Government regulations affect businesses of all types and sizes. Complying with federal, state, county, city, and local regulations can intimidate even the most experienced business owners. Operating without the proper permits can expose a business to administrative penalties (such as suspension of a business license), fines, and even criminal penalties. Trust the experience of a skilled Houston business compliance attorney to ensure that your business is operating lawfully and profitably. With the benefit of skill and experience, your attorney can secure business compliance so that you can focus on profitable daily operations.
Federal Permits
Federal regulations affect many businesses that engage in interstate commerce. They also affect businesses that engage in regulated industries, such as transportation or energy. One such example occurred right here in Texas, when the Houston-based energy company Valley Crossing Pipeline was granted a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The San Antonio Business Journal reports that the permit allows Valley Crossing to construct a 168-mile pipeline from a hub near Corpus Christi into the Gulf of Mexico. The pipeline will connect with another natural gas pipeline from Mexico under the sea floor. The 28-page permit was a controversial move by the Trump administration, but it is an example of a business that must obtain federal permits to engage in business in a regulated industry.
State Permits
Depending on the nature of the business your company conducts, the state may require permits for your business or employees. For example, the Texas Department of State Health Services issues permits for food handlers, emergency medical personnel, athletic trainers, counselors and therapists, dieticians, and many other specialty certifications. The exact nature of your business will determine the specific permits your business and employees require. Have a business compliance attorney review your business operations for all potential areas of permit use.
County Permits
Any business operating under a name other than the name filed with the Secretary of State must file a DBA (Doing Business As) Certificate with the county in which the business is conducted. The counties usually have a searchable database of the listed business names used. Filing a DBA does not secure nor protect your business name.
Local regulations may also require you to obtain alarm permits, building permits, business licenses, tax permits, health permits, occupational permits, signage permits, or zoning permits. Because these requirements vary by city, consult with a local attorney who is familiar with the requirements for your specific area.
Experienced Representation to Start Your Business off Right
Running a business can be stressful, with no guarantee of financial returns.
But attorney Andrew Weisblatt has helped business owners build and run their businesses effectively for more than 25 years. The Weisblatt Law Firm offers compliance advice for businesses of all sizes. Call (713) 666-1981 or email us through our online contact form to schedule your free phone consultation with an experienced Texas business attorney today. We will ensure your business plan is both compliant and profitable.
Attorney Andrew Weisblatt
Mr. Weisblatt has practiced continuously since becoming licensed in 1992 and has represented businesses ranging in size from one person start-up ventures to multi-national corporations employing hundreds of people in multiple countries. From 2005 through 2009 Mr. Weisblatt was in-house counsel and chief operating officer of a multi-national corporation in the steel products industry. That in-house position provided valuable insight into how businesses work and what they actually need from their lawyers – both in-house and outside counsel. Attorney Bio
