Florida

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The information given on this page is for educational and informational purposes only, and does not constitute any legal or tax advice or opinion. This page is meant to give a quick start to research by other professionals, but it should absolutely not be relied upon for any purposes whatsoever. Additionally, this page is kept current only as our time allows, and the information given here may not be current. We make NO GUARANTEES as to the accuracy of the information herein and you should not rely on it. Even professionals who use this information must independently verify whether it is correct and current.

Nothing in the information given below should imply that the drafters of this webpage are admitted to practice law in the referenced state or have any special expertise in the areas listed. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation by the drafters of this website to practice law in the referenced state. Persons desiring planning should contact a licensed attorney or other appropriate planning professional in this state. Certainly, nothing herein is any substitute for the services, advice, or counsel of a properly licensed attorney in the relevant state!

Florida Asset Protection Overview

Florida debtors may only choose the state bankruptcy exemptions.

Many planners think of Florida as the penultimate debtor-friendly state, since Florida's state constitution provides unlimited protection to homesteaded property for persons who have established residency there and provides near total protections for the cash value of life insurance policies and annuities.

However, the new Bankruptcy Act limits the homestead exemption to $125,000 for homestead interests that are acquired within a 1215-day (3 years and 4 months) period prior to the filing of the bankruptcy petition.

Florida Statutory Creditor Exemptions

For additional detailed information on the use of life insurance, annuities, pension plans, and employee benefit plans for wealth preservation and asset protection, see advanced life insurance

Florida Homestead

• The Florida homestead exemption is mandated by state Constitution. The dollar value exemption is unlimited. The exemption is limited to a half acre tract within a city and one hundred and sixty contiguous acres, elsewhere. Property held in tenancy by the entirety may be exempt against debts owed by one spouse. The US Court of Appeals recently held that the exemption will apply even if the owner acquired the property or enlarged it, with the intent to defraud creditors.

Homesteads Statute

See In re Avins, 19 B.R. 736 (S.D. Fla. 1982)

Florida Homestead cases

• In re Kaplan
  No. 05-14491-BKC-RAM (S.D.Fla. Bkrpt. 10/06/2005)

• George Andres and Anna Andres v.
  Indian Creek Phase III-B Homeowner's Association,
  No. 4D03-3641 (Fla.App. 03/23/2005)

• Conseco Services LLC v. Richard Cuneo & Ngaire Cuneo,
  No. 3D04-1995 (Fla.App. 03/09/2005)

• Platt v. Russek,
  No. 2D03-3228 (Fla.App. 04/14/2004)

• Traeger v. Credit First National Association,
  No. 5D03-1759 (Fla.App. 01/09/2004)

• Carolyn Davis v. Horace Edwin Davis,
  864 So. 2d 458 (Fla. App. 12/24/2003)

• Louis Steven Robles v. Ruth Ann Robles,
  No. 3D03-848 (Fla.App. 12/03/2003)

• Havoco of America v. Elmer C. Hill,
  790 So. 2d 1018 (Fla. 06/12/2001)

• Dyer v. Beverly & Tittle,
  777 So.2d 1055 (Fla.App. 01/10/2001)

• Dade County Property Appraiser vs. Jose Lisboa,
  737 So. 2d 1078 (Fla. 07/08/1999)

• Estate Burtrez J. Morrow v. David A. Bacon
  611 So. 2d 80 (Fla.App. 12/30/1992)

Florida Life Insurance

• A life insurance policy cash surrender value is exempt.

• Death benefits are payable to a specific beneficiary under a life insurance policy, not paid to the deceased's estate.

• Disability and/or illness benefits are exempt.

Florida Annuities

• Annuity contract proceeds are exempt. This does not include lottery winnings.

  Statute

  See In re Pizzi, 153 B.R. 357 (S.D. Fla. 1982)

Florida IRAs & Pension Plans

• ERISA qualified benefits are exempt.

• County officers and employees pension plans are exempt.

• Teachers pension plans are exempt.

• Firefighters pension plans are exempt.

• State officers and employee's pension plans are exempt.

• Police officers pension plans are exempt.

