Can a business owner be held personally liable for their company's debts in Florida?
In Florida, business owners can be held personally liable for their company's debts in certain circumstances. Generally, a business owner is considered separate from their business entity, meaning that they are not personally responsible for their company's debts. This legal concept is known as limited liability.
However, there are some exceptions to limited liability. For example, if a business owner personally guarantees a debt, they can be held liable for that debt if the business fails to pay. Additionally, if a business owner engages in fraudulent or illegal activities that result in the company's debts, they can be held personally liable for those debts.
Moreover, business owners can also be held personally liable for their company's debts if the company is not set up correctly, or if the business owner fails to fulfill certain legal obligations. For example, failing to file required tax returns, failing to pay taxes, or failing to maintain proper corporate records can subject the business owner to personal liability.
In order to avoid personal liability for their company's debts, business owners should ensure that their company is set up properly and that they fulfill all legal obligations. They should also avoid personally guaranteeing any company debts and refrain from engaging in fraudulent or illegal activities.
If business owners are unsure about their personal liability for their company's debts, they should speak to a licensed attorney for advice.