Fort Lauderdale Aircraft Transactions Lawyer

Aircraft transactions carry significant legal, regulatory, and financial considerations. Our aircraft transaction lawyers in Fort Lauderdale provide focused legal guidance to help clients complete aircraft purchases, sales, leasing and financing arrangements with clarity and confidence.

With more than five decades of combined aviation law experience and over $1 billion in aviation transactions closed, Aero Law Center offers insight few firms can match. Our legal team brings both industry fluency and precision to every deal.

Partnering with our Fort Lauderdale aviation transaction lawyers helps protect your investment and minimize the risk of regulatory or contractual setbacks. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how we can support your aviation goals.

Why Choose Aero Law Center for Your Aircraft Purchase or Sale?

Aviation law isn’t one of many areas we cover; it’s the only one. Every attorney at Aero Law Center is dedicated solely to the aviation industry. This exclusive focus makes us fluent in the language of private and commercial aviation, from regulatory compliance to complex aircraft and aviation related transactions.

Clients turn to us for:

In-depth knowledge: With more than five decades of combined aviation law experience, our attorneys draw on a depth of knowledge few firms can match.
Client–centered approach: We prioritize clear communication and tailor strategies to your business goals.
Business–first advice: We give practical guidance that protects your legal and financial interests.
Partnership-focused: We build strong, collaborative relationships that keep your business moving forward.
Trusted advocacy: When disputes escalate, we fight for you.

We assist a range of clients, from charter operators to repair stations, or high-net-worth aircraft owners. Our Fort Lauderdale aviation transaction lawyers offer the personalized attention and industry insight you deserve.

Strategic Legal Guidance to Safeguard Your Aircraft Transaction

Even a single oversight during an aircraft transaction can result in significant financial exposure or prolonged legal disputes. Our Fort Lauderdale aviation transaction attorneys provide proactive legal support to mitigate risk, safeguard your interests, and ensure each stage of the transaction is handled with precision.

Common Challenges in Aircraft Transactions

Aircraft transactions are rarely simple. Buyers and sellers face unique challenges that can quickly become costly if not handled correctly.

From legally intricate contracts to strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and policies, even small issues can create major obstacles during the process, including:

Complicated contracts and warranties.
FAA regulatory compliance issues.
Misrepresentation of aircraft condition or history.
Financing disputes.
Breach of purchase agreements or lease agreements.
Cross-border acquisition, ownership and tax issues.

How Our Fort Lauderdale Aircraft Transaction Attorneys Assist You

Our aviation lawyers guide clients through every stage of an aircraft deal with strategies designed to prevent problems before they arise. Whether you are buying, selling, leasing, or resolving a dispute, we take an active role to protect your investment and make the process smoother.

The Aero Law Center team helps clients with aircraft transactions by handling:

Contract drafting and negotiating: Ensure purchase, sale, or lease agreements are airtight.
Regulatory compliance: Avoid FAA penalties and certification problems.
Due diligence: Verify aircraft records, liens, and warranties.
Financing support: Structure deals that meet your business and legal needs.
Dispute resolution: Handle breaches of contract, unpaid invoices, or warranty claims.

By working with our aircraft transaction attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, clients gain peace of mind knowing their aircraft transaction is handled with precision and care.

Our Fort Lauderdale Lawyers Assist With Aircraft Sales and Use Tax Planning, and Financing Structuring

Aircraft transactions involve detailed legal and financial considerations, including federal registration, title transfer, state and county tax regulations, and financing arrangements. At Aero Law Center, we address every aspect of these transactions to safeguard your financial and legal interests.

Aircraft Sales and Use Tax

Aircraft purchases are subject to specific tax obligations that vary based on the transaction and location:

State sales tax: Florida imposes a 6% sales tax on the total purchase price of an aircraft.
County discretionary sales surtaxes: Depending on the county where the aircraft is registered or primarily based, additional surtaxes may apply. These rates vary by county, and careful attention to the aircraft’s location during closing is necessary to manage costs.
Use tax: When an aircraft is purchased in one state but operated in another, use tax may apply. This tax is an important consideration for owners who operate across multiple states or internationally. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties and interest charges.

Our Fort Lauderdale aircraft transaction lawyers assist clients by structuring transactions to reduce overall tax liability whenever possible. We prepare accurate documentation to meet state and federal requirements, advising on multi-state operations and use tax implications.

State and County Tax Considerations

Florida’s tax system includes additional points that buyers and sellers must consider, including:

Primary base of operations: The aircraft’s primary location affects tax exposure, as counties impose different discretionary surtaxes.
Exemptions and credits: Certain exemptions, such as those for aircraft used in interstate commerce or leased to Part 135 charter operators, may apply. These exemptions can significantly reduce tax obligations if applied correctly.
Tax documentation: Proper records and filings help avoid issues with state or county tax authorities.

Financing and Loan Securitization

Financing the purchase of an aircraft involves multiple legal and financial steps to ensure the transaction is secure for both buyers and lenders. Buyers frequently rely on loans, leases, or other financing arrangements, while lenders typically require specific safeguards to protect their investment.

