Our Experience / Qualifications

Years of Experience

We have over 70 years combined experience representing property and business owners.

Statewide Experience

We have handled cases in all 67 counties in The State of Florida.

Courts Practiced In:

• Trial courts across Florida
• U S 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
• 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

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

The Team Approach

A hallmark of our firm is the "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.

Trial Experience

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 Experience

Florida courts now require eminent domain cases to go to mediation before trial. "Mediation" is a court-ordered settlement conference designed to try to resolve the parties' claims. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of eminent domain and inverse condemnation mediations. We are skilled in negotiation and settlement techniques and strategies.

Legislative Experience

Our firm is active in participating 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 elected state Senators, Representatives, transportation officials, lobbyists, business organizations, land groups, public affairs organizations, property owner interests and others to fight for better statutory protections for owners.

Leadership in Eminent Domain

Our attorneys are recognized as leaders in the field of eminent domain and property rights in Florida. We have held leadership positions in key eminent domain organizations, and have lectured and written extensively on these topics , both in Florida and around the country. Here are examples of our leadership activities in the field of eminent domain:

CHAIR, Condemnation, Zoning and Land Use Committee
American Bar Association
1992-1995

CHAIR, Eminent Domain Committee
The Florida Bar
1982-1984
1993 - 1994
1999-2000
VICE CHAIR 2000-2001

STEERING COMMITTEE, Florida Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure Manual
1999-Present

CHAIR, Eminent Domain Committee
Hillsborough County Bar Association
1997-1998

PROGRAM CHAIR, Circuit Judges' Conference, Eminent Domain Program
July 1995
September 1995
December 1996
July 2000

Governor's Statutory Review Committee on Eminent Domain
1994

CHAIR, Eminent Domain Subcommittee
ICSC Government Affairs Committee
2000

CLEI Annual Eminent Domain Conference, Co-Chair from 2000 to present

Experience with Leading Industry Groups

Members of our firm are active in leading business and industry organizations that are nationally recognized and respected. Such groups lobby for new legislation at the state, local, and national level and work to improve their industry's climate for the benefit of both owners and customers.

These organizations include:

• International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
• Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association (FPMA)
• Florida Restaurant Association (FRA)