Name: Polo | Pimentel Law, P.A.
Address: 1021 Ives Dairy Road, Suite 115, Miami, FL, 33179, US
Telephone: (305) 714-5304
Price range: $$

Question 1

What areas of law do you practice?

Accepted Answer

We are a boutique firm with BigLaw experience, handling commercial and residential real estate, commercial litigation, personal injury, start-up and business formation, and estate planning. Our real estate practice includes 15+ dedicated sub-specialties covering buyer and seller representation, investor services, developer representation, FIRPTA, title and closing services, and more.

Question 2

Do you offer services in languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle every matter in English, Spanish, or Haitian Creole (Kreyòl). This is a core part of our practice — we are one of the only firms in North Miami and Aventura offering full legal service in all three languages.

Question 3

Do you offer free consultations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Initial consultations are free. Call (305) 714-5304 or use our online form to schedule.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our office is in Miami at 1021 Ives Dairy Road, Suite 115. We represent clients throughout Florida, with a primary focus on South and Central Florida — including all of Miami-Dade County (North Miami, Aventura, North Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Sunny Isles Beach, Little Haiti, Opa-locka), Broward and Palm Beach Counties, and the Greater Orlando area (Orlando, Kissimmee, and surrounding communities). We regularly take matters anywhere in the state.

Question 5

How much do your services cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the matter. Personal injury is contingency-fee — you pay nothing unless we recover. Residential closings and business formation are flat-fee in most cases. Litigation is typically hourly with detailed engagement letters. We discuss fees transparently at the consultation before any engagement begins.

Question 6

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. If we do not recover, you owe no attorney's fee.

Question 7

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida's statute of limitations for most negligence claims is now two years from the date of the accident (reduced from four years in 2023). Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year limit. Contact us promptly — waiting costs evidence, witnesses, and leverage.

Question 8

Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Florida uses modified comparative negligence — if you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover, reduced by your percentage. We analyze the facts before deciding.

Question 9

Can you represent me in Haitian Creole or Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle intake, consultations, medical record reviews, demand letters, and depositions with trilingual support. It is a core part of who we are.

Question 10

What should I do right after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Get medical care first. Report the incident. Take photos. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before speaking with counsel. Call us as soon as you are safe.

Question 11

Does my immigration status affect my personal injury claim?

Accepted Answer

No. Florida injury law applies regardless of immigration status — undocumented residents, TPS holders, and visa holders all have the same right to recover for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We do not share immigration information with insurance carriers, and your status is not a defense to your injury claim.

Question 12

How does Florida PIP (no-fault) insurance work after a car accident?

Accepted Answer

Florida is a no-fault state. Your own auto policy's PIP coverage pays the first $10,000 of your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. To use it you must seek treatment within 14 days. PIP does not cover pain and suffering — for that you must meet the serious-injury threshold and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. We coordinate both tracks.

Question 13

What is my personal injury case worth?

Accepted Answer

There is no honest number to give before we have your medical records, accident reports, wage documentation, and a clear picture of long-term impact. Anyone who quotes you a figure on the first call is guessing. We give you a realistic range once we have the facts — and revise it as the case develops.

Question 14

Will my case go to trial, or will it settle?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of personal injury cases in Florida settle before trial. But carriers offer fair settlements when they know your firm will actually try the case. We prepare every file as if it will be tried — that posture is what produces the best settlement.

Question 15

I had a prior injury or accident. Can I still recover?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida law allows you to recover for the aggravation of a pre-existing condition. We work with your treating physicians to clearly document what changed after this incident. Insurance carriers will try to attribute everything to the prior injury — having counsel who knows how to defeat that argument matters.

Question 16

What happens at a free personal injury consultation?

Accepted Answer

We listen. You walk us through what happened. We ask about medical care, insurance, and any documentation you have. We give you our honest read on whether you have a case, what it might be worth, and what the next steps are. There is no pressure to sign anything that day.

Question 17

Do I need to sue, or can we resolve this without litigation?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial disputes resolve before trial. We start with the cheapest, fastest leverage — a well-drafted demand letter and, where appropriate, early mediation. We only file suit when that serves your interests.

Question 18

How long does a commercial lawsuit take?

Accepted Answer

Contested cases in Miami-Dade state court typically run 12–24 months from filing to trial. Federal court is often faster. Many cases resolve via settlement or dispositive motion within the first six to twelve months.

Question 19

Can my opponent be ordered to pay my attorneys' fees?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the contract and the claim. Many commercial contracts include attorneys'-fee clauses. Some statutes (like FDUTPA) provide for fee recovery. We evaluate fee exposure and recovery prospects on every case.

