Deep Roots.

Deep Roots.

Over a century of combined local government, real estate, and business experience.

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Broad Reach.

Broad Reach.

City Attorney for the City of Cocoa Beach, and local governments throughout Florida.

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Broad Reach.

Broad Reach.

City Attorney for the City of Anna Maria, and local governments throughout Florida.

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Calm in the Storm.

Calm in the Storm.

Get peace of mind knowing an experienced team is on your side.

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Aggressive.

Aggressive.

Business Litigation - When the sharks start circling, get one of your own.

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Strategic.

Strategic.

Work with an attorney with the wisdom to know what to do next.

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White Knight.

White Knight.

Business Litigation - When your business is on the line, let us fight for you.

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Knowledgable.

Knowledgable.

Real Estate Development - From Due Diligence to Closings, We've Got You Covered.

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Experienced.

Experienced.

Business Litigation - Are you comfortable in a courtroom?  We are.

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Negotiators.

Negotiators.

We love a good fight, but we try to resolve issues before they become problems.

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Freedom.

Freedom.

We've broken free from the big law firm rat race.  Shouldn't you?

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Fearless.

Fearless.

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Business Litigation - We never back down in the face of a challenge.

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Practice Areas

At the heart of the Vose Law Firm is service. After all, you want your attorney to serve you, not serve their self interests.

The experience of the Vose Law Firm is widespread and diverse. From assembling an asset protection plan to fighting against a major international corporation, the Vose Law firm has done it.

Business owners large and small have found Vose Law Firm to be committed to solving their issues quickly and aggressively. Individuals understand the Vose Law Firm has the knowledge to be creative and strategic in finding the best solutions. Governments admire the breadth of experience our attorneys bring to their work.

The Vose Law Firm focuses its efforts in the following areas of practice (Click on the link to learn more):

Find out for yourself how the Vose Law Firm works for you. Fill out the form below and we'll be in contact shortly.

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Real Estate & Development

Who better to handle your complex or simple real estate legal needs than attorneys who have personally development thousands of square feet of commercial space? The Vose Law Firm is such a firm.

Whether you need an aggressive firm to defend your individual property rights to a meticulous firm to ensure the details of your sales contract is accurate, the Vose Law Firm will exceed your expectations.

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Environmental Law

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have represented public and private clients with regard to environmental matters in conjunction with governmental representation and private real estate practice. The firm was hired by Orange County as its outside counsel for environmental litigation.  In that capacity, the firm represented the county as to numerous environmental lawsuits, including one relating to contamination resulting from a solid waste disposal site, and another relating to ground water contamination due to petroleum contamination.

The firm was counsel to the Green Swamp Land Authority, which representation included extensive dealings with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs, and two water management districts. While an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando, Ms. Vose worked on the permitting for the Iron Bridge Road Sewage Treatment Plant and for various drainage and other public works projects.  As the City Attorney for Longwood, the firm represented the City in matters relating to a RCRA site on City property and was responsible for negotiations with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, [now the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)], and for matters relating to negotiations with the environmental company hired to evaluate the clean-up of the property.

While City Attorney for Deltona, the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm successfully represented that city in environmental litigation regarding stormwater management issues and a claim for inverse condemnation relating to those issues.  That case was based upon a situation where the City of Deltona adjusted water control facilities to flood vacant land outside the city to protect populated areas in the city during flood conditions.  When the Vose Law Firm was hired to represent Deltona the litigation over the issue had been going on for over six years.  The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm immediately analyzed the issues, recommended and got the City Commission to authorize an offer of judgment, then set the case for trial.  Trial ensued with the city being completely vindicated and the court finding that the City of Deltona was not liable to the property owner.

In private practice, the attorneys of Vose Law Firm have been extensively involved in the permitting of various environmental features to private developments and have also represented numerous property owners in negotiations with the FDEP and in litigation over environmental contamination issues.

Ms. Vose co-authored the book, Environmental Survival Kit for Realty Professionals, a book designed to protect realty professionals from losses due to environmental problems. The Florida Board of Realtors purchased the rights to such publication for purposes of including the publication among its educational materials.

 
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Business Litigation

No one likes to sue or be sued, but in today’s world, litigation is a common way to settle business disputes. You need an attorney who will aggressively fight for your side and uncover the most strategic method to create a successful outcome.

You need the Vose Law Firm.

Over our history, we have represented clients in most types of litigation matters, including the following:
  • partnership disputes
  • business opportunities
  • intellectual property
  • trials
  • franchise
  • commercial
  • breach of contract
  • distribution
  • hotel flag
  • class action

For a complimentary review of any litigation which has been filed against you, please fill out the form below. You have 20 days to respond to any lawsuit.