Florida IRAs & Pension Plan Cases

• In re Kane,
  336 B.R. 575 (Bkrpt.S.D.Fla. 01/04/2006)

Florida ERISA Anti-Alienation Cases

• Edward Schlein and Kay Schlein v. George E. Mills, Jr,
  No. 92-2670 (11th Cir. 12/02/1993)

Florida Fraudulent Transfers

For additional detailed information relating to fraudulent transfers, including the text of the Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act, see fraudulent transfers

Florida Fraudulent Transfer Act

• Florida Fraudulent Transfers Act

Florida Fraudulent Transfer Cases

Federal District Court

• In re Earl Jeffrey Fultz and Deborah Rawls Fultz,
  17 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. B 86 (N.D.Fla. 02/13/2004)

Federal Circuit Court

• In re International Adminstrative Services, Inc.
  No. 04-11829 (11th Cir. 05/03/2005)

• Farese v. Scherer,
  342 F.3d 1223 (11th Cir. 08/19/2003)

• In re Financial Federated Title & Trust, Inc.,
  309 F.3d 1325 (11th Cir. 10/21/2002)

Federal Bankruptcy Court

• In re: Kathleen Jo Tankersley, Debtor,
  305 B.R. 376 (Fed.B 02/12/2004)

State Appellate Court

• Kyle R. Brown v. Nova Information Systems, Inc. et al.,
  No. 5D04-3774 (Fla.App. 04/29/2005)

• Freeman v. First Union National Bank,
  No. SC03-896 (Fla. 01/29/2004) Civil Conspiracy

• Freeman Dean Witter Reynolds, Inc.,
  No. 2D01-4195 (Fla.App. 12/19/2003) Civil Conspiracy

• Paragon Health Services, Inc. v.
  Central Palm Beach Community Mental Health Center, Inc.,
  No. 4D02-3633 (Fla.App. 11/12/2003)

• Joseph Balsamo and George Shagian v. Gruppo Ceramiche Ricchetti,
  28 Fla. L. Weekly D 1708 (Fla.App. 07/23/2003)

• Osvaldo Moran, et al v. Bruce Schurger, et al,
  849 So. 2d 1184 (Fla.App. 07/23/2003)

• Mied, Inc., et al v. Summit Healthcare, Inc.,
  849 So.2d 397 (Fla.App. 06/18/2003)

• Danzas Taiwan, Ltd. v. Lewis B. Freeman,
  28 Fla. L. Weekly D 1163 (Fla.App. 05/14/2003)

• Charles Mason v. E. Speer & Associates, Inc.,
  846 So.2d 529 (Fla.App 02/05/2003)

• Lewis J. Levey v. Joseph P. D'Angelo, et al,
  819 So.2d 864 (Fla.App. 05/29/2002)

• Nationsbank, N.A. v. Coastal Utilities, Inc.,
  814 So.2d 1227 (Fla.App. Dist.4 05/01/2002)

• Levin v. Ethan Allen, Inc.,
  No. 4D00-3942 (Fla.App. 04/17/2002)

• Laboratory Corporation of America v. Professional Recovery Network,
  813 So.2d 266 (Fla.App. Dist.5 04/12/2002)

• Friedman v. Heart Institute of Port St. Lucie, Inc.,
  806 So.2d 625 (Fla.App. Dist.4 02/06/2002)

• Sherrie Marbin v. Madeline Cohen,
  789 So.2d 1193 (Fla.App. 07/18/2001)

• Jesson, Inc. v. Sutton Hill Association, Inc.,
  789 So.2d 1064 (Fla.App. Dist.4 06/13/2001)

• Cruise and Resorts International v. Endacott,
  785 So.2d 666 (Fla.App. Dist.3 05/09/2001)

• Hansard Construction Corp. v. Rite Aid Of Florida, Inc.,
  783 So.2d 307 (Fla.App. Dist.4 03/28/2001)

• Marie Lydia Varveris v. Alberto M. Carbonell,
  773 So.2d 1275 (Fla.App. 12/27/2000)

• Florida Bar v. Klein,
  774 So.2d 685 (Fla. 12/07/2000)

• Henry Yusem and Judith C. Yusem v.
  South Florida Water Management District,
  770 So.2d 746 (Fla.App. 11/08/2000)

