Florida property laws deal primarily with the ownership of land. Florida real property law education and training should include recognition of the most important classifications of real property. These include concurrent estates, freehold estates and non-freehold estates.

Real estate laws in FL generally allows the state exclusive jurisdiction over the land within its borders. These laws are not subject to federal law for the most part. There are three phases to an attorney’s education on real property laws in Florida:

1. Formal education. An attorney who practices real estate law in FL should at least have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The J.D. degree should come from a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
2. Specialization. Attorneys frequently choose to specialize by taking specific training in real property law in Florida. These courses may be taken as a program of concentration in law school or as Continuing Legal Education (CLE).
3. Membership in professional organizations. There are many legal organizations for attorneys who practice real property law. These may be bar associations, organizations for a particular cause or groups exclusively for practicing real estate attorneys.
   

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Attend a law school that specializes in Florida real property law

There are a variety of universities in Florida that provide training in real property law, such as specific coursework, a formal concentration or legal clinics.

I recommend: The University of Florida Levin College of Law includes a variety of courses in real property law in its curriculum. Florida State University College of Law offers a certificate program in land use and environmental law.

Obtain CLE credit for a Florida real property law attorney

Florida requires attorneys to stay current on changes in employment law with CLE courses. There are a variety of education and training programs in Florida that provide CLE credit in real property law.

I recommend: The Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar provides a list of upcoming CLE courses on real property law in Florida. LexisNexis offers CLE publication on real property law in Florida, such as Florida Real Property Complex Transactions.

Learn through professional training associations on real property law in Florida

Professional associations frequently offer formal training such as conferences, seminars and workshops in employment and labor law. These organizations also provide more casual meetings that allow attorneys to exchange tips on building and maintaining a practice.

I recommend: The Dade County Bar Association offers tapes on varying topics that have been approved by the Florida Bar, including property law. The St. Petersburg Bar Association calendar of events includes meetings on real property law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An attorney who practices real estate law in Florida may also wish to specialize in a particular type of real property to provide better service for their clients. For example, an attorney may learn about the specific property laws on farming in order to build a practice around agricultural property.

If you find property law in Florida to be a bit confusing, you're not alone. Many business owners decide to hire a lawyer that understands Florida real estate laws to help them understand the mountain of information that is available.

Florida property laws affect many areas of businesses, from regulating what types of businesses you can run on a certain property, to specifying the amount of insurance you must purchase. A small mistake could mean big trouble. This is why it's helpful to hire a lawyer to deal with complicated issues.

Before you search for a lawyer with experience in Florida real property law:

1. Do your own research about Florida real property laws. This helps you to make more informed decisions with the help of your lawyer.

2. Understand the ways that lawyers are paid. Some Florida property law lawyers request payment on an hourly basis while others charge a per-project or per-month fee. Decide which method is more cost-effective for your business.

3. Whenever possible, try to take care of paperwork by yourself. This is a great way to save on costs.

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Understand the property insurance requirements of the real estate law in FL

Whether you own residential, commercial or industrial property, the law dictates that you must also have property insurance to protect against losses. Many business owners decide to purchase more than the minimum for the ease of mind that it provides, especially in Florida where inclement weather can prove to be damaging.

I recommend: The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation offers several resources to help you understand the insurance requirements. Once you know what you need, head on over to Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to purchase a policy.

Chose a lawyer with experience in Florida real property law

All businesses should have a real estate lawyer that they can consult on important matters. It's important to know that you have someone who is working on behalf of you and your company.

I recommend: Work with Oppenheim Pilelsky, P.A. to help you understand the Florida real estate laws that apply to your situation. You can also search for lawyers through The Florida Bar.

Find a construction lawyer to advise you on Florida property laws pertaining to building

There are many regulations for building a new property or renovating an existing property. A good construction lawyer will understand the Florida real property law and be able to help you build what you want without any legal issues.

I recommend: Contact Reilly Roche LLP to help you with your building plans. The lawyers there have experience in both architecture and law. Steven B. Lesser is a Florida lawyer that has been board-certified in construction law.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose the right lawyer for your business. For example, if you own an agricultural company, you should choose a lawyer with agricultural experience as well as knowledge about real property law in Florida.