Closing the Gaps in the Deal: Utilizing Florida Economic Development Incentives to Facilitate Development

By Leigh Kellett Fletcher | If you are a successful developer or broker of industrial or commercial property, the difference between a closing and a lot of wasted effort can come down to the incentives that can be offered to sweeten the deal for companies seeking to relocate to Florida or to particular counties or […]

2015 Legislative Update and Expectations for 2016

Florida’s legislative session in 2015 was something of a let down for many who expected more land use and environmental bills to be passed. The budget fight ended the session early, and as a result, some good and some bad bills failed to get final approval. In the end, only a handful of land use […]

Tips for Community Associations and Homeowners’ Associations Entering Contracts for Landscaping Maintenance and Repairs to Structures

By Leigh Kellett Fletcher | As communities mature, the landscaping and buildings owned and maintained by nonprofit community associations and homeowners’ associations require professional help to retain their appearance and value. For volunteer board members, contracting for that work can be nerve wracking because the dollars involved can be large and the process confusing. If […]

Community Development Districts and Community/Homeowners Associations – Partnering for Mutual Benefit

By Leigh Kellett Fletcher |   It is not unusual for master planned communities to have both a community/homeowners’ association and a community development District (“CDD”).  It is easy to confuse their functions and responsibilities, and it can be frustrating to both developers and residents trying to provide needed services and facilities to communities.  In […]

Do Your HOA Restrictions Adequately Protect Property Owners from Short-term Vacation Rentals?

By Tina Fischer | With the increasing popularity of websites like VRBO.com and Airbnb, homeowners and condominium associations across the country are experiencing challenges in policing owners who violate association rules by renting out their properties for short-term occupants. In Florida, like many other popular resort destinations, the appeal of making additional cash through short-term […]

Florida Trend Names Anne Pollack One of Florida’s “Legal Elite”

We are happy to announce that Florida Trend has named Anne Pollack as one of Florida’s “Legal Elite” for 2015. Fellow lawyers were asked to vote for attorneys whom they have worked with, hold in the highest regard and would recommend to those seeking legal assistance. Less than 2% of active Florida Bar members who […]

Super Lawyer: Leigh Fletcher

We are happy to announce that Super Lawyers has named Leigh Kellett Fletcher as a Super Lawyer for 2015. Super Lawyers are considered the top attorneys in the state with a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research to evaluate professional achievements and qualifications before […]

Tampa Tribune: Restoration Hardware wants to pair shopping with a glass of vino

BY CHRISTOPHER O’DONNELL Tribune staff TAMPA — Four stories of furniture and home décor store can take some traipsing through. That could be why Restoration Hardware wants to pair shopping at their new International Mall store with a glass of Napa Valley chardonnay. Restoration is planning to sell glasses of wine to shoppers to enjoy […]

Finally, the Rule is Final: What the Newly Revised Definition of Waters of the United States Means for Your Project

By Leigh Kellett Fletcher | Last October, I wrote about the proposed revisions to the definition of waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act.  That proposal generated thousands of comments and questions regarding the changes, which led to another round of scientific and administrative review by EPA.  On May 27, 2015 EPA […]

Condominium Insurance Requirements: Don’t Be Blown Away by Unforeseen Costs

By Tina Fischer | Today marks the first day of the 2015 hurricane season here in Florida, and many homeowners are making some form of preparation for a major storm. Part of those preparations will likely include checking property insurance policies to insure adequate coverage is in place in the event of damage of loss from wind […]