• Transpetrol, Ltd. v. Rodoljub Radulovic,
  764 So.2d 878 (Fla.App. 08/09/2000)

• Acadia Partners v. Tompkins,
  759 So.2d 732 (Fla.App. 05/26/2000)

• National Union Fire Insurance Co. of Pittsburgh v. Grusky,
  763 So.2d 1206 (Fla.App. 04/19/2000)

• Citation Mortgage, Ltd. v. RC of a Retirement Living Ltd.,
  753 So.2d 777 (Fla.App. 03/24/2000)

• INVO Florida, Inc. v. Somerset Venturer, Inc.,
  751 So.2d 1263 (Fla.App. Dist.3 03/15/2000)

• Mansolillo v. Parties By Lynn, Inc.,
  753 So.2d 637 (Fla.App. 03/01/2000)

• Staten Island Savings Bank v. Morace,
  745 So.2d 467 (Fla.App. Dist.4 11/17/1999)

• Sunshine Resources, Inc. v. Simpson,
  763 So.2d 1078 (Fla.App. 10/13/1999)

• Sasha & Sasha Inc. v. Stardust Marine, S.A.,
  741 So.2d 558 (Fla.App. Dist.4 07/28/1999)

• Ming Properties Inc. v. Stardust Marine, S.A.,
  741 So.2d 554 (Fla.App. Dist.4 07/28/1999)

• Toyota Tsusho America Inc. v. Crittenden,
  736 So.2d 754 (Fla.App. Dist.5 07/02/1999)

• Sanwa Bank v. Kato,
  734 So.2d 557 (Fla.App. Dist.5 06/04/1999)

• Vining v. Martyn,
  726 So.2d 336 (Fla.App. Dist.4 01/20/1999)

• Sackett v. Shahid,
  722 So.2d 273 (Fla.App. Dist.1 12/28/1998)

• Woodell v. Transflorida Bank,
  717 So.2d 108 (Fla.App. Dist.4 08/26/1998)

• Kinarti V. Kinarti,
  711 So.2d 139 (Fla.App. Dist.3 05/06/1998)

• Myers v. Brook,
  708 So.2d 607 (Fla.App. Dist.2 02/27/1998)

• Schaller v. Balk,
  708 So.2d 299 (Fla.App. Dist.2 02/25/1998)

• Richard Steven Atlas v. Susan Carol Atlas,
  708 So.2d 296 (Fla.App. Dist.3 02/18/1998)

• Rashdan v. Sheikh,
  706 So.2d 357 (Fla.App. Dist.3 01/28/1998)

• Dinn v. Haynes,
  705 So.2d 686 (Fla.App. Dist.3 01/28/1998)

• William Stern, Appellant v. Sanford M. Stein and Frances D. Stein,
  1998.FL.26 (Fla.App. Dist.3 01/08/1998)

• Edward Graef v. Andrew Stephen Hegedus,
  1997.FL.3532 (Fla.App. Dist.2 09/08/1997)

• Robert Segal and Linda Segal v. Rhumbline International,
  1997.FL.517 (Fla.App. Dist.4 02/13/1997)

• Maxine Burtman, as Trust v. Porchester Holdings, Inc.,
  1996.FL.2476 (Fla.App. Dist.4 10/18/1996)

• Bonnie Rosen v. David H. Zoberg, Law Offices,
  1996.FL.2219 (Fla.App. Dist.3 09/26/1996)

• Louis R. Berdoll and Melodie C. Berdoll v. Sobik's Franchises, Inc.,
  1996.FL.2171 (Fla.App. Dist.5 09/23/1996)

• Robert Segal and Linda Segal v. Rhumbline International,
  1996.FL.2020 (Fla.App. Dist. 09/05/1996)

• National Environmental Products, LTD. v. Michael Falls,
  1996.FL.1835 (Fla.App. Dist.4 08/22/1996)

• Michael Morton v. Cord Realty, Inc. et al.,
  1996.FL.1315 (Fla.App. Dist.4 07/31/1996)

• 381651 Alberta, Ltd. v. 279298 Alberta, Ltd, et al.,
  1996.FL.1452 (Fla.App. Dist.4 07/11/1996)

