Keith Kanouse

I represent start-up businesses and existing businesses that want to expand through franchising, licensing, dealerships, distributorships, private placement of securities. I also do business entity formation such as S corporations and LLC. I also represent buyers and sellers of businesses. I represent tenants in lease negotiation.

University of Notre Dame

J.D. (1974) | Law

1971 - 1974

Graduated 5th in Class

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Activities: Note and Comment Editor of Notre Dame Lawyer Law Review

Bradley University

B.S. (1974) | Business Management

1966 - 1970

Graduated 10th in Class

Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Activities: Golf

Have written numerous articles that can be downloaded from my websiter, www.Kanouse.com

ABA Forum of Franchising

Current

Florida State Bar  # 208213

Member

1975 - Current

Florida

Since 1975

• Credit Cards Accepted
  You can use your Visa or MasterCard through my website, www.Kanouse.com
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Certain projects I do on a fixed fee basis. Other matters are bill at $425 an hour

• Franchise Law

Q. Is it OK to buy a business in your personal name then switch to llc

September 25, 2024

A: Yes but the sooner the better. You may have to publish and file a fictitious name.

Q. Do I need to register my small business as a sole proprietorship if it has my legal first name in the name?

October 17, 2023

A: There is no registration with the Florida Secretary of State's Office for a sole proprietorship. However, since you are doing business other than your own name you need to comply with Florida's Fictious Name Statute.

In Florida, Section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes requires the one-time publication of a legal notice of a fictitious name in a newspaper in the county where the principal place of the franchise business will be located (such as the Daily Business Review). After publication, the newspaper provides a proof of publication. Upon receipt of the proof of publication, a fictitious name registration must be filed with the Florida Department of State via the website of the Florida Secretary of State. Section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes provides that:

A person may not engage in business under a fictitious name unless the person first registers the name with the division by filing a sworn statement listing:

(a) The name to be registered.

 

(b) The mailing address of the business.

 

(c) The name and address of each owner and, if a business entity, its federal employer’s identification number and Florida incorporation, organization or registration number.

(d) Certification by the applicant that the intention to register such fictitious name has been advertised at least once in a newspaper as defined in chapter 50 in the county where the principal place of business of the applicant will be located.

Such statement shall be accompanied by the applicable processing fee (currently, $50)

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a fictitious name registered as provided in this section for a corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or limited partnership is not required to contain the designation of the type of legal entity in which the person or business is organized, including the terms “corporation,” “limited liability company,” “limited liability partnership,” “limited partnership,” or any abbreviation or derivative thereof.

The filing fee is $10 per application, and the fee to obtain a certified copy of the registration is $30 each. Payments may be made using a credit card, Sunbiz E-File Account, or a check by mail. Registration is valid for five years, after which it must be renewed. ... Read More

Q. Can a newly formed LLC (sole proprietor - 1 owner) lease equipment from its owner?

September 11, 2023

A: Yes you can do this. You should have an equipment lease agreement between you as lessor and the LLC as the lessee.