Todd D. Kaplan

Todd D. Kaplan is an accomplished attorney with a diverse background in corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning and wealth preservation. He holds a Master of Laws in Taxation (LL.M.) degree, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of tax law that he utilizes to help clients navigate complex legal issues.

Todd’s comprehensive experience in corporate and business law encompasses the representation of businesses in all phases of the business life cycle, including entity selection, formation, corporate governance, mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and succession planning. He routinely drafts and negotiates a wide range of commercial contracts, including stock and LLC purchase agreements, asset purchase agreements, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, consulting agreements and governance documents.

Todd’s work in the M&A space has earned him a reputation as a skilled and trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies. He regularly advises clients on all aspects of the M&A process, from due diligence and contract negotiations to post-closing integration.

Todd’s estate planning practice covers guidance to families with matters ranging from basic estate planning to sophisticated strategies for lifetime asset transfers, including grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), family limited partnerships, intentionally defective grantor trusts, income tax advantaged grantor trusts, and qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs). In addition, he assists clients with the administration of estates and trusts as requested by executors and trustees.

Todd’s proficiency in business law, tax and estate planning makes him a valuable resource for his clients. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, New York and Connecticut and is primarily based in the firm’s Lakewood Ranch office, but also regularly meets with clients at the firm’s Main Street office in downtown Sarasota. With his keen eye for detail and dedication to achieving his clients’ objectives, Todd provides personalized and effective legal solutions to meet their unique needs.

• Elite Top Attorneys, Sarasota Magazine, 2021, 2022
• AV^® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
• Bronze Award, Legal Aid of Manasota (recognized for 20 to 49 hours of pro bono legal services), 2011, 2012, 2013
• Sarasota County Bar Association Distinguished Community Service Award, 2015

• The Florida Bar: Member; Business Law Section; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Tax Section
• Sarasota County Bar Association: Member
• Manatee County Bar Association: Member
• Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance: Member
• Miracle League of Manasota: Current Vice-President, Current Board of Directors
• Lakewood Ranch Little League: Coach
• Manatee Community Foundation: Past Legacy Society Committee Member
• Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch, Paul Harris Fellowship: Past Member, Past Board of Directors
• Junior Achievement: Past Board of Directors

• Estate & Incapacity Planning in 2013
• Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods and the Restaurant Industry: Selling Frankenstein
• The Importance of Proper Beneficiary Designations
• Estate Planning is Much More than Estate Tax
• Florida Guardianship Practice 7th Ed., Chapter 5: Durable Powers of Attorney
• Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, Constitutionality of Taxing Internet Sales, Quinnipiac L. Rev