Nonprofit Attorney in Orlando, Florida
Forming a nonprofit is more than filing paperwork. Federal 501(c)(3) status, state registration, governance documents, and annual compliance each have traps that can delay your mission — or cost an organization its tax exemption. Braslow Legal helps charities, community organizations, and emergency services organizations across Florida and New Jersey form correctly, stay compliant, and protect their names and missions.
The firm brings unusual depth here: of counsel Richard M. Braslow has spent decades representing fire districts, fire companies, and first aid squads, including serving as counsel to the New Jersey State Association of Fire Districts. Neil Braslow — licensed in Florida and New Jersey and a Super Lawyers honoree (2022–2025) — handles formation, contracts, and trademark protection for nonprofits and their brands.
Who we serve
Founders starting a charity — entity formation, bylaws, and the federal 501(c)(3) application done right the first time.
Established nonprofits — governance, board policies, contracts, employment questions, and compliance cleanups.
Fire districts, fire companies, and first aid squads — budgets, elections, commissioner duties, and the regulatory framework unique to emergency services.
Booster clubs and youth sports organizations — formation, fundraising rules, and liability basics.
Religious and community organizations — property, governance, and tax-exemption questions.
What we handle
Formation and 501(c)(3) applications — Florida or New Jersey nonprofit incorporation, bylaws, EIN, and IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.
State registrations and annual filings — annual reports and charitable solicitation registration, so fundraising stays lawful.
Governance — bylaws, conflict-of-interest policies, board structure, and meeting practices that survive scrutiny.
Contracts and employment — vendor agreements, leases, and volunteer and employee policies.
Trademark protection — registering your organization’s name and logo so another group can’t trade on your goodwill.
Emergency services law — fire district governance, procurement, and compliance in New Jersey.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a 501(c)(3) in Florida?
You incorporate a Florida not-for-profit corporation, adopt bylaws, obtain an EIN, and then apply to the IRS for 501(c)(3) recognition using Form 1023 or the streamlined Form 1023-EZ. Most organizations also need to register with the state before soliciting donations. The order and details matter — formation mistakes are the most common cause of delayed or denied exemptions.
What is the difference between a nonprofit and a 501(c)(3)?
A nonprofit is a state-law entity; 501(c)(3) is a federal tax status the IRS grants to qualifying organizations. Incorporating as a nonprofit does not automatically make donations tax-deductible — you need the IRS determination too.
Can a nonprofit trademark its name and logo?
Yes, and established organizations should. Charities build real goodwill in their names, and trademark registration is the tool for stopping copycat organizations and fundraising confusion.
What annual filings does a nonprofit have to make?
Typically a state annual report, an IRS Form 990-series return, and renewal of charitable solicitation registration where required. Missing them has real consequences — administrative dissolution at the state level, and automatic revocation of tax-exempt status after three consecutive missed 990s.
Do fire districts and first aid squads need specialized counsel?
Yes — they sit at the intersection of municipal, employment, procurement, and election law. Richard Braslow has represented New Jersey fire districts and emergency services organizations for decades, including as counsel to the New Jersey State Association of Fire Districts.
Talk to a nonprofit attorney
Whether you’re launching a charity, cleaning up compliance, or running an emergency services organization, start with a free 30-minute consultation. Call the number at the top of this page or use the scheduling link.
Braslow Legal serves nonprofits throughout Florida — including Orlando and Central Florida — and New Jersey, with most matters handled fully remotely.
Attorney advertising. The information on this page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.