and committed to communicating in a manner that builds confidence.
Skilled: We are proficient in the services we offer and are dedicated to continuous improvement.

This page is where we will share information we hope will help our clients and our community, and we will make every effort to stay current during these ever-changing circumstances.  If you have information to share, please send it to Katelyn@hunterbusinesslaw.com.

May you be safe and strong.

 

 

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Florida’s Chief Justice Charles Canady Amends Prior Orders to Address Phase 3 of the State Court Operations During COVID-19

Florida’s Chief Justice issued two administrative orders on July 2, 2020, providing more guidance on the four-phase system the state courts will use during the pandemic in the governing of the operations.

Updated Administrative Order AOSC20-32 – The first amended order revises Administrative Order AOSC20-32 and establishes a certification process for moving to Phase 3.

Updated Administrative Order AOSC20-23 – The second amended order revises Administrative Order AOSC20-23 which originally suspended certain kinds of legal deadlines due to the pandemic. This amendment updates those suspensions to address the new Phase 3 guidelines.

Have questions about your business litigation needs? Contact us and ask for Adam Hersh, Esq.,

View the Release HERE

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Consumer Reports Published Informative Article Regarding COVID-19 Waivers of Liability

Consumer Reports published an informative article regarding COVID-19 waivers of liability.

Bettina Strauss, a partner with Bryan Cave in St. Louis and a Georgetown Law classmate and best friend of Sheryl Hunter was quoted as follows:

“Why are businesses nevertheless asking customers to sign COVID-19 waivers? Mostly to protect themselves from frivolous lawsuits,” says Bettina Strauss, a St. Louis-based lawyer at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner who specializes in defending companies in product liability cases.

“Frivolous lawsuits can have a potentially devastating impact on companies, so they’re doing everything they can to avoid defending against them,” Strauss says. “A waiver doesn’t prevent people from filing lawsuits, but it’s a disincentive for a lawyer to take a case on and it would allow a company a quicker exit from a frivolous lawsuit should one be filed.”

If you’re a Florida business owner wondering how to manage COVID-19 issues, contact Hunter Business Law for guidance.

Read the Article HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

More Changes to the PPP – Forgiveness Guidance and New Forgiveness Applications

June 19, 2020

After the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (“Flexibility Act”), the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) released PPP loan forgiveness applications and amended its guidance regarding the PPP. Learn more by reading our blog HERE.

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

June 6, 2020

On Friday, June 5, 2020, the President signed into law, H.R. 7010, entitled the “Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020.”  H.R. 7010 alters specific provisions related to loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program. The most significant change is the extension of the 8-week Covered Period to 24 weeks (or December 31, 2020, if earlier). View H.R. 7010 HERE.

Learn more by reading our blog HERE

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State of Florida Phase 2 Effective June 5, 2020

June 4, 2020

A new executive order from Governor DeSantis will transition Florida from Phase 1 of the “SAFE. SMART. STEP-BY-STEP” plan to Phase 2 starting tomorrow, June 5th. Phase 2 will apply to all Florida counties with the exception of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.

The transition into Phase 2 will allow, among other things, gyms and retail spaces to operate at full capacity; bars to operate at 50% capacity indoors and full capacity outdoors; restaurants to allow bar-top seating with proper social distancing, entertainment businesses to operate at 50% capacity; and further encourages people to avoid gathering of 50 people or more.

Learn more by viewing Order # 20-139 HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Oops, They Did It Again! Another Big Change to the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

June 1, 2020

On May 15, 2020, the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) released the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Loan Forgiveness Application (“Application”), which included long-awaited instructions for borrowers of PPP loans who intend to seek forgiveness. The application and directions can be found HERE. A week later on May 22, the SBA issued additional comments on the loan forgiveness process for both entrepreneurs and banks, which gave more clarity but left a number of questions still unanswered. Now Congress is weighing in with potentially sweeping changes.

Read the Entire Blog HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

CDC Reopening Guidelines

May 28, 2020

CDC Reopening Guidelines for Schools – View HERE

CDC Reopening Guidelines for Childcare – View HERE

CDC Reopening Guidelines for Mass Transit – View HERE

CDC Reopening Guidelines for the Workplace – View HERE

CDC Reopening Guidelines for Restaurants & Bars – View HERE

CDC Reopening Guidelines for Camps & Youth Programs – View HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Treasury Issues Two New Interim Final Rules

May 27, 2020

The loan forgiveness application guidance continues to unfold, with Treasury issuing two new Interim Final Rules on May 22nd.

1. Treasury’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) – SBA Loan Review Procedures and Related Borrower and Lender Responsibilities. Please read the entire IFR HERE.

2. Treasury’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) – PPP Requirements – Loan Forgiveness. Please read the entire IFR HERE.

While these IFRs clarify some questions created by the Forgiveness Application issued on May 15th, a number of questions remain unanswered and we expect more guidance will be forthcoming.

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

The Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application Release

May 19, 2020

Read our latest blog by Hunter Business Law Attorney, Stephanie Boussias HERE.

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

State of Florida Phase I Breakdown

May 18, 2020

View the State of Florida’s breakdown for Phase I of the Plan for Florida’s Recovery HERE.

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Florida Department of Revenue Tax Information Publication "2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday May 29 through June 4, 2020,"

May 6, 2020

The Florida Department of Revenue has posted its latest Tax Information Publication – TIP 20A01-02. The publication outlines the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday which starts on Friday, May 29, 2020, and ends on Thursday, June 4, 2020. During that time, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

View the Publication and Qualifying Items HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

April 29, 2020

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a statewide Executive Order, effective May 4, 2020, outlining the “Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.” The Order allows for some public establishments to reopen in May. Specifically, restaurants and stores so long as capacity is limited to 25%, a point of consideration that may be considered for the reopening of other establishments.