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Local Government Representation

A Record of Performance for Local Governments

Over the past 49 years, the Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have successfully handled all aspects of City Attorney and local government attorney work while holding the following positions:

1) City Attorney, City of Naples, Florida
2) City Attorney, Cocoa Beach, Florida
3) City Attorney, Anna Maria, Florida
4) City Attorney, South Daytona, Florida
5) City Attorney, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
6) City Attorney, Brooksville, Florida
7) City Attorney, Dade City, Florida
8) City Attorney, Deltona, Florida
9) City Attorney, Edgewood, Florida
10) City Attorney, St. Cloud, Florida
11) City Attorney, Eagle Lake, Florida
12) City Attorney, Longwood, Florida
13) City Attorney, Winter Garden, Florida
14) City Attorney, Bunnell, Florida
15) County Attorney, Okeechobee County, Florida
16) County Attorney, DeSoto County, Florida
17) Village Attorney, Indiantown, Florida
18) Town Attorney, Windermere, Florida
19) Town Attorney, Oakland, Florida
20) Town Attorney, Pierson, Florida
21) General Counsel to the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections
22) General Counsel to the Seminole County Tax Collector
23) General Counsel to the Pinellas County County Attorney Oversight Committee
24) Special Counsel to City of Indian River Shores to rewrite Land Development Code
25) Assistant City Attorney Marco Island, Florida
26) Assistant City Attorney Miami Lakes, Florida
27) City Prosecutor for City of Orlando
28) City Prosecutor for City of Edgewood
29) City Prosecutor for City of Winter Garden
30) City Prosecutor for the City of St. Augustine
31) Counsel to the City of Bradenton as to Charter matters
32) General Counsel to 2024 Orange County Charter Review Commission
33) General Counsel to 2016 Orange County Charter Review Commission
34) General Counsel to 2016 Pinellas County Charter Review Commission
35) General Counsel to 2016 Brevard County Charter Review Commission
36) General Counsel to 2018 Clay County Charter Review Commission
37) General Counsel to 2020 Alachua County Charter Review Commission
38) Counsel to the Pinellas County County Attorney Oversight Committee
39) Counsel to the 2021 Pinellas County Redistricting Board
40) Counsel to the City of Cocoa Beach Charter Review Committee
41) Counsel to the City of Bunnell Charter Review Committee
42) Counsel to the City of Deltona Charter Review Committee
43) Counsel to the Dade City Charter Review Committee
44) Counsel to the City of Longwood Charter Review Committee
45) Counsel to the City of Winter Garden Charter Review Committee
46) Counsel to the City of St. Cloud Charter Review Committee
47) Counsel to the Town of Pierson Charter Review Committee
48) Counsel to the Town of Oakland Charter Review Committee
49) Counsel to the Town of Edgewood Charter Review Committee
50) Counsel to City of Orlando Civil Service Board
51) Counsel to Eagle Lake Planning and Zoning Board
52) General Counsel for Green Swamp Land Authority
53) Special Counsel to City of Ocoee
54) Counsel to the City of Cocoa Planning and Zoning Board
55) Counsel to City of St. Cloud Planning and Zoning Board
56) Counsel to the City of Naples
57) Counsel to the Escambia County Planning Board
58) Special Counsel to City of Casselberry
59) Counsel to the City of Cocoa Beach CRA
60) Counsel to City of Orlando Historic Preservation Board
61) Counsel to the City of Deltona Collective Bargaining Committee
62) Counsel to the City of Cocoa Beach Board of Adjustment
63) Counsel to the City of Brooksville Planning Commission
64) Special Counsel to Orange County as to Environmental Claims
65) Counsel to the Dade City Planning Board
66) Counsel to the Naples Design Review Board
67) Counsel to the City of Orlando Zoning Board
68) Counsel to the City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board
69) Counsel to the City of Naples Planning Advisory Board
70) Counsel to City of Orlando Board of Adjustments
71) Counsel to City of St. Cloud Civil Service Board
72) Counsel to the City of St. Cloud Code Enforcement Board
73) Counsel to the City of St. Augustine Code Enforcement Board
74) Special Litigation Counsel to Orange County Property Appraiser
75) Counsel to City of Longwood Code Enforcement Board
76) Attorney for Orange County Fire & Life Safety Code Board of Adjustments & Appeals
77) Counsel to City of Longwood Planning and Zoning Board
78) Counsel to the City of St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board
79) Counsel to City of St. Cloud Pension Board
80) Counsel to the City of Orlando Board of Adjustments and Appeals
81) Special Counsel to Orange County as to §1983 Civil Rights Litigation
82) Attorney to the Orange County Code Enforcement Department
83) Special Counsel to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office
84) Special Counsel to the Town of Oakland as to land development and litigation matters
85) Attorney for North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees
86) Special Counsel to City of DeLand
87) Conflict Counsel/Special Counsel for City of Largo
88) Special Counsel to City of Orlando as to Eminent Domain matters
89) Special Counsel to Orange County as to Code Enforcement Foreclosures
90) Special Magistrate to the Lake County Value Adjustment Board
91) Special Magistrate to the Hillsborough County Value Adjustment Board
92) Special Magistrate to the City of Satellite Beach
93) Special Magistrate to the City of Davenport
94) Special Magistrate to the City of St. Augustine
95) Land Use Special Magistrate to Lake County
96) Special Counsel to the Orange County School Board as to eminent domain matters
97) Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Florida Turnpike Authority, FDOT, Seminole County, Orange County, Hillsborough County, Lake County, Polk County
98) Counsel to Florida State Court Administrator, Office of Court Education
99) Counsel to Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
100) Counsel to Florida House of Representatives
101) Special Counsel to Monroe County regarding code enforcement matters

Specific Legal Services Performed for other Local Government Clients

Administrative matters and proceedings

The Vose Law Firm's extensive administrative experience includes not only dealing with administrative matters and proceedings within the municipalities we represent, but also dealing with administrative matters and proceedings in state, federal and county venues.

