Nearly twenty years ago, Maria Marta Calderon, a young Argentine attorney, arrived in South Florida with a dream to practice law in the United States. After graduating with highest honors from the University of Miami School of Law and working at top firms on the Am Law 200 list, she founded Calderon Law Firm. Today, she advises prominent developers and Family Offices on cross-border asset protection.
In an exclusive interview, Calderon highlights the most severe mistake Latin American entrepreneurs make: assuming U.S. real estate rules are identical to those in 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 says. This can trigger legal liabilities, tax exposure, and complications with FIRPTA. 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 in a personal name as a foreign national is generally not recommended, according to Calderon. It can trigger the federal estate tax for non-resident aliens, force ancillary probate, 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," she explains. Calderon Law Firm designs structures that protect both the investment and the family's legacy.
Calderon sees opportunities in mixed-use developments, logistics centers, multifamily housing, flexible office spaces, data centers, and tech-driven projects. However, these require complex due diligence. "Analyzing a multifamily property is completely different from analyzing a logistics center," she notes. Her role is to guide investors through every stage, ensuring they remain protected and properly structured.
As a former Director of the Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida and a licensed attorney in Argentina, Calderon bridges the gap between Civil Law and Common Law systems. "The cultural and legal contrast is often one of the greatest hurdles for business owners," she says. Her experience helps clients navigate both worlds, capitalizing on the legal certainty and stability the U.S. offers.
Her golden advice: "Surround yourself with excellent advisors, and never sign anything out of pressure, haste, or without understanding it 100%." Contracts are extremely powerful in the U.S., and judges hold parties accountable. "Foreign investors are considered sophisticated investors," she warns. "All too often, clients walk into my office after having signed contracts plagued with major issues. By then, it is already too late." Calderon emphasizes building relationships on trust, transparency, and serious work.