• Real Estate Corporation v. Dawn Developers, Inc, et al.
  1996.FL.1422 (Fla.App. Dist.5 07/11/1996)

• Pauline Kassier v. Alan Kipnis,
  1996.FL.1408 (Fla.App. Dist.3 07/11/1996)

• Real Estate Corporation v. Dawn Developers, Inc, et al.,
  1996.FL.1370 (Fla.App. Dist.5 07/10/1996)

• George Dusoe and Veronica Dusoe v. Securis International, Inc.,
  1996.FL.315 (Fla.App. Dist.1 04/22/1996)

• Acadia Partners v. Thomas N. Tompkins and Marcia K. Tompkins,
  1996.FL.43697 (Fla.App. 03/22/1996)

• Robert A. Yeager v. Summit Group Central Florida
  1995.FL.44390 (Fla.App. 04/13/1995)

• Robert L. Gass v. Comreal Miami Incorporated
  1995.FL.44323 (Fla.App. 04/12/1995)

• Marvin Broxmeyer v. Paul Elie
  647 So. 2d 893 (Fla.App. 11/16/1994)

• Ocean Cruise Lines v. Greenage Associations
  643 So. 2d 711 (Fla.App. 10/19/1994)

• Regent Bank v. Robert Woodcox and Virginia Woodcox
  636 So. 2d 885 (Fla.App. 05/18/1994)

• Alexander M. Rosenfeld v. Tpi International Airways
  630 So. 2d 1167 (Fla.App. 12/29/1993)

• Feliz Industries v. Holmes Lumber Company
  621 So. 2d 550 (Fla.App. 07/13/1993)

• Jesse Snellgrove v. N.F. Fogazzi
  616 So. 2d 527 (Fla.App. 03/24/1993)

• Raymond C. Tapia v. Cindy Ann Sosa
  614 So. 2d 28 (Fla.App. 02/19/1993)

• Ronald Guy Mcintosh v. L.H. Hough
  601 So. 2d 1170 (Fla.App. 05/28/1992)

• Isabel Valdivia v. Esther Fajardo Valdivia
  593 So. 2d 1190 (Fla.App. 02/18/1992)

• Opal G. Hurlbert v. John N. Shackleton, Jr.
  560 So. 2d 1276 (Fla.App. 04/18/1990)

• Parts Depot, Inc., v. David Bullock and Judith
  545 So. 2d 468 (Fla.App. 06/21/1989)

• Jacksonville Bulls v. Michael T. Blatt
  535 So. 2d 626 (Fla.App. 12/13/1988)

• Fred H. Warrington v. First Valley Bank
  531 So. 2d 986 (Fla.App. 09/07/1988)

• Stanley Nelson v. Sidney Spiegel
  529 So. 2d 311 (Fla.App. 07/20/1988)

• Richard Bertram & Co. v. Sun Bank/Miami N.A. & Yegan Associates Inc.
  503 So. 2d 965 (Fla.App. 03/10/1987)

• Verone Marin Fehlhaber v. Robert Fehlhaber
  502 So. 2d 33 (Fla.App. 01/20/1987) Civil Conspiracy

• Theodore L. Wieczoreck, v. H & H Builders, Inc.
  450 So. 2d 867 (Fla.App. 05/03/1984)

• Ellis Sarasota Bank & Trust Co. v. Nevins
  1982.FL.3273 (Fla.App. 01/29/1982)

• Nissim Hadjes, Inc. v. Hasner
  1982.FL.3381 (Fla.App. 01/19/1982)

• National Car Rental Systems v. Bruce A. Ryals Enterprises
  1980.FL.2621 (Fla.App. 02/27/1980)

• Arthur Steele v. Elizabeth M. Lannon
  355 So. 2d 190 (Fla.App. 02/17/1978)

• Robert E. Mclain v. Daps Discount Auto Parts Store
  354 So. 2d 1230 (Fla.App. 01/25/1978)

• Jimmie O. Scott v. Grace H. Dansby
  334 So. 2d 331 (Fla.App. 06/30/1976)

