Local Government & Special Districts

We know local government. Many of our attorneys have held staff positions and provided outside counsel to local governments and special districts throughout Florida. We know the issues faced by governments, the special challenges and the special trust they hold to protect the public interest. This is not some abstract concept for us, it’s part of what we do—part of who we are. That’s why we see the issues of local governments and special districts differently. Like the law, it’s not just a job—it’s our passion.

For more than 15 years, our attorneys have developed an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting local governments and have applied that understanding towards innovative and cost-effective approaches to resolve their legal challenges and find mutually beneficial resolutions to disagreements and participate in alternative dispute resolution. We are knowledgeable on the procedures associated with intergovernmental disputes and mediations. If litigation is necessary, we are experienced in litigating on behalf of local governments and special districts.

Many of our attorneys serve as general and special counsel for a vast array of governmental entities throughout Florida including cities, counties, school boards, charter schools, value adjustment boards and special districts. Our special district clients include fire districts, community development and redevelopment districts, mosquito control districts, major airports, utilities, deepwater ports and regional drainage and water management districts. Wayne Flowers, Maggie Mooney-Portale and Chip Rice are certified by the Florida Bar of Legal Specialization and Education in City, County and Local Government Law. Likewise, attorneys Chip Rice, Anne Longman and Ken Spillias are able to provide special magistrate and hearing officer services on local government enforcement matters.  For more than 30 years, we’ve worked with Special Districts in Florida.   In 2010, Terry E. Lewis was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Association of Special Districts for his 30 years of service to them.

Our Legislative and Governmental Affairs Practice Group has been actively involved in the development and implementation of every significant special district statute enacted by the Florida Legislature. We are actively involved in any proposed change to Chapters 189, 190, 191, and 298 of the Florida Statutes and any legislation that may have a direct or indirect impact on local government operations.  Our attorneys have successfully worked to codify the special acts and charters governing more than 30 special districts. We provide our local government and special districts clients with advice and counsel on:

• Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad Valorem Assessments
• Brownfields
• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Condemnation and Inverse Condemnation Actions
• Community Redevelopment
• Constitutional Issues
• Environmental Issues
• Energy and Renewable Energy
• Growth Management and Local Comprehensive Planning
• Intergovernmental Relations and Agreements
• Labor and Employment Matters
• Land Use Matters
• Litigation in State, Federal and Administrative Proceedings
• Local, State, and Federal Permitting
• Public Finance and Bond Matters
• Public Infrastructure
• Public Records, Sunshine and Ethics Law
• Public Procurement and Bid Protests
• Public Property Acquisition and Pre-Purchase Due Diligence
• Retirement Issues
• Rule Development
• School Board and Charter School Issues

For more information on this practice area, contact James W. Linn, Chair – Local Government & Special Districts Industry Group.

Industry Groups