An aircraft acquisition marks a turning point in any aviation venture. At Aero Law Center, our aircraft purchase lawyers in Fort Lauderdale help clients make decisions that protect their investment and reflect their goals.

Every transaction carries a purpose, whether expanding a fleet, replacing a jet, or adding new capabilities to a growing business. A Fort Lauderdale aircraft transaction lawyer from our team manages contracts, financing, due diligence and FAA registration with precision and foresight.

We combine legal skill with over a century of legal experience, guiding private owners and companies toward a smooth transition from negotiation to confident ownership.

Precision Throughout the Aircraft Acquisition Process

Every aircraft purchase involves many moving parts. Title searches, aircraft registration, and buyer-arranged pre-purchase inspections all require close coordination. We help clients evaluate aircraft maintenance records, assure airworthiness, and confirm a clear title before closing.

Our Fort Lauderdale aviation lawyers assist with:

• Purchase agreements and bills of sale tailored to your operation and aircraft type.
• Finance transactions, including lease-backs and chattel mortgages.
• Foreign Trust Structures for international clients.
• FAA liens, ownership transfer, and aircraft dry leasing arrangements.
• Coordination with aviation authorities for compliance with federal regulations.
• Assistance with conformity of aircraft on Part 135 charter operations.
• Provide analysis and structure for bonus depreciation and tax mitigation.

This structure keeps transactions efficient and compliant, whether you’re purchasing a single-engine propeller plane or an international charter jet.

Why Work with an Aircraft Purchase Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of the busiest centers for U.S. business aviation. The region is home to a multitude of Part 135 charter operators, FAA repair stations, and fixed base operators serving both domestic and international routes. This activity creates opportunity and competition for buyers.

An aircraft purchase lawyer in Fort Lauderdale helps protect those opportunities. Our attorneys review every component of the deal, including technical issues, delivery conditions, and financing terms, to identify potential risk before closing.

We also counsel clients on Florida Department of Revenue aircraft sales and use tax regulations, which generally impose a 6% sales tax with exemptions for nonresidents under the state’s “fly-away” rule if the aircraft departs Florida within 90 days of purchase. 

Our team also advises on multistate and local tax matters, aircraft depreciation, and FAA compliance. Sales or use tax may still apply if the aircraft remains or is primarily based in Florida within six months of purchase. Each purchase strategy is grounded in law, market data, and the realities of modern aviation.

Fractional Interests and Shared Ownership Structures

Fractional ownership offers the flexibility of private aviation without the full burden of daily operations. It allows companies and individuals to access aircraft use while maintaining predictable costs and shared responsibilities.

Our attorneys guide clients through fractional interests under 14 C.F.R. Part 91 Subpart K and, where applicable, Part 135 charter programs. We clarify ownership rights, operational control, scheduling procedures, and how maintenance or liability expenses are divided among participants.

The focus remains on clarity and efficiency. Each agreement, from cost-sharing arrangements to charter management contracts, reflects the client’s level of use, investment, and long-term aviation goals.

Tailored Purchase Agreements and Technical Advice

A standardized contract cannot reflect the realities of your operation. We draft customized purchase agreements that address inspection requirements, delivery timelines, and post-closing support, such as aircraft maintenance or refurbishment opportunities. 

When needed, our attorneys coordinate with technical consultants and appraisers to assess aircraft parts, avionics upgrades, or paint and interior work. We also handle escrow, bill of sale execution, and related documentation for air transportation under FAA and DOT guidelines. 

While escrow and document preparation are not federal requirements, they are critical best practices for ensuring accuracy and compliance in aircraft transactions. 

Our counsel continues after the signing process. We advise on subsequent actions that may affect ownership, including warranty disputes, post-closing performance issues, and compliance with Truth-in-Leasing rules (14 C.F.R. § 91.23) for large aircraft over 12,500 pounds when applicable.

Managing International and Cross-Border Transactions

Global aircraft ownership involves multiple layers of regulation. Importing or exporting an aircraft requires knowledge of aerospace law, business aviation standards, and customs procedures.

We regularly coordinate with foreign aviation authorities to satisfy both FAA and EASA requirements, manage air carrier certifications, and align with consistent laws across jurisdictions. Clients rely on us for technical advice involving international escrow, delivery under foreign registry, and lawful tax and customs structuring.

Whether you’re relocating a corporate jet, entering the aviation industry in another country, or restructuring your fleet, Aero Law Center’s aviation attorneys streamline cross-border ownership and minimize exposure to conflicting regulations. 

All international transactions are handled in coordination with local counsel to ensure compliance with foreign registration requirements and applicable export control laws.

Tax Topics and Business Aviation Strategy

Aircraft ownership introduces sophisticated tax topics rarely seen in other industries. 

Our attorneys work with CPAs and financial advisors to evaluate depreciation schedules, cost segregation, and alternative tax strategies, such as leveraging bonus depreciation or timing deductions, since traditional §1031 like-kind exchanges for aircraft were eliminated under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Our guidance covers:

• Tax exposure related to aircraft sales and refurbishment opportunities.
• Interstate air transportation and how it affects state tax obligations.
• Business aviation practice matters like the management of aviation facilities and aircraft vendors.

With proper structuring, aircraft operations can support long-term financial goals while remaining compliant with federal and state tax laws. 

The tax information provided here is general and not a substitute for professional tax advice; clients should consult their CPA or tax advisor regarding their specific circumstances.

Industry Knowledge Backed by Experience

Our attorneys remain active in organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and maintain strong relationships with leading aerospace lawyers across the United States. These connections keep our firm aligned with the latest developments in aviation law and industry practice.

We regularly advise general and commercial aviation clients, FAA-approved flight training facilities, and aviation jet management companies on a wide range of operational and transactional matters. Each engagement reflects our focus on precision and clarity.

Years of experience in aviation transactions have guided our team through every stage of ownership, including acquisition, operation, and sale. 

We handle aviation liability and aerospace claims with the same diligence that drives successful aviation recoveries.

Your Aircraft Purchase Partner in Fort Lauderdale

At Aero Law Center, we bring more than five decades of combined aviation law experience and a record exceeding $1 billion in successful transactions. Our work reflects a commitment to precision, accountability, and results that stand the test of time.

An aircraft purchase lawyer in Fort Lauderdale provides legal counsel fluent in the aviation industry and focused on protecting your investment. Whether the goal involves fleet expansion, tax strategy, or personal ownership, our team helps secure and preserve what keeps your business in motion.

At Aero Law Center, precision defines our process because in aviation, every detail counts.

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.