Question 20

My business partner is freezing me out. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Florida law provides several remedies for shareholder and partner oppression, including buy-out claims, derivative actions, and dissolution. The right strategy depends on your entity structure and governing documents.

Question 21

How are commercial litigation fees structured?

Accepted Answer

Commercial cases are typically hourly with a clear engagement letter and an upfront retainer. For some matters — particularly those with a fee-shifting statute or contract clause — we can discuss alternative arrangements including blended hourly/contingency or capped fee structures. We will tell you which structure fits your case at the consultation.

Question 22

Can I get an injunction to stop the other side immediately?

Accepted Answer

In urgent matters — trade secret misappropriation, breach of a non-compete, conversion of property, fraudulent transfers — Florida courts can issue temporary restraining orders within days and preliminary injunctions within weeks. The bar is high (likelihood of success, irreparable harm, balance of equities). We move fast when the facts justify it.

Question 23

We have an arbitration clause. Does that change things?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Arbitration is faster than court, more private, and the result is generally final with very limited appeal rights. We litigate or arbitrate depending on the contract. Many of our commercial matters are pursued in arbitration before AAA, JAMS, or another forum specified by the agreement.

Question 24

What if the other side is in another state or country?

Accepted Answer

We routinely handle matters with out-of-state and international parties — establishing personal jurisdiction in Florida, coordinating with co-counsel where needed, and enforcing Florida judgments in other jurisdictions. For international matters, we work with established Florida procedures for foreign service and enforcement.

Question 25

What documents and information should I gather before our consultation?

Accepted Answer

The contract or agreement at issue, any written communications about the dispute (emails, texts, letters), invoices or proof of payment, names and contact information for any witnesses, and any prior demand letters or court filings. Even if you only have some of this, we can start.

Question 26

I just got served with a lawsuit. How fast do I need to respond?

Accepted Answer

Twenty days from the date of service in Florida state court (with limited exceptions). Federal court is typically 21 days. Missing the deadline can result in a default judgment against you for the full amount claimed. Call us the day you are served — we will move quickly.

Question 27

Do I need a real estate attorney in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Not legally — Florida does not require an attorney to close on residential property, and most commercial closings can technically proceed without one. But the realtor, lender, and title company each have their own interests in the deal. Only an attorney represents you. For commercial transactions especially, the contract, title, survey, and financing issues are too consequential to handle without counsel who is loyal to your position alone.

Question 28

How much does an attorney-led closing cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer flat-fee residential closings in most cases — predictable pricing scaled to deal complexity. For commercial transactions, we offer flat-fee packages for standard purchases, sales, and leases where scope is predictable, and hourly engagements with clear scope for complex deals (multi-property portfolios, joint ventures, ground-up development). We quote at the consultation before any engagement.

Question 29

How long does a Florida real estate closing take?

Accepted Answer

Residential: typically 30–45 days from a fully executed contract, mostly governed by the buyer's financing timeline. Commercial: typically 45–90 days, longer when financing is complex, due diligence reveals issues, or entitlements must align. We map out a closing timeline at the start so you and your lender know what to expect, and we flag risk to that timeline early.

Question 30

What is the FAR-BAR AS-IS contract and is it safe to sign?

Accepted Answer

It is the standard Florida residential real estate contract used in most resales. It allows the buyer to inspect and cancel during the inspection period. AS-IS does not mean 'no recourse' — material defects the seller knew about and concealed are still actionable. We review every contract before you sign and explain which clauses matter most for your specific situation.

Question 31

Who pays which closing costs in Florida — buyer or seller?

Accepted Answer

Residential custom in most Florida counties: seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy, documentary stamp tax on the deed, and HOA/condo estoppels. Buyer pays for the lender's title policy, lender fees, recording fees, and prepaid items (taxes, insurance). In Miami-Dade and on commercial deals, allocation is sometimes negotiated. We confirm and document the allocation in the contract.

Question 32

Can you close in Spanish or Haitian Creole?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle full closings — contract review, disclosures, deed, and closing disclosure walkthrough — with Spanish or Haitian Creole translation throughout. We are one of the only firms in the market offering this depth of trilingual closing service.

Question 33

Can I close on a property if I am out of the country?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Florida permits remote online notarization (RON) for most residential closings. You can also sign abroad at a U.S. consulate or via a limited power of attorney to a trusted agent. We arrange all three regularly for foreign nationals and traveling buyers and sellers.

