Florida’s rapid growth and diverse economy have made land use and zoning two of the state’s most important and most complicated areas of law. Property owners, developers, and small businesses often find themselves navigating layers of municipal codes, county ordinances, and state regulations that can vary widely from one jurisdiction to the next. A project that seems straightforward on paper can quickly stall without the proper approvals, and even a minor code enforcement issue can lead to costly delays or litigation.
This is why choosing the right attorney is so critical. The top land use and zoning lawyers in Florida understand not only the statutes and case law, but also how to work with government agencies, planning commissions, and local boards to secure approvals and resolve disputes. They combine legal strategy with practical experience, helping clients move projects forward while protecting property rights and investments.
The attorneys highlighted below are among the best in the state. They are known for their ability to handle complex zoning matters, comprehensive planning issues, environmental permitting, and large-scale development projects.
6 of the Best Florida Land Use and Zoning Lawyers
1. Kara Groves – Groves Law
At the top of our list is Kara Groves of Groves Law. Kara works with small businesses and property owners across Florida to resolve zoning, code enforcement, and land use issues. She has a particular focus on farmers, agribusinesses, and agritourism ventures, helping clients secure conditional use permits, navigate licensing challenges, and resolve government enforcement matters.
Unlike larger firms where cases may be passed between attorneys, Kara takes a start-to-finish approach, managing every stage of a project with consistent communication and practical problem-solving. For business owners seeking clear answers and prompt results, Kara has become a trusted advocate in Florida’s land use and zoning landscape.
2. Robert Volpe – Holtzman Vogel
Robert Volpe is a partner at Holtzman Vogel who represents property owners and developers on land use, zoning, and real estate development matters. His practice covers private property rights disputes, comprehensive planning, developments of regional impact, and large-scale development projects.
In addition to his legal practice, Robert is a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and frequently lectures on land use topics at Florida State University. His service as Chair of the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission gives him valuable insight into how local governments approach development. Recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and Florida Super Lawyers, Robert is widely regarded as one of the state’s leading land use and zoning attorneys.
3. David J. Coviello – Shutts & Bowen LLP
Based in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, David Coviello is a partner at Shutts & Bowen LLP and a member of the firm’s Land Use Practice Group. His work focuses on securing entitlements and zoning approvals for developers and property owners, handling subdivision and platting, and advising on permitting and construction matters. David has significant experience with affordable and workforce housing projects and understands the unique incentives available for those developments.
He also advises lenders and purchasers on land use and zoning aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including due diligence and opinion letters. As a former mayor of Biscayne Park, David brings the added perspective of having served as a public official, making him a strong choice for clients needing to work closely with government agencies.
4. Mary Doty Solik – Doty Solik Law, P.A.
Mary Doty Solik has devoted her career to zoning, land use, eminent domain, and real estate litigation. After nearly two decades as an equity partner at a national law firm, she established her own practice in Orlando, where she continues representing clients in complex land use disputes.
Her peers consistently recognize her legal skill, with honors including an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, multiple listings in Best Lawyers in America, and being named among Orlando’s best lawyers by Orlando Magazine every year since 2007.
Mary is known not only for her legal experience but also for providing clients with highly personalized service, efficiency, and value.
5. Tara W. Duhy – Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.
Tara Duhy is president and shareholder of Lewis, Longman & Walker, where she chairs the firm’s Land Use and Real Estate Law practice. She maintains a statewide practice in land use, natural resources, and water law, guiding clients through every stage of development and permitting.
Her work includes comprehensive planning, zoning and site planning, development of regional impact reviews, environmental resource and water use permitting, coastal construction approvals, and endangered species coordination.
Tara also represents local governments and redevelopment agencies, advising on environmental and land use issues, public-private partnerships, and compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Law. Her broad experience across government and private sector clients has made her one of Florida’s top zoning lawyers.
6. Mario Garcia-Serra – Gunster
Mario Garcia-Serra is a shareholder at Gunster and serves on the firm’s board of directors. He focuses his practice on local government law, land use, and zoning across Miami-Dade County and South Florida. Mario represents major developers before local government boards and regulatory agencies, and his work spans high-rise residential towers, commercial and institutional projects, and public-private partnerships.
With deep knowledge of Miami-Dade municipalities and regional agencies like the South Florida Regional Planning Council and the South Florida Water Management District, Mario is especially effective at navigating the unique political and regulatory environment of South Florida development.
Finding the Top Land Use & Zoning Lawyer in Florida
From comprehensive planning to site approvals and environmental permitting, working with one of the top land use and zoning lawyers in Florida can mean the difference between a stalled project and a successful development. While many attorneys are skilled in this field, Kara Groves of Groves Law offers the personal attention and comprehensive guidance that small businesses and property owners often require most.
If you are facing zoning challenges, code enforcement actions, or need help navigating Florida’s complex land use process, contact Groves Law today to learn how Kara Groves can help move your project forward with confidence.