Municipal Charter, Municipal Code of Ordinances, and Comprehensive Plan issues

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm work every day on issues relating to city charters, city code of ordinances, and comprehensive plans. We regularly draft and amend ordinances, comprehensive plan provisions, and draft proposed charter amendments with the associated ballot questions. We also interpret ordinances, comprehensive plan provisions, and charter provisions as well as defend them in court.

Code Enforcement

The attorneys of our firm handle all code enforcement matters for all the governmental agencies we represent. In addition, the Vose Law Firm has represented the Orange County code enforcement department continuously since 1993 and has recently been hired to provide legal services to the code enforcement department in Monroe County. Our firm also has extensive experience litigating code enforcement matters in court, including code enforcement lien foreclosures and defense of suits against our clients relating to code enforcement.

Contract Law

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have extensive experience drafting a plethora of contracts (routine and specialized) on virtually all subjects dealt with by local government agencies. We hold a license for unlimited access to AIA documents if those are desired to be used by the city in certain instances. In addition, the attorneys of our firm are extremely experienced in litigating issues relating to governmental contracts.

Drafting and reviewing Ordinances and Resolutions

Our firm regularly drafts, reviews and interprets ordinances and resolutions for our local government clients, and we also advise clients as to when new ordinances or resolutions may be necessary. We will draft or review every ordinance or resolution before it goes onto the agenda to ensure quality and legal sufficiency.

Federal, State and local ethics laws

As a part of our firm’s representation of our municipal clients as city attorney we are intimately involved in all aspects of ethics laws that apply to such cities and its employees, officers, board members and vendors. As a regular part of the services we provide to the municipalities we represent, our attorneys give the required Four Hour Ethics Course if requested as well as instruct other board members as to ethics matters while also providing information as to Sunshine Law and public records law matters.

Constitutional Law

A thorough understanding of both the Florida Constitution and the United States Constitution are absolutely vital to providing legal services to our governmental clients and all of our attorneys are well educated on these subjects and keep abreast of evolving case law regarding constitutional matters.

Other Federal, State and Municipal Laws & Ordinances

There are a plethora of federal and state laws that significantly impact local government law and the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm are extremely familiar with such laws and keep up with the ever evolving changes in the laws. As soon as we are hired by a municipality to act as its municipal attorney, our attorneys become totally familiar with that municipality’s charter and ordinances.

Land Use and Zoning

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have practiced in the field of land use law as part of their representation of all their municipal clients over the years. Our attorneys have extensive experience writing and interpreting zoning and land use ordinances and comprehensive plan provisions and dealing with Florida’s Comprehensive Growth Management Act, zoning, development agreements, platting issues, development orders, and enterprise zones. Nancy Stuparich has an MPA & MSP in Public Administration and Urban Planning from Florida State University and is a Redevelopment Professional (FRA-RP) certified by the Florida Redevelopment Association. Wade Vose has been instrumental in the development of the new comprehensive plan and land development regulations for Florida’s newest municipality, the Village of Indiantown. Becky Vose completed a re-write of the Town of Indian River Shores land development code. They have been involved in significant land use litigation on behalf of public clients. The reported case of City of Orlando vs. The School Board of Orange County was handled by Ms. Vose and helped establish the appellate law in Florida relating to the effect of municipal zoning on other public uses.

Litigation in State and Federal Courts

The Vose Law Firm has handled litigation in both state and federal courts for virtually all cities we have represented as city attorney. The firm currently is handling civil litigation for the City of Naples, Okeechobee County, the City of Brooksville, the City of South Daytona, the City of Anna Maria, the Town of Oakland and the City of Cocoa Beach. As outside counsel, our firm has successfully represented in litigation Orange County, the Orange County Property Appraiser, and Monroe County.

Municipal Leases and Agreements

Our firm has extensive experience in drafting and reviewing leases involving our municipal clients, whether the client is the landlord or the tenant. We are also adept at litigating issues relating to leases and other landlord/tenant issues.

Property Easements

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm frequently draft and interpret property easements of all types for the local governments they represent. They also have extensive experience in the acquisition of easements for their clients.

Purchase, Lease and Sale of City Real Property

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm regularly handle the purchase, lease and/or sale of city real property on behalf of the cities they represent as city attorney. Currently, Becky Vose is handling the sale of property for the City of Daytona Beach Shores and is also handling litigation to clear title to certain land owned by the City of Cocoa Beach in preparation for the sale of the property to a third party.

Public Utility Matters

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm handle all public utility matters for the cities in which they serve as city attorney. In addition, our firm has extensive experience rendering legal advice and drafting documents relating to utility taxes and utility franchise agreements. The representation of each of the municipal clients of the firm has included the drafting and reviewing of numerous franchise agreements with various utility companies. The representation of the City of St. Cloud included handling the complex transaction between the Orlando Utilities Commission and St. Cloud as to the “take over” of the St. Cloud electrical system by the OUC.

Public Records and Sunshine Law Matters

Rendering legal advice to our municipal clients as to both public records and Sunshine Law matters is an almost daily occurrence for our attorneys. As a regular part of the services we provide to the municipalities we represent, our attorneys teach the required Four Hour Ethics Course if requested, as well as giving regular training on ethics, Sunshine law, and public records matters to other board members. In addition, we have experience litigating matters implicating the public records law and/or the Sunshine Law.

Attend and provide advice and counsel at City staff meetings as directed by the City Manager.