View the Order HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Additional Funding for the Paycheck Protection Program Has Been Signed into Law

April 24, 2020

The President signed a bill into law today, April 24, 2020, which will add roughly $484 billion for Coronavirus aid, including an expansion of the funds provided under the CARES Act.

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Is My Business Exempt from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act?

April 4, 2020

On March 18, 2020, the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) was signed into law. The same went into effect on April 1, 2020. The FFCRA is a relief package that offers paid leave benefits to employees, which in turn, has an impact on employers. The FFCRA is broken up into divisions; however, the most prevalent divisions for employers include the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“Expanded FMLA”) and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“Paid Sick Leave Act”).

The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued guidance, which includes explanations as to whether employers with businesses that have fewer than 50 employees might be exempt from having to comply with the Paid Sick Leave Act and/or the Expanded FMLA. In summary, the guidance indicates the following:

Read More HERE

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WEBINAR on The CARES ACT: Providing Fast & Simple Forgivable Loans to Help your Business Cope with COVID-19

April 1, 2020

Join Hunter Business Law Partners, Adam Hersh and Ajay Singh, on April 3, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. EST, as they present a free webinar on The CARES ACT: Providing Fast & Simple Forgivable Loans to Help your Business Cope with COVID-19.

Missed the Webinar? Watch the Recording HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

April 1, 2020

Governor DeSantis has issued a Stay-at-Home Executive Order for the State of Florida effective as of 12:01 am on April 3, 2020. The Executive Order will stay in effect until April 30, 2020.

View Order HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Safer at Home Executive Order - Hillsborough County

March 27, 2020

Hillsborough County approved a Safer-at-Home Order effective as of 10:00 pm on March 27, 2020, for non-essential businesses and services, and those unable to maintain the required physical distancing of 6 feet. For more detailed information see Paragraphs 3 and 5 pf the Order.

View Order HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

New Mandatory FFCRA Workplace Posters and Frequently Asked Questions

March 26, 2020

President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) on March 18, 2020. It takes effect April 1, 2020, so you must post by that date. The FFCRA requires covered employers to provide paid leave to employees for specified reasons related to COVID-19 through two major components: (1) the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“EFMLEA”) and (2) the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”).

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

BREAKING DOWN MONETARY CAPS UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT

March 24, 2020

As we face a national climate of economic uncertainty, many employers are finding themselves questioning best practices to preserve the viability of their businesses. Some employers must consider the unfortunate option of downsizing their workforce in order to preserve their businesses.

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

March 23, 2020last updated

Hunter Business Law is committed to providing our clients, partners, and community with information and helpful resources as we monitor the developing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please click the link below for our recommended go-to websites, that will help all of us stay informed during this unprecedented time.

List of Resources

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Price Gouging: What Business Owners and Consumers Need to Know

March 18, 2020

Now that Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) various sets of laws go into effect to protect the consuming public. It is important that you as both a consumer and as a business owner, operator, or key employee are aware of some of those laws.

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Administrative Order Issued Regarding Court Proceedings

March 17, 2020

Statewide Order on Essential & Critical Court Proceedings issued by Florida’s Chief Justice.

Read Order HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Alert: COVID 19 – Loan Assistance Program

March 17, 2020

While the federal government is still working on an overall bill to address the Coronavirus pandemic in the US, there are emergency loans which your business may be able to avail itself of during this difficult time.

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

How Does the State of Florida’s Emergency Declaration Impact My Business?

March 17, 2020

Now that Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) various sets of laws go into effect to protect the consuming public. It is important that you as both a consumer and as a business owner, operator, or key employee are aware of some of those laws.

What is a State of Emergency?

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Executive Order Issued Regarding Bars and Restaurants

March 17, 2020

If a restaurant/bar makes more than 50% of their revenue from the sale of alcohol, they are considered a bar and subject to the 30-day prohibition. Additionally, if a restaurant/bar makes more than 50% of their revenue from the sale of food, they are considered a restaurant and subject to Section 3 of the Executive Order.

Read Order HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Alert: Important Notifications and Tips From Hunter Business Law

March 17, 2020

In the midst of this coronavirus pandemic, please know that the Hunter Business Law Team is here to support you and your company in any way we can. Like you, we are doing our best to maintain operations while keeping our employees and their families healthy.

Accordingly, until March 30th, all meetings will be conducted remotely, whether by phone, or video conference (Zoom). Simply contact Ana Fernandez at Ana@hunterbusinesslaw.com and she will make the necessary arrangements.

Read More HERE

HBL HOPE & HELP – Coronavirus Business Survival Alerts

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Your Business: Mitigating the Impact

March 15, 2020

Coronavirus is a serious epidemic, the likes of which we have not seen before. The law recognizes that certain uncontrollable circumstances (such as the Coronavirus epidemic) may make performance of business obligations impossible or impractical under the circumstances. This is known as a “force majeure” or a “force majeure event.” In simple terms this is something that cannot be anticipated or within someone’s control. Force majeure events include “acts of nature/God” (such as a flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado), acts of people (riots, strikes, government-imposed shutdowns, etc.), or more broadly those events that are determined to be completely outside of one’s control and thus excusing performance.

Read More HERE

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