Our Team

Francis M. Boyer, B.C.S.

Managing Attorney

Languages
English, French, Spanish

Education

State Bar Admission

Courts

Other Licenses

Memberships

Francis M. Boyer, B.C.S. Board Certified Specialist in International Law.

Francis M. Boyer, Esq., is a member of the Bars of Florida (Federal District of North, Middle and South Florida), New York and formerly the District of Columbia (Washington, DC).

Francis is a highly experienced attorney specializing in international law. He is one of the few attorneys in Florida who is Board Certified by the Florida Bar as an Expert in International Law, a distinction held by only 51 attorneys in the United States as of January 1, 2024. His expertise extends across business, immigration, and cross-border disputes, guiding both individuals and companies through the complexities of U.S. and international legal systems.

Francis regularly advises clients on matters involving international family law, international trade, foreign investments, international probate and estate planning, and cross-border transactions. His extensive experience includes representing individuals and businesses from Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the Middle East, helping bridge the legal differences between jurisdictions.

Notable Cases

In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Mr. Boyer has successfully guided clients through a variety of complex legal matters, including:

Appellate Cases

Matejka v. Dulaney, 40 So. 3d 865 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010) – Overturned a $4.9 million judgment on appeal due to notice issues.
De Carvalho v. Pereira, 308 So. 3d 1078 (Fla. 1st DCA 2020) – Represented a father seeking the return of his children under the Hague Convention, establishing their habitual residence in Brazil despite one birth in the U.S.
Demirtas v. Demirtas, 320 So. 3d 749 (Fla. 3d DCA 2021) – Upheld prior attorney’s entitlement to attorney’s fees for a domestication of a foreign divorce decree.

Hague Convention Cases

Romanov v. Soto, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, Aug 24, 2022, 2022 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 152430 – Secured the return of children to Ontario, Canada in a Hague Convention dispute.
Matthews v. Matthews, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, May 07, 2024, 2024 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 82715 – Negotiated the return of children to Australia through Hague Convention proceedings.

Business and Transactional Matters

Advised shareholders of a Florida Corporation, all French citizens, in the purchase of shares and conducted a corporate meeting.
Advised foreign investors on complying with U.S. tax return obligations, FATCA, and FBAR bank account disclosures.
Drafted distribution agreements under Florida law to mirror an existing contract between a foreign manufacturer and a foreign-owned Florida LLC.
Advised on debt collection practices for Florida entities on behalf of a European creditor.
Drafted numerous powers of attorney for use under Florida law, with execution abroad.
Assisted in the purchase of a gas station in Polk County for foreign investors.

Immigration and Visa Matters

Assisted with E-2 investor visas from the purchase of an existing food business or creation of a new business to lease negotiation, and transfer of funds from Overseas French Territories and France, preparing the business plan with a realistic 5-year forecast.
Obtained Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) for a former H-1B client.
Successfully obtained U.S. citizenship for LPR clients.
Assisted several clients with adjustment of status through family petitions

Estate Planning and Probate Matters

Prepared estate planning packages, including Last Wills and Testament, POAs, and Living Wills for foreign individuals managing Florida assets.
Managed ancillary probate cases for decedents from Quebec, France, Brazil, and Germany.
Advised on estate planning for Florida residents with assets in other countries like India, France.
Assisted French Overseas Territory residents in managing their Florida property with guidance on probate laws.

Commercial and International Transactions

Managed the sale of a hotel with owner financing for a Canadian resident, sold to a Mexican investor in Osceola County, including tax guidance.
Facilitated the sale and transfer of Florida Corporation shares between Ukrainian nationals.
Drafted a purchase agreement between Quebec investors purchasing land in Osceola County through a Florida entity owned by a Canadian corporation.

Family Law and Cross-Border Disputes

Drafted and advised on prenuptial agreements under Florida law, with guidance on alimony, estate tax, and immigration implications.
Assisted and negotiated mutually agreed divorces for a foreign residents in a Florida court.
Represented clients in Hague Convention cases on child return disputes overseas.

Other Matters

Advised on FIRPTA issues during real estate sales at various stages, including pre-closing, contract phase, and post-closing resolutions.
Drafted petitions for remission and forfeiture with U.S. Customs due to misclassification of goods.
Drafted documents for the sale of a business involving a German seller.
Managed forum selection for litigation and divorce cases based on comparative tax and legal analysis.
Represented clients from Italy, Canada, Peru, Turkey, France, Germany, Ukraine, Mexico, and Brazil in various business, family, and litigation matters.

Certifications and Admissions

Board Certification in International Law – Certified by The Florida Bar since 2014.
Admitted to Practice in New York

Professional History

Managing Attorney at Boyer Law Firm, P.L. since 2008.

Notable Recognitions

Mr. Boyer has earned significant recognition for his expertise and dedication to international law. His accomplishments reflect his commitment to achieving outstanding results for his clients and his active involvement in the legal community.

International Law – Attorney of the Year in Florida (2015) – Global Law Experts
Former Vice-President of Jacksonville Sister Cities Association
Board Certified Committee Membership – Appointed by the Florida Bar President

Awards/Recognitions

AVVO Top Rated Attorney (10.0) – A perfect rating based on client reviews, experience, and industry recognition for outstanding professional achievements.
Super Lawyer Recognition – An exclusive designation awarded to top attorneys based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievements.
AV-Rated Attorney – The highest peer rating standard from Martindale-Hubbell, recognizing exceptional legal ability and ethical standards.
Board Certification in International Law – A prestigious designation awarded by The Florida Bar to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional expertise and skill in international legal matters.

Speaking Engagements

As a recognized expert in international law, Mr. Boyer has been invited to speak at numerous professional seminars and conferences, including:

CLE Presentation on the Hague Convention (2016) – Focused on best practices and recent developments in Hague Convention cases.
Well Drilling Association Seminar (Orlando) – Delivered a presentation on legal considerations for international business and property disputes.
CLE Presentation in Florida-Quebec Conference – Spoke on cross-border legal strategies and international legal frameworks.
Upcoming chapter on international family law for the Florida Bar

Francis Boyer has successfully represented clients in complex matters involving international commerce, foreign investments, and immigration pathways. He appears in state and federal courts across Florida and has the credentials to argue cases before the United States Supreme Court.