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.

• Franchise Law

• 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

Florida

Since 1975

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

ABA Forum of Franchising

Current

Florida State Bar  # 208213

Member

1975 - Current

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

Q. Can another company use my registered business name in Florida?

April 29, 2025

A: When I checked on Sunbiz.org I only found one company with the name Remarkably Green, LLC. Are you the owner, Omar R. Johnson? I did a check with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and found the trademark "REMARKABLY GREEN ECO-PRODUCTS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW EST. 2024" that has been abandoned. The applicant was Remarkable Green LLC, a New York limited liabili9ty company. One question will be the date of first use of the mark. If you are first you should retain an intellectual property attorney to send a cease and desist letter. To really protect your name you need to file a trademark application with the USPTO. Kelly Malloy, Esq. of Malloy & Malloy can assist you in this regard. Her number is (305) 858-8000. ... Read More

Q. Should I form an MMLLC or MMLLC taxed as S corp to stay limited partner?

April 12, 2025

A: Forming an LLC and then electing Subchapter S status offers advantages over forming a corporation and then electing S status, particularly in terms of flexibility, ease of formation, and potentially lower overall administrative costs. While both structures provide similar tax benefits (pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation), LLCs offer greater flexibility in management, ownership, and distribution of profits and losses, making them a more versatile choice for many small businesses.

Q. Can an unregistered foreign company conduct rent-to-own leases for trailers in Florida?

March 23, 2025

A: Yes. Even though your business is out of state, you may be required to register to do business in Florida as a foreign business entity with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations and/or file tax in Florida. Some common examples of activities that create a business connection (also called nexus) in Florida include owning, renting, or leasing real property or tangible personal property in Florida.

Depending on your industry and location, you may need to obtain various business licenses and permits from federal, state, and local authorities. You will also be required to file an Annual Report and pay $150 to maintain an active status with the Florida Department of State.