DOING BUSINESS ONLINE: DO I NEED A LAWYER?

The Internet has become the primary source of information, most entrepreneurs use internet to advertise their businesses and to carry on their activities. Although the Internet bears limitless possibilities, it is strongly advised that you meet with an attorney to create policies and procedures that will help you to act transparently and building trust with your costumers. The creation of such policies and procedures will help you protect your business as well as your clients.

Privacy policies are simple legal disclosure documents, with the purpose of educating the consumers about data gathering practices and disclosure of information. The use of privacy policies helps your business in building trust with your costumers while providing transparent services. One of the most common errors is to “cut and paste” boilerplate language form other website’s privacy policies without consulting an attorney. Do not make this mistake; standard boilerplate policies may not be applicable to your situation and may have been drafted for the benefit of a third party.  A lawyer can help you in assessing the needs and risks related to your business and to design customized privacy policies that will protect you from future and costly litigation.

In addition, an attorney will help you in complying with all the relevant laws in the State of Florida. For example, Florida law requires that any data breach affecting 500 or more individual to be notified to Department of Legal Affairs within 30 days after a breach. Failure to comply with such regulation could result in civil penalties up to $500,000. An attorney will assist you in the notification process and will make sure that you comply with all requirements and deadlines.