• Carlos M. Vazquez et al. v. Gregorio Santisteban and Aida Santisteban
  334 So. 2d 97 (Fla.App. 05/25/1976)

• Emma Ball v. Balint Papp
  317 So. 2d 801 (Fla.App. 07/18/1975)

• Helene Van Der Busch and William Parma v. Control Parts Corporation
  259 So. 2d 182 (Fla.App. 03/14/1972)

• Rose R. Swartz v. Anna Lipsky
  241 So. 2d 448 (Fla.App. 12/01/1970)

• Arnold M. Greenfield v. Valley Forge Center Co. et al.
  229 So. 2d 875 (Fla.App. 12/30/1969)

• Charles D. Rance v. Margaret S. Hutchinson
  179 So. 777 (Fla.App. 02/14/1938)

• Standard Accident Insurance Company v. Glenwood Hancock
  169 So. 617 (Fla. 06/30/1936)

• Winn & Lovett Grocery Company v. Saffold Brothers Produce Co.
  164 So. 681 (Fla. 12/03/1935)

• H. C. Richard v. M. G. McNair
  164 So. 836 (Fla.App. 11/12/1935)

• J. W. Sample v. A. D. Natalby and Augusta M. Natalby
  162 So. 493 (Fla.App. 06/21/1935)

• Juanita T. Hollingsworth v. Arcadia Citrus Growers Ass'n
  165 So. 369 (Fla.App. 06/07/1934)

• First State Bank Clermont v. F. H. Fitch and Emma S. Fitch
  141 So. 299 (Fla.App. 05/06/1932)

• State Florida v. George Willmer
  135 So. 859 (Fla.App. 06/17/1931)

• Punta Gorda State Bank
  112 So. 569 (Fla.App. 02/19/1927)

• Harrison E. Barringer v. Guaranty Trust & Savings Bank
  99 So. 554 (Fla.App. 03/04/1924)

• D. A. Caldwell
  75 So. 848 (Fla.App. 05/25/1917)
  

Florida Trusts

For additional detailed information relating to the use of trusts for asset protection, including foreign and domestic asset protection trusts, see trusts.

Florida Trust Act (Non Self-Settled)

• Florida Trust Act

Florida Offshore Trust Cases

• United States of America v. Raymond Grant and Arline Grant,
  (S.D.Fla. 06/17/2005)

• Lawrence v. Goldberg,
  No. 00-14481 (11th Cir. 01/23/2002)
  

Florida Business Entities

Florida Acts

• Florida Corporation Act
• Florida Limited Partnership Act
• Florida Limited Liability Company Act

Florida Charging Order Cases

• Givens v. National Loan Investors, L.P.,
  724 So.2d 610 (Fla.App. Dist.5 12/18/1998)

• Donald Gache' & D.G. Enterprises v. First Union National Bank Florida,
  625 So. 2d 86 (Fla.App. 09/29/1993)

Alter Ego & Corporate Veil Cases

• Goodman v. Aldrich & Ramsey Enterprises, Inc.,
  804 So.2d 544 (Fla.App. Dist.2 01/16/2002)

• Exit 242 Tourist Information v. Florida's Room Service Inc.,
  792 So.2d 1283 (Fla.App. Dist.5 09/07/2001)

• Sanwa Bank v. Kato,
  734 So.2d 557 (Fla.App. Dist.5 06/04/1999)

• Aldea Communications v. Gardner,
  725 So.2d 456 (Fla.App. Dist.2 02/10/1999)

• Bellairs v. Mohrmann,
  716 So.2d 320 (Fla.App. Dist.2 08/14/1998)

• Seminole Boatyard v. Christoph,
  715 So.2d 987 (Fla.App. Dist.4 06/24/1998)

• Marriage Shirley Barineau v. James Barineau,
  662 So.2d 1008 (Fla.App. Dist.1 11/14/1995)

• Harris Investment Company v. Gurney P. Hood
  167 So. 25 (Fla.App. 03/31/1936)

Useful Florida Links

For additional detailed information relating to financial frauds and tax scams, see http://www.quatloos.com

• Florida Secretary of State
• Florida Attorney General
• Florida Department of Banking and Finance
• Florida Bureau of Investigations
• Florida Bar Association

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