What should I check before signing a commercial lease in Miami?

Short Answer

Before signing a Miami commercial lease, verify the landlord and property, permitted use, zoning and licensing path, rent and operating expenses, buildout responsibility, delivery condition, permit risk, opening deadlines, insurance, repairs, parking, signage, renewal and expansion rights, assignment, subletting, defaults, remedies, and any personal guaranty. The business should know whether it can legally and practically operate at the location before it becomes obligated. A broker's deal summary or letter of intent is not a substitute for reviewing the lease and approval dependencies.

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When This Becomes Urgent

• The landlord requires a personal guaranty
• The space needs construction or a change of use
• The opening depends on a Certificate of Use or industry license

What Usually Goes Wrong

• Assuming approvals will arrive after signing
• Underestimating pass through expenses and buildout risk
• Accepting broad guaranty and default language without review

What to Have Ready

• Lease, exhibits, and guaranty
• Letter of intent and broker materials
• Business use and licensing needs
• Plans, budget, insurance, and opening schedule

What Typically Happens Next

1. Identify the business objective, current commitments, and decision deadline.
2. Review the entity records, contracts, approvals, and facts that control the issue.
3. Coordinate tax, licensing, employment, immigration, or other specialized advice where needed.
4. Document the chosen structure and complete filings, consents, and agreements in the correct sequence.

The appropriate sequence and documents depend on the entity, transaction, location, and people involved. This overview is not a prediction of process or outcome.

Related Questions

• What is a personal guaranty in a Florida commercial lease?
• What licenses and local approvals are needed to open a business in Miami?
• What are a Certificate of Use and Business Tax Receipt in Miami?

Also review Start a Business in Miami, the Starting or Relocating a Business to Miami hub, and the Ask Aaron hub.

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. Reading this page or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Requirements and deadlines depend on the facts. If your matter is time sensitive, call the firm.

Source Record

1. Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, official entity filing and form guidance.
2. Governing municipality and Miami Dade County, official location, use, and local business tax guidance where applicable.
3. Applicable Florida licensing agency for any regulated profession or activity.

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