2026 Legal Reset: 7 Things Every Private Practice + Small Business Should Fix Before Q2

By: Lidice F. Porro, Esq. | Founder of LFPorro Law, PLLC (The Private Practice Lawyer)

A new year always comes with new goals: more growth, more revenue, more freedom, and hopefully less stress. But as a business attorney specializing in the "Business of Medicine" and professional services, I see a pattern every single year:

Most businesses don’t fail because they aren’t talented. They fail because they aren’t protected.

They “meant” to update contracts. They “planned” to tighten policies. They “knew” they should clean up their legal foundation… but then business happened.

In 2026, the stakes are higher. From new federal HSA rules for healthcare providers to shifting labor laws for all Florida employers, "winging it" is no longer a strategy. Here are the 7 legal areas I recommend every private practice and small business owner review before the Q1 clock runs out.

1. Your Operating Structure + Ownership Documents

Did your business grow in 2025? Did you add a new service line, a "private suite" model, or a new partner? Your structure must reflect your current reality, not your 2023 startup phase.

• For LLCs: Ensure your Operating Agreement isn't just a generic template. It needs clear rules on profit distributions and what happens if a partner wants "out."

• The Private Practice Pivot: If you are a licensed professional (MD, Therapist, PT), ensure your entity is properly structured as a Professional LLC (PLLC) to stay in compliance with Florida's licensing boards.

2. Your Contracts (The "Obsolete Agreement" Trap)

Outdated contracts are one of the biggest risk areas I see. Your agreements should reflect how you currently work.

• The 2026 Shift: For my healthcare clients, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act now makes Direct Primary Care (DPC) and subscription fees HSA-compatible. But if your contract fee exceeds the new $150/month individual cap, you could be costing your patients their tax benefits.

• For All Services: Do your contracts clearly define your 2026 payment terms, "no-show" fees, and intellectual property ownership?

3. Your Website Legal + Privacy Policies

If you collect emails, sell programs, or operate in the wellness space, your website is a legal touchpoint. In 2026, data privacy is non-negotiable. At minimum, you need a Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and niche-specific Disclaimers (especially for those of us giving "educational" advice online).

4. The Contractor vs. Employee Audit

Team changes = legal changes. With stricter scrutiny on labor classifications this year, you must ask: Are your independent contractors actually contractors? In Florida, if you control the "when, where, and how" of their work, the IRS may have a different opinion than your contract does.

5. Revenue-Protecting Policies

Policies aren't just red tape; they are boundaries. Review your:

• Cancellation and rescheduling windows.

• Refund and membership termination terms.

• For Florida Providers: Remember, Florida Statute § 624.27 requires a 30-day "no-cause" termination right for patients in membership models.

6. Compliance & Industry-Specific Audits

This is where depth matters. Whether you are a therapist navigating HIPAA, a med spa owner reviewing a Medical Director Agreement, or a vet managing pharmacy compliance—2025 was the year to "figure it out." 2026 is the year to lock it down.

7. Future-Proofing for Growth

The best businesses don’t just react; they prepare. Do you want to hire? Scale? Open a second location? Your legal foundation is the floor that supports that ceiling.

Let’s Make it the Year of "Legal Peace of Mind"

Legal shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. It should feel like confidence.

If you're looking at this list and realizing your foundation feels a bit shaky, you aren't alone. This is exactly why I offer specialized support for the "Private Practice" world and service-based entrepreneurs.

In January + February, I am opening a limited number of slots for:

• Legal Clean Slate Reviews (A 360-degree audit of your business).

• Contract Confidence Sessions (Flat-fee reviews to get your 2026 agreements "Safe Harbor" ready).

• DPC & Membership Conversions.

Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Let’s make this the year your business doesn’t just grow, it grows protected.