About Us

Statewide Experience

Gaylord Merlin is a statewide leader in Eminent Domain. Our more than 135 years of combined experience representing property and business owners allows us to handle even the most complex eminent domain case with skill and efficiency. In addition to our extensive trial experience, we have represented owners in Florida’s appellate courts and before the Florida Supreme Court.

Courts Practiced in

  • Trial courts across Florida
  • US District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • Florida District Courts of Appeal
  • Florida Supreme Court

Condemning Authorities We Have Handled Cases Against:

  • Florida Department of Transportation – All Seven Districts
  • Florida Department of Transportation – Turnpike Authority
  • Georgia Department of Transportation
  • Illinois Department of Transportation
  • Louisiana Department of Transportation
  • Louisiana Department of Transportation
  • Texas Department of Transportation
  • Tampa Bay Water
  • Tampa Electric Company
  • GTE
  • Florida Gas Transmission Company
  • Gulfstream Natural Gas System
  • Buccaneer Gas Pipeline Company
  • Sabal Trail Gas Transmission Company
  • Florida Southeast Connection Gas Transmission Company
  • Florida Power
  • Progress Energy
  • Florida Power and Light
  • Southwest Florida Water Management District
  • South Florida Water Management District
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  • Florida Inland Navigation Fund
  • Jacksonville Transportation Authority
  • Illinois Sports Facility Authority
  • Numerous cities across Florida
  • Numerous counties across Florida
  • United States of America

The Team Approach

A hallmark of our firm is a “team” approach. Our experienced attorneys, working closely with leading experts who are seasoned in eminent domain trials, develop innovative trial and valuation strategies that fully consider the impact of the taking, the damages that will be incurred, and the full compensation an owner should receive.

Experience Counts

Experience Beyond Florida

While our law firm primarily practices in the State of Florida, we have handled select cases in other states, including:
Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina

Trial

Our firm has handled numerous jury trials and non-jury trials in front of judges in various circuit courts across Florida. We have also tried eminent domain cases in Georgia and Illinois. We have the resources and experience to take your case to trial if necessary.

Negotiation

A hallmark of our firm is a “team” approach. Our experienced attorneys, working closely with leading experts who are seasoned in eminent domain trials, develop innovative trial and valuation strategies that fully consider the impact of the taking, the damages that will be incurred, and the full compensation an owner should receive.

Legislative

Our firm actively participates in property rights legislation in Tallahassee. We monitor bills filed that affect owners’ property rights and lobby for stronger protections in existing and proposed legislation. We work with state senators, representatives, transportation officials, lobbyists, business organizations, property owner interests and others to fight for better statutory protections for owners.

Project Management

Gaylord Merlin Ludovici & Diaz offers the services of a full-time project management team.
This department continually monitors proposed and current projects involving:

  • Road widenings
  • New roads
  • Gas pipeline easements
  • Electric transmission line easements
  • Water pipeline easements
  • Water management expansions
  • Airport expansions
  • Other types of taking for a public purpose by a condemning authority
  • School projects
  • Local government community projects
  • Park and preservation projects