Looking for trusted counsel in Miami? These top-rated firms support startups, SMBs, and entrepreneurs with transparent pricing, practical expertise, and strategic legal guidance—from formation to litigation.
Genovese Joblove & Battista (GJB)
Commercial Litigation, Franchise, and Corporate Law GJB maintains a strong reputation in the Miami business community. They offer a deep bench of specialists who understand the needs of both emerging startups and established franchises. They are respected for their aggressive advocacy, so they are effective at protecting a company’s interests during complex negotiations.
Great for: Franchisees, tech founders, and businesses facing commercial disputes.
Akerman LLP
Middle-Market Corporate and Real Estate Law Akerman is a powerhouse firm with a massive presence in Miami. They provide comprehensive legal services—from tax strategy to labor and employment—because they want to ensure a business is covered on all fronts. They are highly regarded for their work in the Miami real estate and financial sectors so that clients can scale with confidence.
Great for: Mid-sized companies, real estate developers, and international investors.
Trembly Law Firm
Small Business and Entrepreneurial Law Trembly Law Firm is a premier boutique firm that focuses exclusively on protecting the “little guy” in the Miami market. They are known for their high-touch service but also maintain a strong focus on preventative legal strategies. They excel at drafting ironclad contracts so that business owners can avoid costly litigation down the road.
Great for: Small business owners, family-owned companies, and local entrepreneurs.
Florida business law is generally considered more pro-business than states like New York or California. Miami entrepreneurs benefit from no state income tax but must still manage specific compliance requirements. These include the Florida Annual Report filings and the Miami-Dade Local Business Tax Receipt. Because there is no state-level tax, early legal guidance focuses more on asset protection and corporate governance
Florida follows federal FLSA guidelines closely but maintains its own strict rules regarding wage theft and discrimination. Worker classification is a major focus for Miami businesses in the hospitality and tech sectors. Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is a common source of audits, so ensuring your team is legally classified is a top priority for local founders.
Commercial leases in Miami are high-stakes and move quickly. Whether you are leasing a creative space in Wynwood or a high-rise office in Brickell, navigating city-specific zoning and “Use Permits” is critical. You will need a local expert to review lease terms because many Miami landlords use complex escalations and “Triple Net” (NNN) structures that can impact your bottom line.
If you simply need to form a Florida LLC or corporation quickly, LegalZoom offers a streamlined and affordable option for basic entity formation and standardized filings.
Straightforward entity formation
Solo founders and early-stage businesses
Founders who don’t yet need custom contracts or legal strategy
Custom operating agreements involving multiple partners or investors
Entertainment-specific contracts and IP licensing
Commercial leases and high-stakes real estate negotiations
Employment defense and PAGA compliance
Venture capital readiness and securities law
Many LA founders use LegalZoom initially, then transition to local counsel as the business grows or becomes more complex.
Downtown LA & Century City
Santa Monica & Venice
Hollywood & Burbank
Pasadena & Glendale
South Bay & Long Beach
Including this broader service area helps founders find relevant legal support even if their business operates across multiple cities.
Miami business owners benefit most when legal decisions are made proactively. Whether you’re protecting a trademark, forming a tech startup, or negotiating a lease, the right legal structure is the foundation of your success.
If you need help navigating options, Hustler’s Library can help connect you with a provider who is best for your company’s needs.
Entrepreneurs in Miami should consider hiring a business lawyer from the very beginning of their venture. Key times include:
Business lawyers in Miami, like in many major coastal cities, command high rates, but offer various billing methods. Hourly Rates are traditional but premium. Flat Fees are common for routine services like LLC formation or simple contracts. Retainers are used for ongoing work. Due to the competitive market, many boutique and mid-sized firms offer Subscription/Monthly Packages or Hybrid arrangements (reduced hourly rates plus a success fee) that are ideal for startups seeking budget predictability. Always discuss fees and get a clear engagement letter outlining all costs upfront.
While comprehensive legal services aren’t usually free, some resources offer low-cost assistance. University law clinics (like UM or FIU) often have programs for startups. The Small Business Administration (SBA) and local non-profits also provide initial consultations or referrals. Many law firms offer a 15-minute free initial consultation; use these strategically to assess your needs.
To make the most of your time, ask:
What is your experience with businesses in my industry (e.g., hospitality, tech, real estate)?
How do you handle Florida-specific issues like sales tax nexus or local zoning?
How do you typically bill for services?
Who will be my primary contact at the firm?