To enforce compliance, SB 180 empowers residents and businesses to bring civil actions against local governments to obtain declaratory and injunctive relief, along with recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs, if a local government fails to announce its intent to repeal such ordinance within 14 days of receiving written demand, and proceeds to repeal such ordinance within 30 days. 

Although the amendment appears to be limited in its impact and apply only to counties identified in Federal Disaster Declarations for Hurricanes Debby (DR-4806), Helene (DR-4828), and Milton (DR-4834), those declarations collectively cover every county and municipality in Florida.

SB 180 is currently pending presentation to the Governor. Local governments should immediately review all ordinances adopted since August 1, 2024, and assess whether any fall within the scope of this sweeping state preemption. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us to discuss: Jamie A. Cole (jcole@wsh-law.com); Susan Trevarthen (strevarthen@wsh-law.com); Chad S. Friedman (cfriedman@wsh-law.com); or Roger C. Pou (rpou@wsh-law.com).

The post Client Alert: Florida Legislature Retroactively Prohibits Any More Restrictive Regulations on Development from 2024 to 2027 and Beyond appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Our firm has experience assisting businesses in establishing production lines in the U.S. by entering into manufacturing supply agreements with local manufacturers. These supply chain agreements require careful consideration of the parties’ respective obligations, particularly concerning expected volumes, warranties, and logistics management. These agreements should also include safeguards to protect the foreign manufacturer’s intellectual property rights and establish quality standards consistent with those normally employed in their country of origin. By leveraging our experience, foreign manufacturers can ensure a smooth transition of their production operations.

For manufacturers of products that are incorporated into construction projects, establishing production lines in the U.S. offers additional benefits beyond potential tariff savings. It may also make products eligible for selection in federally-funded construction projects. Two key frameworks to consider are the Buy American Act (BAA) and the Buy America regulations.

The Buy American Act (BAA) applies to direct federal procurement, such as contracts for federal building construction. Under the BAA, products must be manufactured in the U.S., with at least 55% of the cost of components sourced domestically. It is important to note that these thresholds may vary based on recent policy changes. 

Buy America regulations are more restrictive and apply to federally funded transportation projects, such as highways and rail systems. Under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rules, all steel, iron, and manufactured products must be produced in the U.S. without reliance on a component cost threshold. This stringent requirement ensures that transportation projects funded by the federal government prioritize domestic production.

Foreign manufacturers would typically learn of these requirements if their goods are being specified by a U.S. architect or contractor that is handling the procurement for a project with federal funding. Typically, the manufacturer would be required to provide a certificate of compliance with the project’s country of origin requirements.

In conclusion, the tariffs introduced by the Trump administration present challenges for foreign manufacturers, but they also create opportunities for those willing to adapt their production strategies. By partnering with local manufacturing providers, foreign manufacturers can seek ways to stay competitive in the U.S. market. Compliance with regulations such as the Buy American Act and Buy America can provide access to federally-funded projects. 

Our firm has assisted foreign businesses in navigating these complexities and establishing successful production lines in the U.S.

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Known as America’s Relationship Coach, Dr. Del Rosario has spent more than three decades helping individuals and families navigate challenges, build resilience, and create stronger relationships. As the CEO of Empowerment Concepts, Inc., and the founder of ReCapturing the Vision International (RTV), Dr. Del Rosario has led her nonprofit to secure over $30 million in funding, providing underserved communities with access to critical educational programs and resources. Her work has directly impacted 50+ communities and 32,000 families nationwide.

Dr. Del Rosario has played a key role in shaping national education policy, serving on The White House Advisory Panel and testifying before Congress on the importance of whole-child education. She has developed 12 curricula used in schools across the country, helping students build resilience, emotional intelligence, and life skills. Her commitment to breaking the generational cycles that affect low-income communities has helped make RTV a globally recognized nonprofit.

