A Florida Buy Sell Agreement between shareholders and a corporation is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale or transfer of the shares of a corporation between its shareholders. This agreement ensures that the process of buying and selling shares is well-defined and protects the interests of both the shareholders and the corporation. The agreement typically contains the following key elements: 1. Purchase Price: It specifies the price at which the shares will be bought or sold. This can be a fixed amount or may be determined based on a valuation formula or a third-party appraisal. 2. Payment Terms: It outlines the payment terms, including the mode of payment, whether it will be made in a lump sum or installments, and the timeline for completing the payment. 3. Trigger Events: These are events or circumstances that can trigger the buy-sell process. Common trigger events include the death, disability, retirement, resignation, or divorce of a shareholder. The agreement may also include provisions for a shareholder's breach of fiduciary duty or bankruptcy. 4. Mandatory vs. Optional Buyout: The agreement can either make the buy-sell process mandatory or optional. In a mandatory buyout, the agreement requires the selling shareholder to offer their shares to the corporation or the remaining shareholders, and they are obligated to purchase the shares. In an optional buyout, the agreement provides an opportunity for the shareholders to buy or sell their shares voluntarily. 5. Right of First Refusal: This provision gives the remaining shareholders or the corporation the first opportunity to purchase the shares before they are offered to external parties, ensuring that ownership remains within the existing group. 6. Valuation Method: The agreement often specifies the method for determining the value of the shares, such as book value, fair market value, or a specific valuation formula. This helps in determining a fair price for the shares. 7. Funding Mechanism: The agreement may outline various funding mechanisms, such as setting aside a reserve fund, arranging for life insurance policies, or establishing a sinking fund, to facilitate the buy-sell process. 8. Restrictions on Transfer: The agreement may impose restrictions on transferring shares to outside parties without the consent of the other shareholders or the corporation. These restrictions help in maintaining control and stability within the corporation. 9. Dispute Resolution: It is common for the agreement to include provisions for resolving disputes, such as mediation or arbitration, to avoid costly litigation. Types of Florida Buy Sell Agreements Between Shareholders and a Corporation: 1. Cross-Purchase Agreement: In this type of agreement, each shareholder agrees to purchase the shares of the other shareholder(s) upon a triggering event. 2. Stock Redemption Agreement: In a stock redemption agreement, the corporation agrees to buy back the shares from the selling shareholder upon a triggering event. 3. Hybrid Agreement: This type of agreement combines elements of both the cross-purchase and stock redemption agreements, allowing the shareholders and the corporation to participate in the purchase of shares. In conclusion, a Florida Buy Sell Agreement Between Shareholders and a Corporation is a legally binding contract that establishes the terms and conditions for the purchase or transfer of shares. It provides a clear framework for handling various triggering events and ensures a fair process for both shareholders and the corporation. The agreement can take different forms, such as cross-purchase agreements, stock redemption agreements, or hybrid agreements, depending on the preferences and needs of the shareholders and the corporation.