One aspect of getting in front of issues involves having an open dialog with the City Manager about issues that will come before the Council in future meetings. We will attend staff meetings as requested to ensure proper preparation for City Council meetings. We also encourage Council members and staff to call, text, or email us about any concerns they may have about an agenda item. Some issues require research or preparation, and we strive to resolve all relevant issues prior to the meeting so that the agenda item does not need to be pulled due to a legal concern.

Address legal issues affecting financial matters of the City, including user fees, impact fees, franchise fees, and special assessments.

Virtually all of our municipal governmental clients over the last 45+ years have received extensive assistance from the attorneys of our firm on financial matters, including, but not limited to, user fees, impact fees, and special assessments.

Review Requests for Proposals, bid invitation documents, development review applications, agenda items, and other pertinent matters as directed.

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm regularly review, then assist and advise their local government clients on purchasing and procurement matters, development review applications, all agenda items, and any other legal issues that arise in the course of the representation of the governmental entities we represent.

Address and advise City in community development issues including, but not limited to, land use law, Florida’s Comprehensive Growth Management Act, zoning, code enforcement, development agreements, development orders, developments of regional impact, and condemnation.

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have practiced in the field of land use law as part of their representation of virtually all their municipal clients over the years. Becky Vose has been representing local governments for over 45 years and has handled all manner of land use, zoning, CRAs, and other such matters. The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have extensive experience writing and interpreting zoning and land use ordinances and dealing with Florida’s Comprehensive Growth Management Act, zoning, redevelopment districts, code enforcement, development agreements, development orders, developments of regional impact, and enterprise zones. Wade Vose has been instrumental in the development of the new comprehensive plan and land development regulations for Florida’s newest municipality, the Village of Indiantown. The Vose Law Firm completed a re-write of the Town of Indian River Shores land development code. They have been involved in significant land use litigation on behalf of public clients as well as private clients. The reported case of City of Orlando vs. The School Board of Orange County was handled by Ms. Vose and helped establish the appellate law in Florida relating to the effect of municipal zoning on other public uses.

Address and advise City in utility taxes and utility franchise agreements as they relate to Florida municipalities.

The Vose Law Firm has extensive experience rendering legal advice and drafting documents relating to utility taxes and utility franchise agreements. The representation of each of the municipal clients of the firm has included the drafting and reviewing of numerous franchise agreements with various utility companies. The representation of the City of St. Cloud included handling the complex transaction between the Orlando Utilities Commission and St. Cloud as to the “take over” of the St. Cloud electrical system by the OUC. The firm is currently negotiating a new franchise agreement with Duke Energy for electrical service to the Town of Oakland.

Address and advise City on special assessments and special assessment collections and liens.

The Vose Law Firm has provided general legal services in the areas of special assessments and special assessment collection and liens for each of the cities represented by the firm. In addition, the firm did extensive work for the City of Longwood in reviewing and collecting long over-due special assessments, and the firm has represented Orange County as to CEB lien foreclosures and settlements for the last 25 years.

Address and advise City in the additional following areas: Sunshine Law and public records law; home rule; exercise of police power; practice and procedures before local government land use issues, legislative, and quasi-judicial bodies; and all other areas of municipal law.

The Vose Law Firm regularly advises clients on the matters above as part of its day to day practice. These are among the most common questions facing local government officials, and as City Attorney, we encourage City staff and officials, including not just the City Council, but also board members for advisory boards, to contact us if they have any questions about any of these matters. Additionally, we remain in regular contact with city staff to advise staff on the law as well as providing opinions on best practices and procedures.

Responding to requests from City Council or City staff within the time period required by the City.

The attorneys at the Vose Law Firm are aware that advising local governments is not strictly an 8 to 5 affair. It is our practice to answer every phone call from a client immediately unless we are in another meeting or in court. When possible, we text the person calling if we are not immediately available to let the caller know when to expect a return call. If something cannot wait, typically it will be easy for a client to reach out to another attorney in the firm and get answers to questions. We are available after hours and on weekends as well, whether for meetings or for situations that are time sensitive.

Representation of local governments in diverse litigation in state, federal and appellate courts, and Alternative Dispute Resolution experience.

All of the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have significant experience with alternative dispute resolution techniques. Becky Vose became certified as a certified circuit court mediator in the 1990s and has mediated hundreds of cases, most of which involved at least one governmental agency.

Condemnation (Eminent Domain) under Florida law

The Vose Law Firm's eminent domain experience includes the full range of eminent domain practice including initial pre-litigation advice and drafting of resolutions, preparation of all pleadings, numerous contested as well as uncontested Order of Taking hearings, settlement negotiations and drafting of settlement documents, mediations, jury trials, and appeals. In addition, they have extensive experience dealing with issues of public use, incidental private use, necessity, inverse condemnation, business damages, severance damages, damages to non-profit entities, historically significant properties, cost to cure, consolidation of parcels, and down-zoning issues. The firm has recently successfully completed eminent domain proceedings for the City of Deltona.

As both an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando and as Special Counsel to the City of Orlando, Ms. Vose represented the City of Orlando for over 15 years in eminent domain litigation. During that time, she represented the City as to numerous acquisitions including rights-of-way, pedestrian walkways, park lands, land for parking areas, easements for sewage transmission lines, sites for public utility facilities, as well as many other public use projects. As Special Counsel to the City, she handled on a contract basis the acquisition of the property for the Gertrude Walk pedestrian walkway through downtown Orlando as well as the City of Orlando Arena property, (Phases II and III). Ms. Vose also has extensive experience as counsel to property owners of condemned land, and has acted as a certified circuit court mediator in over 100 eminent domain mediations.