In addition to her work in education, Dr. Del Rosario is a renowned relationship coach who has personally counseled over 4,000 couples, guiding them through challenges and helping them build strong, lasting relationships. Her two latest initiatives, Trauma Treatment and Relationship Keys, provide individuals with transformative tools for healing and personal growth.

A sought-after speaker and media expert, Dr. Del Rosario’s insights have been featured on Fox, NBC, ABC, CNN, Bravo, and Hallmark, as well as in publications like People, Bloomberg, Newsweek, The Huffington Post, Brides, and Parade.

In celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario for her dedication to helping her community by advocating for education reform and empowering individuals and families to build stronger, healthier relationships.

The post Women’s History Month Client Highlight: Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

A first-generation Indian American, Rashmi Airan graduated with honors from Columbia Law School and embarked on a successful legal career, gaining valuable experience at major corporations. Her expertise in law and business eventually led her to launch her own legal practice, where she worked with clients across multiple sectors. Today, Rashmi partners with leading companies, financial services firms, CPAs, lawyers, real estate professionals, and leadership groups to help organizations tackle ethical challenges and cultivate values-driven cultures.

Rashmi’s journey is one of profound transformation. While navigating the pressures of building a successful career, she found herself blindsided by a client whose unethical actions ultimately led her to make a decision that resulted in a federal prison sentence. Despite the unintended consequences, Rashmi converted this humbling experience into a turning point. She emerged with a renewed sense of purpose, gaining invaluable personal growth and a deep commitment to helping others navigate ethical challenges in their own careers.

Now an internationally recognized keynote speaker and TEDx presenter, Rashmi uses her story to ignite conversations around ethics, decision-making, and organizational culture. With over thirty years of real-world experience in finance, business, and law, she is a sought-after consultant and speaker, bringing valuable insights to leaders facing complex challenges. Rashmi has collaborated with global brands like Coca-Cola, Cardinal Health, Merck, Comcast, Sotheby’s, and Hershey’s, and her expertise is bolstered by years of research in behavioral psychology.

Her transformative journey and ability to turn adversity into strength have earned her recognition in major outlets such as the Washington Post and Wall Street Journal. Additionally, Deloitte has highlighted the relatability and power of her story, which spans from an Ivy League education to a deeply personal transformation that reshaped her approach to leadership.

Beyond her professional impact, Rashmi is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Overtown Youth Center/Alonzo Mourning Foundation and as an Ambassador for The Key Clubhouse, continuing her mission to empower others.

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, we celebrate Rashmi Airan for her dedication to ethical leadership and her ability to transform organizations and empower their employees through her personal journey.

The post Women’s History Month Client Highlight: Rashmi Airan appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Giulia has dedicated her career to fighting for the undocumented community, ensuring those who have been exploited in their work or by the people who brought them to the country, as well as victims of domestic violence, receive the legal support they deserve. Her entrepreneurial spirit and client-centered approach have fueled GFI’s rapid expansion, establishing it as a leader in humanitarian immigration law within just a few years.

GFI is built on the belief that every immigrant deserves a chance at a better future. Through pioneering legal strategies for T visas, U visas, VAWA, the firm has helped thousands of immigrants obtain legal status, allowing them to live and work without fear.

Beyond legal advocacy, Giulia and her team are dedicated to community education, pro bono support, and policy advocacy. Through social media outreach, partnerships, and high-impact legal work, GFI has become more than just a law firm—it’s a movement for justice and a beacon of hope for immigrants across the U.S.

This #WomensHistoryMonth, we honor Giulia’s resilience, advocacy, and dedication to justice. Her work not only transforms lives but also drives meaningful change in immigration law.

The post Women’s History Month Client Highlight: Giulia Fantacci appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Dr. Abraham ’s leadership has been instrumental in creating opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly in education and affordable housing. Her work has helped bridge gaps in K-12 education and provided a supportive environment for those with special needs.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Abraham serves on several boards, including as a Trustee for Miami Dade College, and as a Member of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Her commitment to equity, access, and opportunity continues to inspire and create lasting change.

