{"id":1031,"date":"2026-06-19T19:35:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T19:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miamimovershub.com\/?p=1031"},"modified":"2026-06-19T19:35:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T19:35:20","slug":"risky-business-signing-a-commercial-lease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miamimovershub.com\/?p=1031","title":{"rendered":"Risky Business: Signing a Commercial Lease"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Congratulations! You\u2019ve found what looks like the perfect place to open your small business or nonprofit. But be careful\u2014what you don\u2019t know could turn your dream location into a nightmare. Commercial leases are very different from apartment or house leases. In Florida, they offer fewer protections and often include complicated provisions. The fine print can create problems if you don\u2019t understand it.<\/span><\/p>

Read more Join Miami\u2019s Community News for an exclusive Meet & Greet with Governor Candidate Byron Donalds<\/a><\/p>\n

Understand Your Lease Before You Sign<\/b><\/p>\n

First, make sure you are allowed to run your business in that location. Zoning rules, sign rules, and limits on how a property can be used can be confusing. You might sign a lease for a space that does not allow your type of business or limits important parts of how you operate. Just because another business was there before does not mean it was allowed. Before signing, check with the city, and sometimes Miami-Dade County, depending on your business, to be sure your business can legally operate there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, consider who is responsible for repairs and upkeep. Unlike residential landlords, Florida law does not require commercial landlords to make repairs unless the lease clearly states so. If your lease does not say the landlord must fix certain things, you may have to pay for expensive repairs yourself. This is why it\u2019s important to read the lease carefully or have a lawyer help negotiate these terms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many commercial leases are called \u201ctriple net\u201d leases. This means the tenant pays most of the property\u2019s costs, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance, on top of the rent. These extra costs can add up fast, so be sure you understand the total amount you may have to pay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ending a commercial lease early can also be difficult. Commercial leases often last three to five years and may charge significant penalties if you leave early. If your business needs to move or cut costs, these provisions could cause serious financial trouble.<\/span><\/p>

Read more Miami Dade College honorees inducted into Alumni Hall of Fame<\/a><\/p>\n

Finally, think about personal liability. Even if your business is a corporation or LLC, most commercial landlords require a personal guarantee. This means if your business can\u2019t pay the rent, the landlord may go after you personally, and your credit could be affected.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Legal Services Can Help<\/b><\/p>\n

A commercial lease is one of the biggest financial decisions a business owner will make. If you need help understanding or negotiating a lease, the Community Economic Development Unit at Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. can help at no cost. We represent qualified small businesses owned by low- to moderate-income individuals and nonprofits that serve low-income communities. Our legal services include commercial leases, business formation, licensing, contract drafting and other non-litigation matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Small business owners and nonprofit leaders can apply online at <\/span>www.legalservicesmiami.org<\/span>\u00a0 or <\/span>www.flcommunitydevelopment.org<\/span>. There is no cost, and staff will review eligibility during the application process. We also have a number of small business and nonprofit guides on the <\/span>www.flcommunitydevelopment.org<\/span> website, including one on commercial leasing.\u00a0 Let us help you protect your business or nonprofit and plan for a strong future.<\/span><\/p>

Read more \u2018Red, White & Grove: 250 United\u2019 to Celebrate America\u2019s 250th Anniversary at Peacock Park<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congratulations! You\u2019ve found what looks like the perfect place to open your small business or nonprofit. But be careful\u2014what you don\u2019t know could turn your dream location into a nightmare. Commercial leases are very different from apartment or house leases. In Florida, they offer fewer protections and often include complicated provisions. The fine print can<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1030,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116],"tags":[117,23],"class_list":["post-1031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-law-firm","tag-law-firm","tag-miami-dade-community-news"],"yoast_head":"\nRisky Business: Signing a Commercial Lease - Miami Movers Hub<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/miamimovershub.com\/?p=1031\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Risky Business: Signing a Commercial Lease - Miami Movers Hub\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Congratulations! 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