Florida Stock Option Agreement A Florida Stock Option Agreement refers to a legally binding agreement between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation, both entities based in Florida. This agreement governs the issuance and exercise of stock options within the business relationship between the two parties. Key Terms and Provisions: 1. Parties: The agreement clearly identifies Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation as the participating parties. 2. Grant of Stock Options: This section outlines the number of stock options being granted to beneficiaries, which may include employees, executives, or directors of Cowling Ban corporation. 3. Exercise Price: The agreement specifies the predetermined price at which the stock options can be exercised by the beneficiaries. 4. Vesting Schedule: This provision delineates the timeframe and conditions under which the stock options become exercisable, often through a vesting schedule based on the employee's or executive's tenure or achievement of specific performance goals. 5. Expiration Date: The agreement sets a definite expiration date by which all exercised stock options will become void. 6. Transferability: This section determines whether the stock options can be transferred or assigned to another individual or entity. 7. Termination: It describes the circumstances under which the agreement may be terminated, such as due to a change in control of the company or the termination of employment of a beneficiary. 8. Governing Law: This provision establishes that the agreement is subject to the laws of the state of Florida. 9. Confidentiality: The agreement may include a confidentiality clause to protect proprietary and sensitive information shared between the parties. 10. Dispute Resolution: It outlines the methods for resolving disputes arising from the agreement, such as through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Types of Florida Stock Option Agreements: 1. Incentive Stock Option (ISO) Agreement: This type of agreement grants stock options with favorable tax treatment to employees, subject to certain regulatory criteria set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 2. Non-Qualified Stock Option (NO) Agreement: This agreement involves stock options that do not meet IRS requirements for favorable tax treatment. SOS can be more flexible in terms of eligibility criteria and may be offered to executives, consultants, or individuals outside the employee's immediate family. 3. Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Agreement: Although not technically a stock option, RSU agreements may also be relevant in the context of Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation. RSS entitles the recipient to a future distribution of shares, subject to a vesting period or specific performance conditions. It is important to note that the specific terms and conditions of a Florida Stock Option Agreement between Northern Bank of Commerce and Cowling Ban corporation may vary depending on the parties' negotiations and business requirements.