These precautions can include filing security interests under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and registering liens and security interests with the FAA’s Aircraft Registry in Oklahoma City. Proper structuring of these financing arrangements protects both buyers and lenders.

Aero Law Center ensures clear title transfer and avoids disputes over ownership or repayment obligations by handling:

Loan agreements: We prepare and review loan terms that align with the buyer’s financial goals while complying with federal and state regulations.
Securitization: Aircraft loans are typically secured by the aircraft itself. We prepare and file all required lien and security documents to protect the lender’s interest while ensuring the buyer’s rights are preserved.
Tax considerations: Financing terms may impact tax obligations, including the potential deductibility of interest payments and the application of sales or use tax on financed amounts.
International financing: Transactions involving foreign buyers or sellers bring additional considerations, such as international tax treaties and cross-border financing requirements.

At Aero Law Center, our attorneys focus exclusively on aviation law, providing comprehensive support for sales, purchases, tax planning, and financing.

Whether you are purchasing a private jet, managing fleet acquisitions, or structuring loans, we address every detail to protect your interests and streamline the transaction process.

Who Needs a Fort Lauderdale Aircraft Transaction Lawyer?

Aircraft transactions require a thorough understanding of aviation law to mitigate risks and protect financial interests. Two primary groups can benefit from our aviation legal services.

Aviation Companies and MRO Leadership

For Part 145 repair stations, Part 135 charter operators, fleet owners, and manufacturers, aircraft transactions are integral to daily operations. A poorly drafted contract or overlooked regulatory requirement can result in FAA penalties, operational downtime, revenue loss, or unnecessary liabilty.

Our Fort Lauderdale aircraft transaction attorneys provide tailored legal support to owners, directors of maintenance, operations, and chief pilots – ensuring transactions comply with all federal and international standards while safeguarding business objectives.

High-Net-Worth Individuals and Families

For private jet buyers, sellers, and companies with flight departments, transactions involve millions of dollars, intricate tax implications, and financing arrangements.

By partnering with our team, owners, directors, executives, and high-net-worth families gain assurance that every detail of their transaction is structured to protect their investment and avoid costly errors.

When Should You Involve a Fort Lauderdale Aircraft Transaction Lawyer in an Aircraft Deal?

The best time to bring in an aviation lawyer is early, long before a deal turns into a potential problem. Here are the key moments when legal support makes the most difference:

Before signing a letter of intent (LOI): An attorney from our team will spot red flags in early terms that may lock you into bad conditions later.
During due diligence: A lawyer verifies title history, liens, and maintenance logs so you don’t inherit hidden problems.
When financing or cross–border ownership is involved: International rules and tax issues make these deals more complex. An aircraft transaction lawyer in Fort Lauderdale ensures compliance and proper structuring so that the import or export happens without issue.
At the first sign of a dispute: Early intervention helps resolve conflicts before they escalate into costly litigation.

Unique Circumstances Apply to Aircraft Transactions

Aircraft deals are not like buying a car; they involve complex contract structures and unique regulatory challenges. Some potential transaction complications include:

FAA compliance and certification requirements: Each step of the deal must meet strict federal guidlines.
International registration issues: Cross-border aircraft ownership requires careful handling of registrations and knowledger of international treaties.
Tax and depreciation strategies: How a purchase is structured can affect taxes and long-term asset value.
Multiple parties involved: Buyers, sellers, lenders, brokers, manufacturers, and civil aviation authorities all play critical roles – which makes disputes more likely if terms aren’t crystal clear.

Damages in Aircraft Transaction Disputes

When an aircraft deal goes wrong, the fallout is rarely limited to the purchase price. Damages often affect finances, operations, and create personal stress.

Damages in aircraft transaction disputes can include:

Financial losses: Repair costs, lost profits, or money tied up in failed deals can add up quickly.
Lost charter revenue: When an aircraft can’t be timely conformed on a certificate, operators and owners lose income opportunities.
Grounding costs: Disputes over maintenance or certification can leave planes idle, draining resources and escalating lost profits.
Reputational harm: Broken deals can hurt relationships within the tight-knit aviation community.
Emotional stress: Owners and business leaders face anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty when disputes drag on.

Our Fort Lauderdale aircraft transaction attorneys seek financial and non-financial damages as they apply to each case.

Call Our Fort Lauderdale Aircraft Transaction Attorneys Today

Every aircraft deal carries risk due to overlapping laws regarding state and federal regulations. Aero Law Center combines aviation industry knowledge with specialized legal skill to protect your investment from start to finish.

Aside from assisting clients with aviation transactions, our Fort Lauderdale aviation litigation lawyers provide representation in disputes related to contract breaches, lien foreclosure, negligent maintenance, regulatory compliance issues, and ownership conflicts, ensuring your interests are protected both in and out of court.

Call us today for a complimentary consultation and learn how our Fort Lauderdale, FL, aircraft transaction lawyer will protect your aviation interests and your future.

Aero Law Center’s main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorneys are licensed in Florida, New York, and Michigan. For state–specific legal issues outside of those jurisdictions, we coordinate with trusted local counsel while continuing to provide federal aviation law guidance.