Running a farm or launching an AG-based business in Florida is more than just planting crops or opening your gates to the public. Farmers, food producers, and AG startups must comply with a complicated mix of agribusiness regulations in Florida, including land use codes, zoning restrictions, licensing requirements, and environmental laws. For many, the most pressing issues involve agritourism permits, agricultural zoning, and navigating county-by-county rules that can make or break a new venture.
Finding the right agribusiness attorney in Florida can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your property rights, and keep your operation running smoothly. Below, we highlight some of the state’s best lawyers for farmers, producers, and ag startups.
5 of the Best Agribusiness Lawyers in Florida
1. Kara Groves – Groves Law
Kara Groves is widely recognized as one of Florida’s leading agribusiness attorneys because she combines regulatory knowledge with practical project management skills. Through Groves Law, she guides small businesses and farmers through zoning approvals, conditional use permits, environmental compliance, and craft beverage regulation.
Kara has carved out a niche in Florida agritourism law, helping clients who operate farms, breweries, and event spaces understand licensing requirements and county restrictions. Many of her clients rely on her to quickly resolve Florida code enforcement actions, mitigate fines, and create a roadmap for long-term compliance.
Her approach is unique in that she provides direct, one-on-one communication and acts as a navigator through Florida’s maze of regulatory agencies. Kara offers clarity and peace of mind for agribusiness owners who need to get operational quickly or reduce penalties.
2. Janet M.W. Bill – ShuffieldLowman
Janet Bill brings more than two decades of transactional and corporate law experience that can be invaluable to Florida’s agribusiness community. While her practice spans securities, intellectual property, corporate, and employment law, she frequently works on the kinds of complex transactions and agreements that growing agricultural ventures and startups encounter.
Over her career, Janet has negotiated international, multimillion-dollar contracts, advised on property and transportation agreements, and guided businesses through challenging intellectual property and human resources issues. For Florida agribusinesses expanding into production, hospitality, or distribution, her ability to structure contracts and mitigate risk is a valuable asset.
3. Peter G. Latham – Latham, Luna, Eden & Beaudine, LLP
Peter G. Latham has built a distinguished career representing clients in both real estate development and Florida agribusiness law. In addition to his hospitality and resort work with Universal Orlando and Hard Rock Cafes, Peter serves as general counsel to numerous agribusinesses, including Florida’s largest citrus and dairy cooperatives.
His experience covers a wide range of issues critical to farmers and producers, including food and drug regulation, customs and trade, cooperative mergers, antitrust matters, and agricultural development projects.
This dual focus makes Peter uniquely valuable to clients whose businesses operate at the intersection of hospitality, real estate, and agriculture. Whether advising on zoning for agricultural land, navigating trade regulations, or overseeing multimillion-dollar expansion projects, he brings the same level of depth and precision to every matter.
4. Austin Alderman – Dean Mead
With deep family roots in farming, Austin Alderman brings practical insight to his work as a Florida agribusiness lawyer. His practice encompasses tax law, estate planning, water law, and agritourism regulation, a critical area for farmers seeking to diversify their income through farm tours, U-pick operations, or event venues. Austin has written about the Florida Agritourism Act, offering guidance on liability protections, zoning presumptions, and signage requirements for farmers entering the agritourism space.
His ability to translate regulatory complexity into clear, actionable steps makes him a strong partner for both established farms and startups.
5. Irene Kennedy Quincey – Pavese Law Firm
Irene Kennedy Quincey is the West Palm Beach resident partner at Pavese Law Firm, where she focuses on environmental law, water law, agricultural law, and land use in Florida. With decades of experience, Irene is particularly well-regarded for her work in surface water management, wetlands protection, and state and federal permitting. Before joining Pavese Law Firm, Irene served as Deputy General Counsel for the South Florida Water Management District.
There, she shaped policies on water supply planning, wetlands regulation, and Everglades protection. Her experience on both sides of the regulatory process gives her clients a distinct advantage when addressing agricultural permitting and water resource compliance.
Her contributions to the field have earned Irene widespread recognition. She has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Environmental Law since 2022 and was honored as Best Lawyers® 2023 Lawyer of the Year in Environmental Law. In addition, she has been named a Naples Illustrated Top Lawyer for Environmental Law and is ranked in Chambers USA for Environment (Florida).
Why Work with an Agribusiness Attorney in Florida?
From farm zoning issues to agritourism regulations, Florida farmers, producers, and ag startups face challenges that can put their operations at risk if not addressed correctly. The best agribusiness attorneys in Florida provide the guidance needed to secure permits, resolve code enforcement matters, and ensure compliance with complex environmental and licensing requirements.
If you are looking for personalized, start-to-finish support, Groves Law is ready to help. Kara Groves works directly with farmers and small businesses across the state, offering the one-on-one attention and clear direction larger firms often cannot provide. Contact us today to discuss your goals and gain the trusted legal support you need to move your agribusiness forward with confidence.