Question 34

What is an HOA estoppel and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

If the property is in a homeowners' association or condominium, the association issues an estoppel certificate stating amounts owed and any violations. Outstanding dues become the buyer's problem at closing if not collected from the seller. We order, review, and reconcile every estoppel.

Question 35

Should I form an LLC before signing a real estate contract?

Accepted Answer

For commercial deals and most investment properties — often yes, with the right assignment language in the contract. Buying through an LLC protects your personal assets, creates clean tax-planning options, and simplifies any future sale or 1031 exchange. We routinely structure entity ownership before closing and ensure the contract permits assignment to your LLC if it is signed in your personal name first.

Question 36

What is a 1031 exchange and can you handle one?

Accepted Answer

Section 1031 of the tax code lets you defer capital gains tax when you sell investment real estate and reinvest the proceeds into like-kind property. The rules are strict: 45 days to identify replacement property, 180 days to close. We coordinate with your qualified intermediary, draft the contract assignment language, and time the closings to preserve the tax-deferred treatment.

Question 37

Do you help with environmental due diligence on commercial properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For commercial properties — particularly former industrial, gas station, or dry-cleaner sites — we coordinate Phase I (and where indicated, Phase II) environmental site assessments with qualified consultants, review reports, and advise on protective contract language and post-closing remediation responsibility.

Question 38

Do you represent both buyers and sellers — and both landlords and tenants?

Accepted Answer

We represent both. We never represent both sides of the same deal. Once we represent you, we are loyal to your position only.

Question 39

Can you handle real estate deals outside Miami-Dade?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We close residential and commercial transactions throughout Florida — Broward, Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast, the Keys, the Gulf Coast, and the Greater Orlando area. Our office is in Miami but our work is statewide, and remote signings are routine.

Question 40

What if something goes wrong after closing?

Accepted Answer

If an undisclosed defect or title problem emerges post-closing, our litigation team handles it without referring out. That is the advantage of working with a firm whose transactional attorneys also try cases — they draft contracts knowing how those clauses will hold up in a courtroom.

Question 41

Can you represent foreign national buyers and sellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle FIRPTA withholding compliance, ITIN applications, entity structuring for foreign ownership, and full representation through closing — including remote and consular signings. See our Foreign National Representation & FIRPTA page for the deeper version of this work.

Question 42

Should I form an LLC or a corporation?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your tax posture, your investor plans, and your operating structure. Most Florida small businesses form an LLC; businesses planning to raise venture capital usually form a C-corp. We walk you through the trade-offs.

Question 43

How much does it cost to form a business?

Accepted Answer

Our flat-fee entity formation packages cover the state filing, EIN, initial resolutions, and operating agreement or bylaws. Call for current pricing.

Question 44

Do I need a BOI report filed with FinCEN?

Accepted Answer

Most small Florida LLCs and corporations were required to file Beneficial Ownership Information reports under the federal Corporate Transparency Act. Enforcement has shifted repeatedly — we can advise on current status and handle filing if required.

Question 45

My partner and I never wrote down our agreement. Do we have a problem?

Accepted Answer

Probably. Florida default rules apply in the absence of a written agreement, and they rarely produce the outcome partners actually wanted. Let us help you paper it correctly before disagreements arise.

Question 46

How long does it take to form an LLC or corporation in Florida?

Accepted Answer

The state filing itself takes 24–72 hours through Sunbiz (Florida's Division of Corporations). Adding the EIN, operating agreement, banking documentation, and BOI report typically wraps up within one week. Rush filings are available for urgent timelines.

Question 47

I plan to raise outside investment. Should I be a Florida LLC or a Delaware C-corp?

Accepted Answer

If you intend to raise venture capital, Delaware C-corp is the market standard — VCs strongly prefer it for tax, governance, and exit reasons. For most other businesses (operating companies, real estate holdings, professional services), a Florida LLC is simpler and more tax-efficient. We help founders make this call early so they avoid expensive conversions later.

Question 48

Do I need separate entities for each rental property or each business line?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, for liability containment. A multi-property landlord typically uses one LLC per property (or a series LLC structure) so a lawsuit against one property does not threaten the others. Multi-line businesses sometimes use a parent-subsidiary structure. We design what fits your specific risk and tax posture.

Question 49

What does an operating agreement actually do?

Accepted Answer

It governs ownership percentages, profit and loss allocations, capital contribution rules, voting and management structure, transfer restrictions, buy-sell triggers, and dissolution procedures. Without one, Florida's default rules fill in the gaps — and those defaults rarely match what partners actually intended. The operating agreement is the single most important document in a multi-member entity.

