Government Law

At a time when businesses and industries face government regulation, it is important to have experienced legal partners who know the system. Whether you're appearing before a public agency, requesting approvals, lobbying for change or seeking a government contract, we have attorneys to represent you.

Shutts & Bowen has been a part of Florida's legal and political tradition for the past century and we know how to work with local and state government.  We are proud of our experience appearing before governmental agencies and many of our lawyers have held positions with municipalities and counties, as well as state, regional and federal agencies.

Our team is armed with substantive and procedural experience to guide you. We appear often before federal agencies, the state legislature, state administrative agencies and a variety of local governments including counties, cities, school boards, hospital boards and special districts. We also represent local governments.

With offices throughout Florida, we are involved as leaders in our local communities and know the challenges that affect your business. And with a Florida history dating back to 1909, we're not only part of the local landscape, we have the statewide experience to counsel you on those challenges.

Port and Airport-Related Services

Florida’s tourism and commerce sectors rely heavily on our ports, airports and related services. Shutts & Bowen has a group of practitioners with a broad range of experience in legal, regulatory and political matters in this area. Because of this, we have an in-depth understanding of the master plans, programs, services, restrictions and managers in all major markets in Florida.

Ports

For companies involved in port-related activities, we provide legal services and government relations services.  Our attorneys have extensive experience working on the design, permitting and implementation of capital programs for berths, cargo terminals, passenger and parking facilities, dredging projects, container yards, recycling terminals, intermodal transportation projects and container cranes.  We counsel underwriters on the financing of port improvements as well. 

We are counsel to shipping companies, stevedoring companies, cruise companies and companies involved in certified Foreign Trade Zones.  Our firm also represents companies that import, store and distribute petroleum products and those that provide vessel bunkering services.  Other clients include tug boat companies; environmental service companies; taxi, limo and bus service firms; and passenger and employee shuttle services.  We're also well versed on the latest TSA and Coast Guard security requirements for ports.

Airports

For many years, we have provided legal services, counsel and lobbying services to those companies who design, construct and operate airports and airport facilities.   Examples of the clients and projects we represent include: airport design teams; program management; design-build; CM at risk programs; airport people movers; intermodal transportation; ground transportation; janitorial; parking; baggage screening; retail concessions; aviation consultants; fixed base operators; fuel farms; FAR Part 150 noise studies; environmental permitting and wetland mitigation services; relocation and noise mitigation; public finance and underwriters’ counsel; airport leases; developments of regional impact; environmental impact statements; FAA regulations; and airport advertising.

Government Law Services

• Lobbying Services
• Legislative and Executive Branch
• Land Use and Zoning
• Government Procurement Issues
• Construction Contracts
• Ad Valorem Tax Issues
• Civil Rights
• Affordable Housing
• School Boards
• Eminent Domain
• Telecommunications
• Public-Private Ventures
• Environmental
• Special Benefit Districts
• Health Law
• Relocation Incentives
• Transportation/Airports/Ports
• Public Finance