Counsel and legal services to local government pension boards, and work with employee pension plans including Florida Statutes, Chapter 175 and Chapter 185 Special Risk Plans

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have provided legal services to the Cities of Winter Garden, Longwood, Deltona, Edgewood, Eagle Lake, and St. Cloud relating to employee pension plans including Florida Statutes, Chapter 175 and Chapter 185 Special Risk Plans.

All aspects of construction law and public works (water and wastewater) issues

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have extensive experience representing both public and private clients as to virtually all aspects of public works matters, including water and waste water issues, construction law including, but not limited to regulatory compliance, bid solicitations, bid protests, construction contracts, construction litigation, warranty issues, delay damages, etc. The firm has provided extensive legal services as to Public Works (water and waste water) issues for each city represented by the firm.

The creation and administration of Tax Increment Financing Districts (CRAs)

The Vose Law Firm provided legal services to the cities of Naples, Cocoa Beach, Brooksville, Dade City, Winter Garden, Longwood, Edgewood, Deltona, Bunnell, and St. Cloud relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts (CRAs). In addition, as general counsel for the North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees, the firm had significant experience challenging the authority of municipal tax increment financing districts from imposing charges on the special taxing district.

Environmental law including representation before and negotiations with, various State and Federal regulatory agencies

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have represented public and private clients with regard to environmental matters in conjunction with governmental representation and private real estate practice. As counsel to the Green Swamp Land Authority, such representation included extensive dealings with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs, and two water management districts. While an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando, Ms. Vose worked on the permitting for the Iron Bridge Road Sewage Treatment Plant and for various drainage and other public works projects. As the City Attorney for Longwood, the firm represented the City in matters relating to a RCRA site on City property and was responsible for negotiations with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, [now the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)], and for matters relating to negotiations with the environmental company hired to evaluate the clean-up of the property.

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have been extensively involved in the permitting of various environmental features have also represented numerous property owners in negotiations with the FDEP and in litigation over environmental contamination issues. Ms. Vose co-authored the book, Environmental Survival Kit for Realty Professionals, a book designed to protect realty professionals from losses due to environmental problems. The Florida Board of Realtors purchased the rights to such publication for purposes of including the publication among its educational materials.

Collective bargaining / Labor Law

The Vose Law Firm has represented local governments it has represented as to numerous collective bargaining matters. The attorneys of the firm currently represent Okeechobee County in its ongoing negotiations with I.A.F.F. Local 2918 relating to city/county fire consolidation issues. In recent years, the attorneys of the firm recently handled the collective bargaining negotiations for the City of Deltona relating to the negotiations with I.A.F.F. Local 2913, and recently successfully concluded collective bargaining negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police on behalf the City of Bunnell. The attorneys of the firm are now beginning the bargaining process for the fire union at the City of Brooksville. The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm also have extensive experience representing their cities in labor arbitrations, unfair labor practices issues, and general issues relating to employment law.

Municipal and County Charters

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have extensive experience in representing cities and counties with regard to charter government, including but not limited to charter amendments, charter review, and the interaction of municipal and county ordinances under governing county charter provisions. Notably, Wade Vose and Vose Law Firm LLP have twice served as General Counsel to the Orange County Charter Review Commission, joining former Orange County Mayor and U.S. Senator Mel Martinez as the only other attorney to have served twice as General Counsel to the Orange County Charter Review Commission. Mr. Vose prepared the ballot title, ballot summary, and amended charter language for each of the 2012 and 2016 CRC-initiated charter amendments, with a specific focus on both clarity of the ballot language for the voter, and strict compliance with the exacting standards of Section 101.161, Fla. Stat. and the extensive specialized case law governing the wording of ballot referenda.

In 2013-2014, Mr. Vose served as counsel to the City of Bunnell Charter Review Committee, which was engaged in a comprehensive review of its city charter. Mr. Vose provided substantial legal and procedural guidance to that committee throughout its deliberations, resulting in Mr. Vose preparing the ballot titles, ballot summaries, and charter amendment language for seven (7) charter referendum questions placed on the municipal ballot. In 2014, Mr. Vose also served as counsel and facilitator to the City of Deltona Charter Review Committee, which resulted in three (3) charter referendum questions prepared by Mr. Vose placed on the municipal ballot. Mr. Vose recently completed assisting the Town of Pierson with a comprehensive review and rewrite of its town charter, which had not been revised or modernized since 1929.

Mr. Vose and the Vose Law Firm also served as General Counsel to the 2016 Pinellas County (home of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo) Charter Review Commission, notably the formative first time that CRC has chosen an attorney unaffiliated with the Pinellas County Attorney’s Office. Pinellas County is the most urbanized county in the State of Florida, and Mr. Vose and the Vose Law Firm represented that CRC as it reconsidered the balance of power between the County and its 24 municipalities, as well as between the County and its constitutional officers. In addition, Mr. Vose and the Vose Law Firm served as General Counsel to the 2016 Brevard County Charter Review Commission, 2018 Clay County Charter Review Commission, and the 2020 Alachua County Charter Review Commission.

