International Interest

Contracts will likely be in the native language, and they are likely to favor the native party, says Mencia. For instance, a company might assign a representative, not realizing that local law gives him exclusive rights to distribute not just one but all of that company's products. Or a distributor could be ruled to be an employee and therefore entitled to benefits and severance pay.

Make sure the contract specifies the product, length of time and territory and that it has an arbitration clause.

"Have a professional draft that agreement for you," says Mencia. "If the proposal comes from the other guy, then have your lawyer look at it with a magnifying glass. There are a lot of little issues with contracts."

With proper research, preparation and precautions, however, a company can multiply its profits by exporting its product to eager markets in other countries. And with the region's ports, proximity and accessibility to Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, a growing number of Southwest Florida producers are discovering that Florida is a prime spot for international trade.