Nearly twenty years ago, Argentine attorney Maria Marta Calderon arrived in South Florida with a dream to practice law in the United States. Today, she leads Calderon Law Firm, advising developers and Family Offices on cross-border asset protection. In an exclusive interview, Calderon breaks down the legal anatomy of real estate and the keys to protecting Latin American capital in Florida.
Calderon warns that the most severe mistake Latin American entrepreneurs make when buying property in the U.S. is assuming the process is identical to their home countries. ‘They often rely solely on what a friend, a real estate agent, or a title company tells them—none of whom are specialized attorneys in U.S. foreign investment,’ she said. A poor decision can trigger legal liabilities, tax exposure, and complications with FIRPTA and other regulatory frameworks. Calderon emphasizes that a properly structured property can build generational wealth, while an improperly structured one can become a million-dollar liability.
Purchasing real estate under a personal name is generally not recommended for foreign nationals, according to Calderon. It can trigger the federal estate tax for non-resident aliens, force ancillary probate in the U.S., and create direct personal exposure to lawsuits. A well-designed corporate or fiduciary structure can limit liability, safeguard assets, facilitate family succession, and create long-term tax efficiencies. ‘In our firm, we work precisely on designing structures that protect not only the investment, but also the family’s legacy and peace of mind,’ she said.
Calderon sees significant opportunities in mixed-use developments, logistics centers, multifamily housing, flexible office spaces, data centers, and tech-driven projects. However, commercial transactions require complex due diligence. For instance, analyzing a data center involves power grid infrastructure, energy redundancy, and technological liabilities. ‘Having ironclad contracts and appropriate legal structures is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity,’ she said. She stresses that litigation in the U.S. is extraordinarily expensive, and her role is to guide clients through every stage to remain protected.
As a licensed attorney in Argentina and the U.S., Calderon serves as a bridge between Civil Law and Common Law systems. ‘Not only are the laws completely different, but the entire way of thinking about business, interpreting risk, and negotiating also changes,’ she said. She helps clients navigate these differences to capitalize on the legal certainty and stability that the American system offers.
Calderon’s golden advice for investors: ‘Surround yourself with excellent advisors, and never sign anything out of pressure, haste, or without understanding it 100%.’ She emphasizes that contracts in the U.S. are powerful, and courts hold parties accountable. ‘All too often, clients walk into my office after having signed contracts plagued with major issues. Unfortunately, in many cases, by then it is already too late,’ she said. Calderon believes professional relationships must be built on trust, transparency, and serious work.
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