Municipal Bonds

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have extensive experience representing municipalities in a variety of municipal bond matters as local bond counsel. The firm has the appropriate expertise to work hand in hand with professional bond counsel and financial consultants to accomplish bonding for a variety of municipal purposes.

Representation of Cities relating to gambling issues and “Internet Cafes”

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have represented local governments in matters relating to gambling and Internet Cafes. The cities of Cocoa Beach, South Daytona, Bunnell, and Deltona have faced numerous issues as to illicit gambling activities in the city limits and the Vose Law Firm has provided expert legal services which successfully addressed those issues.

Medical Marijuana issues

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have made numerous presentations on the subject of medical marijuana and the appropriate manner for local governments to deal with matters related to that subject. Wade Vose has made numerous public presentations to groups of local government officials on this subject, and has been on several television presentations on this issue. Both Wade Vose and Becky Vose have drafted medical marijuana ordinances for the respective cities they represent. Each municipality has dealt with the issue in a different way dependent upon the respective concerns of each of the local governments represented.

Bert J. Harris Act matters

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have been heavily involved in defending local governments in Bert J. Harris litigation. A few years ago, the City of Anna Maria received in the last year over 100 Bert J. Harris claims, and the local government lawyers of the Vose Law Firm were actively involved in handling those claims. Those claims have been settled with no financial payments by the City.

Vacation Rental Issues

The City of Anna Maria hired the Vose Law Firm as its City Attorney in the middle of its life and death struggle with Vacation Rentals that were about to “take over” the City. The Vose Law Firm drafted one of the State of Florida’s first Vacation Rental Ordinances and successfully defended that ordinance (which evolved over time) in five different legal challenges. The City of Anna Maria has one of the few Vacation Rental Ordinances that has withstood multiple legal challenges, and the City is now flourishing with well-regulated Vacation Rentals. The Vose Law Firm also recently wrote a Vacation Rental Ordinance for the City of Cocoa Beach, which has very different concerns regarding Vacation Rentals.

Forfeiture

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have handled extensive forfeiture matters for the cities it has represent over the years. However, due to recent changes in legislation, the firm’s local government clients are not as inclined to file forfeitures due to prohibitively high costs involved (unrelated to legal expenses).

Pension matters

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm regularly interface with pension counsel representing various pension boards and give their cities legal advice regarding the effect pension matters will have on the municipal entity. The firm is now representing the City of Brooksville regarding the closing of a pension plan after the disbandment of that city’s police department.

Representation of Government-Owned General Aviation Airport

Our firm also has extensive experience representing a government-owned general aviation airport. Our firm is County Attorney for Okeechobee County, which operates an active general aviation airport (ICAO: KOBE) and its associated Fixed Base Operator (“FBO”), and our firm has represented the airport in a multitude of matters, including, but not limited to advice concerning compliance with FAA Grant Assurances, disposal of derelict and abandoned aircraft under Sec. 705.183, Fla. Stat., acquisition of a FBO, operation by the County as an FBO, adoption of airport regulations, fees, and service charges under Sec. 332.08, Fla. Stat., hangar leases and evictions, FDOT certifications, agreements with rental car providers, airport protection zoning, and specialized litigation involving an approved airport master plan.

Other specific local government experience not listed above

The Vose Law Firm has also represented cities relating to the following matters:

  • Civil rights defense – USCA, Title VII litigation
  • Litigation relating to qualifications for election
  • Redistricting to comply with Federal Court Orders
  • Disputes between governmental entities relating to zoning and land use
  • Intergovernmental agreements
  • FEMA reimbursement issues
  • Labor law, employee disputes, and employee discharge hearings
  • Historic Preservation
  • Construction Industry Board of Appeals – establishment and representation
  • Public Employee Relations Commission hearings and appeals
  • Adult entertainment and bookstore ordinances; bingo regulation
  • Trap, Neuter, Release feral cat control
  • Plasmapheresis facility regulation
  • Arbor ordinances and regulation
  • Sexual harassment litigation
  • Age discrimination litigation
  • Police legal advisor issues
  • Alarm ordinance regulation
  • Cable TV regulation
  • Cell phone tower regulations
  • Leasing of public property for private use
  • Local counsel for bond issues
  • Land banking for future public use
  • Federal grant applications and administration
  • Defense of inverse condemnation claims due to restrictive zoning
  • Marina leases
  • Sale/lease back agreements for city
  • Code Enforcement foreclosures
  • Annexation disputes
  • Noise ordinances
  • Inverse condemnation actions relating to environmental damages
  • Residential Prison Diversion Programs
  • Mortgage Foreclosure Registration
  • HUD Uniform Relocation Act requirements
  • Construction Regulation Boards
  • ADA compliance issues
  • Customary Beach Use Ordinances
  • Declarations of Emergency
  • Dogs on the beach regulations and ordinances
 
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Eminent Domain

Representation of governmental entities in eminent domain litigation

The experience of the Vose Law Firm attorneys includes over four decades of varied and complex eminent domain work on behalf of local governments. 

