Starting and growing an agricultural business in Florida is both rewarding and challenging. From family farms and ranches to food production companies and agritourism ventures, business owners must navigate an intricate web of formation, tax, land use, and regulatory requirements. Choosing the right business entity, securing necessary permits, and planning for succession are just a few of the many issues that can make or break an operation.
The top agricultural business attorneys in Florida understand the unique needs of farmers, producers, and ag-based entrepreneurs. They provide legal guidance on corporate structure and compliance and help clients anticipate regulatory hurdles, manage tax obligations, and safeguard property rights. Their work allows Florida’s agricultural community to focus on production and innovation, knowing their legal and business framework is secure.
The attorneys highlighted below are recognized among the best agricultural business formation lawyers in Florida. Each brings specialized experience to support clients at every stage of the business lifecycle.
6 Top Florida Agricultural Business Attorneys
1. Kara Groves – Groves Law
Kara Groves leads Groves Law, where she focuses her practice on helping Florida’s farmers, agribusinesses, and food and beverage entrepreneurs successfully establish and operate their ventures. Her work often begins at the start of the business formation process, guiding clients on entity selection, licensing, and compliance with state and local regulations.
Kara has developed a strong reputation for her work with agritourism operations, craft beverage producers, and small agricultural businesses, where zoning, code enforcement, and licensing are frequent challenges. She provides start-to-finish guidance, ensuring clients set up their business correctly and avoid pitfalls such as costly fines or operational delays.
Known for her hands-on approach and consistent communication, Kara takes on the role of both attorney and project manager, helping clients stay organized and move forward. For agricultural startups in Florida seeking personalized, one-on-one legal support, Kara Groves is a trusted resource.
2. Robert W. Bivins – Bivins and Hemenway, P.A.
Robert W. (“Bob”) Bivins is the managing partner of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A., where he combines deep roots in Florida agriculture with decades of legal experience. In addition to his legal practice, Bob is actively involved in cattle ranching and agricultural enterprises, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges his clients face.
His practice covers a wide range of matters, including real estate, commercial transactions, corporate law, finance, environmental law, and agricultural law. He has earned recognition in Florida Super Lawyers and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
3. Michael D. Minton – Dean Mead
Michael Minton chairs Dean Mead’s Agribusiness and Solar and Renewable Energy Industry Teams, focusing on family-owned and generational agricultural businesses. With over 40 years of experience, Michael assists clients with organizational structure, federal income and estate tax planning, business succession, and land use strategies, including conservation easements and carbon credits.
His extensive knowledge of both tax and agribusiness issues makes him a go-to resource for agricultural families seeking to balance profitability with long-term preservation of their land and legacy. Michael has been recognized repeatedly in Best Lawyers in America for Agricultural Law, Tax, and Estates & Trusts, and is a past chair of the Florida Bar Tax Section.
4. Katherine R. English – Pavese Law Firm
A partner at Pavese Law Firm, Katherine English has dedicated her career to agricultural, environmental, and land use law. With over three decades of experience, she focuses on securing and protecting entitlements for large properties to maintain their value and productivity.
Her practice involves working with state and federal agencies on water supply, wetlands, and environmental compliance. In 2024, she was appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee, where she represents the perspectives of the agricultural industry.
Katherine’s family has farmed in Southwest Florida for over 100 years, and she continues this legacy by advocating for property rights, sustainable land management, and the people who produce food and fiber in the state. Recognized in Best Lawyers in America for land use, zoning, and environmental law, she is among the most respected voices in Florida agricultural law.
5. Peter G. Latham – Latham, Luna, Eden & Beaudine, LLP
Peter Latham has extensive experience representing clients in real estate development and agricultural business matters. His practice includes large-scale agricultural developments, cooperative mergers, food and drug regulation, customs, and trade law.
He also serves as general counsel to some of Florida’s largest citrus and dairy cooperatives, offering guidance on issues that affect the state’s core agricultural sectors. In addition, Peter has played a leading role in major development projects such as the expansion of Universal Orlando Resort and Hard Rock Cafes, giving him unique insight into ventures that intersect hospitality and agriculture.
With experience spanning theme parks, commercial development, and agribusiness, Peter brings a broad yet highly relevant perspective to agricultural business formation in Florida.
6. Bonita Q. Wang – Bush Ross, P.A.
Bonita Wang is a shareholder at Bush Ross, P.A., where she focuses on business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, and tax controversy. She assists startups and established businesses alike with entity formation, corporate governance, and strategic expansion planning.
Her experience also extends to representing clients in IRS audits, tax litigation, and offshore disclosure matters. Bonita frequently advises on equity compensation arrangements, executive contracts, and ERISA compliance. Recognized by Tampa Magazine as a Top Lawyer from 2021 through 2025, she is well regarded for her technical skill and dedication to client service.
Finding the Top Agricultural Business Attorneys in Florida
Forming or expanding an agricultural business in Florida requires more than just passion for farming or food production; it demands careful planning and legal insight. From choosing the proper corporate structure to managing tax obligations and navigating environmental regulations, the guidance of the best agricultural business formation lawyers in Florida can help protect your investment and ensure your business thrives.
While many attorneys provide skilled representation in this area, Groves Law stands out for its tailored focus on small businesses, agritourism ventures, and craft beverage producers. Kara Groves offers direct, hands-on support that keeps projects on track and helps business owners make informed decisions at every step.
If you are ready to start or grow your agricultural business in Florida, contact Groves Law today to learn how Kara Groves can provide the trusted legal guidance you need.