Seth C. Behn, AICPShareholder | West Palm Beach
Vice-Chair of: Governmental Law
Shareholder | West Palm Beach
Vice-Chair of: Governmental Law
Mr. Behn’s practice focuses on governmental affairs, land use law and environmental permitting. He works closely with and for local governments, using his background as an AICP Certified Land Use Planner to support his law practice and bring multiple perspectives to complex issues. With his extensive experience in local government processes and his planning background, he is well versed in property rights, easements, and real estate matters, allowing him to guide his clients to efficient solutions for their constituents.
Areas of Practice
Serves as general counsel to the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services District and assistant general counsel to several other special districts including Seminole Improvement District, South Indian River Water Control District, Coral Springs Improvement District, and Ranger Drainage District.
Represents both public and private clients before circuit court and administrative tribunals.
Counsels property owners in local government entitlements, environmental permitting and construction.
Provides review and analysis to both public and private clients in the field of platting, surveying, easements, and title disputes.
Has advised and litigated riparian rights disputes throughout the state.
Publications and Presentations
Government Entities Must Pay 298 Drainage District Assessments, December 2021
Court Confirms Docking Rights in Artificial Canals - Even When No Riparian Rights Exist, August 2021
Moving Toward Reopening Government, LLW Lunch & Learn, June 2020
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Special Districts, LLW Virtual Lunch & Learn, April 2020
Mangroves and Florida Residential Homeowners: Your Rights Under The Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act, October 2019
Emerging Trends in Transportation Planning and Infrastructure, presented at the Florida Chamber Environmental Permitting Summer School, July 2019
Legal Problems – GIS Solutions, Esri User Conference, July 29, 2017
Looking Out to Sea: Resurging Interest in Seawater Desalination Projects Face the Twin Specters of Technical Challenges and Permitting Complexity, American Bar Association, May 2015
GIS and the Law: Opportunities and Pitfalls, presented at the South Florida Geographic Information Systems Expo, January 1, 2014
Recent Developments in Land Use and Environmental Permitting Case Law, November 10, 2013
Where Do Property Rights Fit into Sustainability? Recent Developments Affecting Planners, American Planning Association Florida Conference, September 2013
The Importance of the Water-Energy Nexus in Florida's Future, The Florida Bar Journal, May 2013
Steeplechase Research and Medical Center height compatibility analysis, January 1, 2010
Regional Mega Yacht Facility DEP Alternative Locations Analysis for Palm Beach County, 2007
Utility Plant Siting Analysis, Okeechobee and DeSoto Counties, January 1, 2006
Towards a Literary Theory Appraisal of the Planning Canon presented at the Association of Collegiate Schools Planning Conference, January 1, 2004
Professional, Civic and Community Involvement
Leadership Palm Beach County, 2016
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Member, 2006-Present
American Planning Association, Florida Chapter, Member, 2005-Present
Palm Beach County Planning Congress, Board Member, 2010-Present, President, 2011
Previous Professional Experience
Senior Land Use Planner at Greenberg Traurig, P.A., 2005-2012
Land Use Planner at Land Design South, 2004-2005
Planning Intern, City of Miami Beach, 2003-2004
Practices
Industries
Education
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, Nova Southeastern University, 2014.
Masters, Urban & Regional Planning, Florida Atlantic University, 2005.
Graduate Studies, School of Architecture, University of Miami, 2002-2003.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Florida Atlantic University, 1995.