The Vose Law Firm’s eminent domain experience includes the full range of eminent domain practice including:

  • initial pre-litigation advice
  • review and consultations regarding construction plans
  • title review and effect of title issues on takings
  • drafting of resolutions
  • engineering, environmental and storm water permitting
  • pre-litigation offers
  • statutory compliance
  • relocation and tenant assistance
  • compliance with HUD Uniform Relocation Act requirements
  • preparation of all pleadings
  • all aspects of discovery – depositions, requests for production, interrogatories, requests for admissions, etc.
  • offers of judgment
  • oversight of consultants – engineers, appraisers, environmental scientists
  • appraisal review and critiquing
  • numerous contested as well as uncontested Order of Taking hearings
  • settlement negotiations
  • drafting of settlement documents
  • RESPA compliance
  • mediations
  • preparation of witnesses for trials and contested hearings
  • jury trials
  • costs and fees hearings
  • appeals

In addition, the firm has broad experience dealing with issues of:

  • public use
  • incidental private use
  • necessity
  • alternative valuation methods
  • inverse condemnation
  • loss of access
  • business damages
  • damages to personal property
  • proximity damages
  • partial takings
  • severance damages
  • incidental damages
  • land use and zoning
  • loss of parking
  • loss of retention/drainage facilities
  • damages to non-profit entities
  • historically significant properties
  • properties with future planned development activities
  • cost to cure
  • tax implications of takings and proper documentation
  • consolidation of parcels
  • potential for future rezoning
  • engineering, environmental and storm water permitting
  • mitigation of damages by allowing condemnee access to stormwater ponds, entrance roads, etc.
  • claims by public and private utilities
  • statutory restrictions on takings
  • down-zoning
  • allowable costs
  • attorney’s fees

As both an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando and as Special Counsel to the City of Orlando, Becky Vose represented the City of Orlando for over 15 years in eminent domain litigation. During that time, she represented the City as to numerous acquisitions including rights-of-way, pedestrian walkways, sites for public buildings, park lands, land for parking areas and parking garages, easements for sewage transmission lines, sites for public utility facilities, as well as many other public use projects.

As Special Counsel to the City of Orlando, Ms. Vose handled on a contract basis the acquisition of the property for the Gertrude Walk pedestrian walkway through downtown Orlando as well as the City of Orlando Arena property, (Phases II and III). The Gertrude Walk taking resulted in a two week jury trial with a jury verdict very favorable to the City of Orlando. The Arena property eminent domain case resulted in a hard fought, contested, three-day order of taking hearing which was won by the City of Orlando, represented by Ms. Vose. Over the years, Ms. Vose also represented the cities of Deltona, St. Cloud, Winter Garden, Edgewood, Longwood, Eagle Lake, and Windermere, in numerous eminent domain matters. In addition, she has extensive experience as counsel to property owners of condemned land, and has acted as a certified circuit court mediator in over 100 eminent domain mediations.

One of the most important services a city attorney can provide is to act proactively to resolve pending claims, and prevent future claims against a governmental client. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish these dual goals, and the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm are skilled in achieving excellent results for their clients, and in keeping their clients out of unnecessary litigation.

A recent example is the Manji v. City of Deltona case. Approximately two years ago, when Becky Vose became the city attorney of Deltona, (a city with a population of over 85,000), she inherited several lawsuits. One of those cases was the Manji case which was an inverse condemnation action in which there was a claim of damages against the city in excess of $1 Million. The case had been pending for seven years, and four different attorneys had worked on it for the city, but there had been little progress on the case during that time. 

After thoroughly reviewing the case, and talking with the City Manager, Becky Vose recommended noticing the case for trial, and at the same time making an offer of judgment of $50,000. This was approved by the City Commission. The offer of judgment was declined by the plaintiffs and Becky Vose tried the case in a two-day bench trial. The city won the case, and the court found that the city had no liability whatsoever. (To see a copy of the final judgment, in favor of the City of Deltona, click here.) Becky Vose then filed a motion to assess fees and costs against the plaintiffs based on the offer of judgment, and at mediation of that motion, the plaintiffs agreed to pay the City of Deltona $100,000.

Vose Law Firm attorney, Al H. Schwarz represented a county with an extremely active road improvement, land acquisition and condemnation philosophy as an Assistant County Attorney for Eminent Domain in Seminole County. In this role, he successfully represented the County in numerous order of taking hearings, jury trials, depositions, negotiations, mediations, and settlements regarding properties with values exceeding a million dollars. Mr. Schwarz was also named as an interim acquisition coordinator which required his oversight of multiple outside consultants, including engineers and environmental scientists. He was extremely involved in the pre-acquisition phase of right-of-way projects which involved the review of construction plans and meeting with County acquisition staff and engineering teams. Mr. Schwarz has participated in the research and review of property appraisals, land use and zoning issues, real and personal property title concerns, as well as engineering, environmental and storm water permitting issues. In addition to his experience with the County, Mr. Schwarz has represented property owners in property tax valuation negotiations and hearings throughout the United States and has used that knowledge to expertly defend property values in eminent domain valuation disputes.