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Abraham ’s unwavering dedication to building stronger, more inclusive communities and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

The post Women’s History Month Client Highlight: Dr. Anay Abraham appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Blocking and Restricting Access:

• CIO/CTO/IT Professionals: Take note to block all prohibited applications from public access (i.e., WI-FI) on any network and virtual private network that the agency owns, operates, or maintains.

For more information, please contact your WSHC+B legal counsel. 

The post Client Alert: Updated List of Prohibited Applications on Government Devices appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

CABA is a non-profit voluntary bar association founded in 1974 by lawyers of Cuban descent. CABA’s members include judges, lawyers, and law students of all backgrounds interested in issues affecting the Cuban community and broader legal and human rights issues impacting minority communities. 

As a partner in WSHC+B’s Government Division and Municipal Land Use Practice Group, Haydee represents municipalities on a broad range of issues such as contracts, elections, ethics, public records, procurement, and sunshine law compliance. In that capacity, Haydee drafts and reviews proposed legislation, resolutions, and agreements on a variety of matters, always with an understanding of the broader implications of her clients’ interests. Haydee also provides counsel to elected officials on legal matters, including compliance with state and local ethics laws. She has served on CABA’s Board of Directors since 2018 and as co-vice president. 

As the daughter and granddaughter of Cuban political exiles, Candice has a unique appreciation for the critical nexus between democratic institutions and community engagement. Candice counsels municipalities on a broad array of matters impacting local governments, including counseling on contracts, compliance with public records, sunshine, and ethics laws. She regularly drafts government contracts and resolutions, tracks legislation, and assists with the preparation and implementation of various municipal regulations. She has been a member of CABA since 2013 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2019. 

Learn more here: https://cabaonline.com/caba/overview/board-of-directors/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

The post Haydee Sera and Candice Balmori Named Vice President and Secretary of the Cuban American Bar Association appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. Garland, temporarily halting the enforcement of the CTA and its beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The court also stayed all deadlines for compliance.

On December 23, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued an order staying the injunction. As a result, reporting companies were once again required to submit beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Most companies were required to file by a new, extended deadline of January 13, 2025.

The renewed reporting requirement was short-lived, though, because in yet another turn of events, on December 26, 2024, the same appellate court vacated its stay of the injunction. Accordingly, reporting companies under the CTA are no longer required to file a BOI report while the Court debates the merits of the case. 

Given this continued uncertainty, reporting companies should make a determination as to whether to submit their BOI report voluntarily or await an appellate decision on the injunction. For those companies that decide to wait, completing the analysis to identify their beneficial owners under the CTA may facilitate filing in the event enforcement of the law is reinstated. This is an extremely fluid situation. If you decide not to file, you need to make sure that you are closely following the decisions rendered in the Texas Top Cop Shop case.

For those reporting companies that choose to file voluntarily or need assistance in determining their beneficial owners, our Firm remains ready to assist them in navigating the process and ensuring compliance with the requirements.

The post Client Alert: Key Updates on the CTA appeared first on Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman.

Specifically, a former Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) for Hillsborough County brought suit against the County after the County suspended him for testing positive for marijuana in a random drug test. The Court determined that the County violated the Florida Civil Rights Act by failing to accommodate the EMT’s legal use of medical marijuana outside of work hours despite the fact that the State’s medical marijuana statute does not require an employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana. The EMT had provided a valid Medical Marijuana Card issued by the Florida Department of Health, confirming his prescription for treating anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. The Court emphasized that Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution allows qualified patients to use medical marijuana off-site and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for such use.

This trial court decision, while noteworthy, holds no precedential value and does not affect other courts throughout the state of Florida. Employers may still wish to consider whether to adopt policy changes in light of the issues raised by this ruling. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding this matter, please feel free to reach out to us.

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