# About The Principal > Who is the principal under a Power of Attorney Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal · Updated 25 September 2023 - [The **principal** is the entity that **makes the** ***Power of Attorney***](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) - [The principal **may be a commercial entity**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) - [**Multiple principals** may create a single *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#it-is-possible-to-have-multiple-principals) - [Being a **prudent principal** is encouraged](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) - [**REFERENCES**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#references) - [California](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#california) - [Texas](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#texas) - [New York](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#new-york) - [Florida](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#florida) - [Illinois](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#illinois) - [Pennsylvania](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#pennsylvania) ## The Principal Is The Entity That Makes The Power By [properly executing](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-properly-executed) a *Power of Attorney*, the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) appoints another [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) as an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal). It is for the [principal's](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) benefit that the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) authorized to be performed by the [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointed under the *Power of Attorney* are performed. > ### Illustration > > #### Facts > > Ron Smith creates a *Power of Attorney* under which two persons are appointed to perform [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) on his behalf. > > #### Conclusion > > Ron Smith would be the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney). > > The two persons appointed to perform the [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) on behalf of Ron Smith would be his appointed [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) under the *Power of Attorney*. > > The *Power of Attorney* might for example, also provide for the appointment of one or more [successor agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/successoragents#a-successor-agent-replaces-an-original-agent-who-is-ineligible) to replace an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) who are [ineligible](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-ineligible). ## **The Principal May Be A Commercial Entity** In **Florida**, [§605.0109](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xxxvi-business-organizations/fl-st-sect-605-0109.html) provides for an LLC to create a *Power of Attorney*. In **Texas**, a corporation may file a *Power of Attorney* when dealing with bail bonds in Texas ([§1704.211](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/occupations-code/occ-sect-1704-211.html) & [§17.07](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/occupations-code/occ-sect-1704-211.html)) In *New York* [§21](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PTR/21) deals with *Powers of Attorney* being used by partnerships in real property transactions. These are but two examples in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) referring to the use of *Powers of Attorney* by [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity). Other considerations in favour of a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) being able to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* include:- - [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) in a taxation context (as recognized in [Fed. Reg. (Chptr I. Sbchptr H, *Internal Revenue Practice Part 601 Statement of Procedural Rules*](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/26/part-601/subpart-E), in particular [§601.503(c)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/26/part-601/subpart-E)) - many decided cases heard by US Courts involving *Powers of Attorney* in which [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) were either [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) (*see for example the examples in **Texas** under the heading [Non-Durable *Powers of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#non-durable-power-of-attorney) below*) - a general absence of any express prohibition on the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of *Powers of Attorney* by [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) There are a myriad of [sub-species](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#sub-species) of [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity), all of which seem in principle, capable of [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* for business purposes. Whether a specific [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* would require consideration of the circumstances with respect to the specific entity and the precise terms of the *Power of Attorney*, including consideration for example of:- - [constituting documents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-constituting-documents) - any contracts with third parties entered by the [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) which may contain restrictions with respect to the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of *Powers of Attorney* - relevant [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), which may impose relevant limitations, restrictions and requirements - [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law) principles ## **It Is Possible To Have Multiple Principals** The [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^1] tends to talk of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in singular terms and does not specifically address whether a *Power of Attorney* might be used by a group of [principals](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney). The [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) contains no express prohibition upon the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of *Powers of Attorney* by more than one [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) and the concept seems accepted in [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law). [Creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of a *Power of Attorney* by more than one [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) involves for example, consideration of how things might work where: - less than all [principals](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) execute the *Power of Attorney* - one [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) seeks to [terminate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) the *Power of Attorney* - one [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) becomes insolvent The issues associated with [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a single *Power of Attorney* for more than one [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) are sophisticated. Issues for consideration might include:- - providing for a *Power of Attorney* not to be effective unless and until each [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) has executed the *Power of Attorney* (albeit not in **Florida**[^2]) - providing what is to occur if a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) dies, becomes insolvent or similar ## Principal's Obligations #### Compensation and Expenses Five (5) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) have [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#insert-info-tag-saying-click-here-to-go-to-legislative-links) governing the entitlement of [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to [remuneration or expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) with respect to *Powers of Attorney* created by [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person).[^3] In the absence of express terms in a *Power of Attorney* created for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person):[^4] - in ****California****, **Texas**, **Florida** and **Pennsylvania**, the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#insert-info-tag-saying-click-here-to-go-to-legislative-links) renders the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) liable to [remunerate](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal)[^5] - in **New York** the reverse arrangement operates under the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#insert-info-tag-saying-click-here-to-go-to-legislative-links),[^6] a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) being exempt from obligation to pay [remuneration or expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses), unless the *Power of Attorney* provides otherwise In **Illinois**, the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#insert-info-tag-saying-click-here-to-go-to-legislative-links) is silent on the question of whether a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) must pay [remuneration](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) to [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal), leaving the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to deal with entitlement of an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) to [remuneration or expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses), presumably by specifying in their *Power of Attorney* how they would like things to work. ## Being A Prudent Principal Is Encouraged The concept of the [prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged) has developed because invariably, there are often questions as to what would constitute the best advantage to a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney). No reference is made to the term “[prudent principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#being-a-prudent-principal-is-encouraged)” in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa). There is reference to the concept of the [prudent agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#being-a-prudent-agent-is-encouraged) in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California** and **New York**. ## Principal's Liabilities #### Compensation and Expenses As discussed under the heading [Compensation and Expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/framework#principals-obligations) above, an [Agent May Be Entitled To Remuneration Or Expenses](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses). ## SOME HANDY REFERENCES ### California In so far as the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^7] is concerned, a *Power of Attorney* [§4022](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4022.html) deals with execution of a *Power of Attorney* by a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person). [§4022](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4022.html) states: "*A natural person having the capacity to contract may execute a power of attorney*." There are [good reasons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) to believe a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney.* ### New York In so far as the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^8] is concerned, the term [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is defined as ([§5-1501](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501)):- "*an individual who is eighteen years of age or older, acting for himself or herself and not as a fiduciary or as an official of any legal, governmental or commercial entity, who executes a power of attorney*." There are [good reasons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) to believe a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney.* ### Texas Views may differ between lawyers in **Texas** about what sorts of [legal entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) might [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* in **Texas**. #### **Non-durable** ***Power of Attorney*** Unlike the other states (i.e. **New York**, **California**, **Florida**, **Pennsylvania** and **Illinois**) in **Texas**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not deal with the operation of [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person). #### *Power of Attorney* for Commercial Entity In **Texas**: - A *Power of Attorney* may be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a corporation or trustee of a trust (as recognized for example, in [§1704.211](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._occ._code_section_1704.211), [Art. 17.07](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/code-of-criminal-procedure/crim-ptx-crim-pro-art-17-07.html) and [§113.018](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/property-code/prop-sect-113-018.html) respectively) and this entitlement extends to include various [sub-species](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#sub-species) of these entities - There is judicial support for the entitlement of [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney*: (a) in *Texas Bankers Association v Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)* (App 3 Dist. 2010) 303 S.W.3d 404 the Court recognized that in Texas, a *Power of Attorney* may be used in business transactions; and (b) the Courts of Texas have at various times considered cases in which *Powers of Attorney* were created by different legal entities, for example: associations (see *Howard Construction Company, Inc v Texas Association of Women’s Clubs* (No. 07-15-00361-CV, Tex. App. -Amarillo, August 15, 2017); and trust companies (*Landamerica Commonwealth Title Company et al v Michael Wido et al*, No DC-09-17536, Tex. App. – Dallas, October 29, 2015) As to whether a minor might [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*, lawyers opinions may vary but it seems there is a reasonable argument that a *Power of Attorney* cannot be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a minor, unless the individual falls within one of the two exceptions under [§22.022](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/property-code/prop-sect-22-022.html) to the general rule that persons under eighteen (18) years of age are minors ([§22.016](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-22-016.html)), being:- - where a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) under eighteen (18) years of age is or has been married - has had their minority status ended by a Court #### **Durable** ***Power of Attorney*** A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* may be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by an adult [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) who is not bankrupt ([§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html)). A [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* cannot be [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, bank or other [legal entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-legal-entity) that is not a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), other than perhaps the trustee of a trust who is an individual, in particular because: (a) by definition, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by an adult [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person); and (b) the inherent purpose of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* is to permit an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) or [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) to exercise authority in circumstances where the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) lacks capacity, being a concept only applicable to persons; and (c) given that entities other than a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) cannot lack capacity in the requisite sense, any entity other than a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) would be at liberty to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney*. It is questionable whether a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) as a trustee may use a *Power of Attorney* to delegate their powers as a trustee during any period that they lack [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs). - it seems inconsistent in circumstances where the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) permitting [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* only applies to [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) - and yet, [§113.018](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/property-code/prop-sect-113-018.html) does recognize the right of a trust to use a *Power of Attorney* appoint an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) for certain purposes, not said to be the only purposes If for example, [§113.018](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/property-code/prop-sect-113-018.html) and other legal principles apply to mean that the purposes specified in [§113.018](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/property-code/prop-sect-113-018.html) are an exhaustive list, the capacity of a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) as a trustee to delegate [tasks](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/whatcanagentdo#there-are-lots-of-examples-of-commercial-tasks) to an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) under a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* may turn on considerations including the purpose of the [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*. As to whether a minor might [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney:-* - on one view, the definition of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in [§161.151(1)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/health-and-safety-code/health-safety-sect-166-151.html) as an adult [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) prevents a minor [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* - on the other hand, it may be that the words “adult person” in [§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html) are to be read include a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) under the age of 18 years of age who has had the disabilities of minority removed (see above) which for example, would be consistent with the approach applicable to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* and the entitlement of a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) with the disabilities of minority removed to execute a *Medical Power of Attorney* ### Florida In so far as the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^9] is concerned, the term [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is defined as ([§709.2102](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2102.html)):- "..*an individual who grants authority to an agent in a Power of Attorney*". There are [good reasons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) to believe a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney.* ### Illinois In so far as the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^10] is concerned, the term [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is defined as ([§2-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-3.html)):- "..*an individual (including, without limitation, an individual acting as trustee, representative or other fiduciary) who signs a power of attorney or other instrument of agency granting powers to an agent*." There are [good reasons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) to believe a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney.* In **Illinois**, only one [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-original-agent-is-first-appointed) may be appointed if a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) is used to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney:*[§2-10.5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-10-5.html) ### Pennsylvania In so far as the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) governing *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^11] is concerned, the term [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is not defined, although the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) may be limited to [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), similar to the remainder of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa). There are [good reasons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-may-be-a-commercial-entity) to believe a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney.* [^1]: Ibid. [^2]: See the heading [There Are Special Considerations In Florida](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#there-are-special-considerations-in-florida) [^3]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^4]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^5]: [Click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) for more information. [^6]: In New York, an [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is denied [remuneration](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) unless the *Power of Attorney* expressly provides that the [agent](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) is entitled to [remuneration](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agententitle#an-agent-may-be-entitled-to-remuneration-or-expenses) (see [§5-1506](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1506)). [^7]: Ibid. [^8]: Ibid. [^9]: Ibid. [^10]: Ibid. [^11]: Ibid.