Question 50

Can I form a business in another state and operate in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you typically have to register as a foreign entity in Florida and pay annual fees in both states. For most Florida-based small businesses this adds cost without benefit. We talk through whether out-of-state formation actually serves you before recommending it.

Question 51

Do I need a registered agent and what is one?

Accepted Answer

Florida requires every entity to have a registered agent — a person or company with a physical Florida address who can accept legal service. Our firm acts as registered agent for many client entities, so service of process and state correspondence reaches us before it reaches you, avoiding missed deadlines.

Question 52

Do I need a will or a trust?

Accepted Answer

Most Florida families benefit from a revocable living trust in addition to a will, particularly if they own real property. A trust can avoid probate, maintain privacy, and allow faster distribution to heirs. We walk you through which is right for you.

Question 53

How much does an estate plan cost?

Accepted Answer

Most plans are flat-fee. Pricing depends on whether you need a will-based plan or a trust-based plan, and whether property retitling is involved. Call for a quote.

Question 54

Can I use an online will service instead?

Accepted Answer

You can, but Florida has specific execution requirements (witness and notary rules) that online services sometimes fumble, and generic documents rarely address homestead, Florida trust formalities, or business assets. An improperly executed will creates more problems than no will at all.

Question 55

Can you prepare documents in Spanish or Haitian Creole?

Accepted Answer

Legal documents are executed in English under Florida law, but we explain every provision in your language and provide translated summaries so your family understands the plan.

Question 56

What is Florida homestead and how does it affect my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Florida homestead is one of the most powerful protections in the country — it shields your primary residence from most creditor claims and severely restricts how you can leave it in your will if you have a spouse or minor children. A trust-funded homestead has special rules. We design your plan around homestead, not around it, so the protection is preserved.

Question 57

Can I disinherit my spouse or a child in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Florida gives a surviving spouse an 'elective share' of roughly 30% of the augmented estate — meaning you cannot fully disinherit a spouse without a valid prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. You can largely disinherit an adult child, but homestead and minor-child rules still apply. We design plans that hold up under Florida law and family pressure.

Question 58

What is probate and how can I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Probate is the court-supervised process of transferring assets after death. In Florida it typically takes 6–12 months and becomes part of public record. You avoid it through revocable trusts, beneficiary designations, joint ownership with right of survivorship, and Lady Bird (enhanced life estate) deeds. We design the plan to keep as much as possible out of probate.

Question 59

I am a foreign national who owns Florida real estate. Do I need a U.S. estate plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and urgently. Foreign nationals owning U.S. real property face a federal estate tax exemption of just $60,000 (versus $13.6M+ for U.S. citizens), and U.S. probate of foreign-owned property is slow and expensive. Holding through a trust, LLC, or other structure can dramatically reduce both estate tax exposure and probate friction. We coordinate with international tax counsel where needed.

Question 60

When should I update my estate plan?

Accepted Answer

After any major life event: marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, death of a beneficiary or fiduciary, significant change in assets, move to or from another state, or major change in tax law. As a baseline, review every 3–5 years even without a triggering event.

Question 61

Will my will from another state work in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Often yes for the basic provisions, but Florida has unique rules — homestead, elective share, witness requirements, and personal representative residency rules — that out-of-state wills frequently miss or violate. We recommend a Florida-compliant update once you become a Florida resident.

Question 62

What kinds of aircraft do you handle transactions for?

Accepted Answer

We have represented clients on Cessna Citations and other light to midsize jets, turboprops, and piston aircraft. The legal mechanics — purchase agreement, FAA escrow, registration, tax structure — are similar across categories. Helicopter transactions follow the same FAA framework with some additional considerations.

Question 63

How long does an aircraft transaction typically take?

Accepted Answer

From signed letter of intent to closing, most deals run 30 to 60 days. The variables that drive timing: the depth of the pre-buy inspection, lender underwriting (if financed), title and lien clearance from prior ownership, and the buyer's tax-structuring needs (which sometimes require entity formation before closing).

Question 64

What is an FAA escrow agent and why do I need one?

Accepted Answer

Aircraft transactions don't close in person at a title company the way real estate does. Instead, both parties wire funds and deliver signed documents to a neutral FAA-approved escrow agent in Oklahoma City — typically Insured Aircraft Title Service or an equivalent firm. The escrow agent simultaneously records the bill of sale and registration with the FAA, releases funds, and confirms title transfer. We coordinate the entire process with the escrow agent on your behalf.

Questions we hear.

About the firm

Personal Injury questions

Commercial Litigation questions

Real Estate questions

Business Formation questions

Estate Planning questions

Aviation Law questions

Ready to talk to an attorney?