Chair's Message

Dear Business Law Section Members,

As we move through the year, I encourage you to stay connected with the Business Law Section and take advantage of the opportunities to learn, engage, and connect with colleagues.

We have two upcoming CLE programs I hope you’ll join: the 2026 Virtual Legislative Update this Friday, October 30, featuring a keynote address by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Couriel, and View From The Bench, taking place in Tampa on November 5 and Miami on November 6. Be sure to register!

I’d also like to congratulate Mark Wolfson, partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, on being named a 2026 Lightning Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning in recognition of his extensive pro bono service in the Tampa Bay area. Thank you, Mark, for your commitment to giving back to the community.

Congratulations as well to Zachary L. Catanzaro on the publication of his article, Sovereignty in the Technological Singularity, 28 Yale J.L. & Tech. 617 (2026). The article examines how AI- driven systems can preserve and perpetuate their creators’ preferences beyond their lifetimes, raising important questions about democratic accountability and the limits of legal and constitutional governance.

Finally, in another significant AI development, Anthropic has publicly filed for an IPO, becoming the first frontier AI lab to go public. The offering will be an important test of how public markets value leading AI companies and could set a benchmark for future listings across the industry.

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming programs and continuing to work together to make this a productive and engaging year for the Section.

Sincerely,

Peter F. Valori

Damian | Valori | Culmo

Mark Wolfson Featured as Lightning Foundation Community Hero

Past Chair and recipient of the BLS Pro Bono Award Mark Wolfson honored at a Tampa Bay Lightning game by the Lightning Foundation as a Community Hero. The Lightning Foundation donated $50,000 to Bay Area Legal Services on Mark's behalf.

Upcoming Programs

2026 Virtual Legislative Update

2026 Legislative Update: The Business Law Developments You Need to Know

From the Convenience of Your Desk

Join the Business Litigation Committee of The Florida Bar Business Law Section for the 2026 Legislative Update, featuring an in-depth look at the latest legislative, judicial, and regulatory developments affecting Florida business law.

Featured sessions include a keynote address by Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Couriel, along with timely updates on the 2026 legislative session, voluntary trial resolution, nonprofit corporations, trademarks, recent case law, AI governance, and Florida’s business courts.

View from the Bench 2026

Registration is now open for this interactive panel discussion between a number of sitting bankruptcy judges and a seasoned practitioner moderator, the only program of its kind in Florida.

This program will not be recorded, in person only. Registration deadline is Monday, November 2, 2026.

BLS Executive Council Boot Camp

Attendance is mandatory for all Executive Council members but all are invited. If you are interested in learning more about how The Business Law Section functions, please join us!

Informal Happy Hour - Tampa

Join us on November 10, 2026 at The Tampa Club with fellow BLS members for a happy hour.

Space is limited and RSVP is required, so register soon!

Non BLS members are welcomed and encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to bring a coworker to meet other section members and learn more about the Business Law Section.

CLE On Demand

Florida's Modernized Nonprofit Statute: Key Changes

On July 1, 2026, the Florida Nonprofit Corporation Act (Chapter 617) was comprehensively updated to align with the recently updated Florida Business Corporation Act and current corporate governance standards and to incorporate certain key concepts from the Model Nonprofit Corporation Act. This CLE provides a practical overview of key changes, including those affecting governance, member rights, meetings, voting procedures, mergers and nonprofit organizational documents.

Order here

Winter Meetings, Save the Date

The Winter Meetings will be held February 3-4, 2027 at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Amelia Island property. We are meeting along with RPPTL again so we will have a joint reception on Thursday. Hotel link and registration information is coming soon.

Additional Updates

Make sure we've got it right!

With the new bar year, please take a moment to:

Make sure that the BLS box is checked when you renew your bar dues!
Update your profile on the BLS website here.
Verify you are on the committee lists that you want here.

CLE on Demand

Need CLE? Miss a program? Many of our past programs are available on demand.

Planning a CLE

Do you have an idea for a great CLE? Learn more here.

Why Sponsor the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar?

Florida isn’t just a state—it’s a global economic powerhouse. If it were an independent nation, Florida would rank among the top 15 largest economies in the world, boasting a GDP that rivals many major countries. The Business Law Section of The Florida Bar plays a critical role in shaping the commercial legal landscape of this economic titan. Our members are not only top-tier business lawyers—they’re the very individuals Florida legislators turn to when drafting or revising key commercial statutes. Sponsoring Business Law Section events like the Labor Day Retreat puts your organization directly in front of the thought leaders, power brokers, and policy shapers who influence business law and practice statewide—and often nationally.

This is more than a networking opportunity. It’s your chance to engage with the legal professionals guiding Florida’s economic future. In addition to the Labor Day Retreat, there are plenty of other sponsorship opportunities that provide year-round exposure through our Section’s ongoing programming, communications, and events. If your brand wants to be seen, respected, and remembered by the attorneys who help write the laws that govern business in one of the world’s most dynamic markets, this is where you need to be.

Please reach out to Will Blair and Bob Charbonneau for sponsorship opportunities.

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