 
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Local Government Experience

A Record of Performance for Local Governments

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have successfully handled all aspects of City Attorney and local government attorney work over the last 41 years while holding the following positions:

1)  City Attorney, Deltona, Florida

2)  City Attorney, Winter Garden, Florida

3)  City Attorney, Edgewood, Florida

4)  City Attorney, St. Cloud, Florida

5)  City Attorney, Eagle Lake, Florida

6)  City Attorney, Longwood, Florida

7)  Town Attorney, Windermere, Florida

8)  Town Attorney, Oakland, Florida

9)  City Attorney, Bunnell, Florida

10)  Assistant City Attorney, Orlando, Florida

11)  General Counsel for Green Swamp Land Authority

12)  General Counsel to the Orange County Charter Review Commission

13)  Attorney for City of Orlando Code Enforcement Board

14)  General Counsel for North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees

15)  Special Counsel to City of Deltona Charter Review Committee

16)  Counsel to Orange County Fire and Life Safety Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals

17)  Assistant County Attorney, Seminole County, Florida

18) Special Litigation Counsel, Town of Oakland, Florida

19)  Special Counsel to Orange County as to Environmental Claims and Litigation

20)  Special Counsel to Town of Oakland for land development work

21)  Special Counsel to Orange County as to §1983 Civil Rights Litigation

22)  Special Counsel to Orange County as to Code Enforcement Foreclosures

23)  Special Litigation Counsel to Orange County Property Appraiser

24)  Special Conflict Counsel to City of Casselberry

25)  Special Litigation Counsel to City of Orlando as to Eminent Domain matters

26)  Special Conflict Counsel to City of Ocoee

27)  Special Counsel to Orange County Sheriff’s Office

28)  Special Litigation Counsel to Orange County as to constitutional challenges to county ordinances

29)  Counsel to City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board

30)  City Prosecutor for City of Deltona

31)  City Prosecutor for City of Orlando

32)  City Prosecutor for City of Edgewood

33)  City Prosecutor for City of Winter Garden

34)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Florida Department of Transportation

35)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for the Florida Turnpike Authority

36)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Seminole County

37)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Hillsborough County

38)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Lake County

39)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Polk County

40)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Osceola County

41)  Eminent Domain Mediation Services for Orange County

Experience in preparation and drafting of ordinances and advising governmental entities on revision of ordinances, codes or charter issues

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have comprehensive experience drafting, amending, and litigating a plethora of ordinances, ordinance amendments, (routine and specialized), city policies, and charter amendments on virtually all subjects dealt with by local governmental agencies, as well as advising elected officials and staff of governmental entities, on newly created ordinances, revisions to ordinances, and charter issues. Some of the less common ordinances or policies drafted and/or litigated by members of the Vose Law Firm include:

1)      Plasmapheresis (blood plasma sales)

2)      Short term rentals of residentially zoned property

3)      Historic Preservation

4)      Regulation of back-yard chickens

5)      Internet Cafes/Simulated Gambling

6)      Cat Trap, Neuter and Release

7)      Special Assessment Liens and Procedures

8)      Ethics

9)      Disposal of Excess Municipal Property

10)    Debt Policy

11)    Entertainment and Block Parties

12)    Solicitation on Public Rights of Way

13)    Rental Properties

14)    Pawnbrokers

15)    Half-way Houses

16)    Funerals and Memorial Services

17)    Stormwater Discharge Pollutant Control

18)    Burglar alarms

19)    Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes

20)    Cemetery

21)    Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators

22)    Scrub Jay habitat mitigation

23)    Special Assessments – Stormwater Utility, Solid Waste, and Street Lighting

24)    Flood Control

25)    Natural Resources Protection

26)    Construction Industry Board of Appeals

27)    Emergency Services and Fire/Rescue

28)    Adult entertainment and bookstores

29)    Bingo

30)    Tax Increment Financing

31)    Business licenses and revocation

32)    Going out of business sales

33)    Qualifications for election

34)    Arbor ordinance

35)    Film production

36)    Advertising, signs, and billboards

37)    Parks and recreation

38)    Sexual harassment

39)    Alcoholic beverages

40)    Age discrimination

41)    Alarms

42)    Special assessments

43)    Taxis and busses

44)    Cable TV

45)    Light Pollution

46)    Franchises

47)    Parking and Towing of Vehicles

48)    Noise

49)    Lakes

50)    Cell phone towers

Attendance at governmental board meetings or City Commission meetings

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have represented governmental entities at hundreds of board and commission meetings. Each of the first sixteen (16) governmental entities listed in Section “A” above consistently held regular public meetings while represented by the firm, at which meetings the firm’s attorneys provided legal opinions and counsel.

In addition, each of the nine (9) municipalities listed above not only had regular City Commission meetings, but also had various city board meetings, (ie. Boards of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Boards, Code Enforcement Boards, Community Redevelopment Agencies, Parks and Recreation Commissions, Building Licensing Boards, Historic Preservation Boards, Fire Board of Appeals, Civil Service Commissions, Water Boards, Utilities Boards, etc.). The firm’s attorneys frequently attended the various city board meetings and provided legal advice and counsel to the board members and members of city staff. Such attendance was regular as to some boards, and attendance at other board meetings was on an “as requested” basis, usually when it was expected that a legally sensitive issue would be raised at the meeting.

Knowledge of public finance

Due to the firm’s long history of local government representation, the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have broad knowledge and understanding of public finance. While representing various local government agencies, the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have provided legal advice and counsel on such matters as budgets and adoption procedures, TRIM compliance, internal audits, impact fees, capital planning and expenditures, cash management and investment, bond issues, reporting requirements, retirement plans, utility billing and collection, lien collection and foreclosure, bidding for purchases and construction, bid evaluation, delay damages for construction services, fees for services, and intergovernmental assistance and grants.

While representing the cities of Deltona, Orlando, Winter Garden, St. Cloud, and Longwood, Ms. Vose was actively involved in the application for and obtaining of Community Development Block Grants for various projects which significantly supplemented those cities’ budgets with federal funds.

The Vose Law Firm has provided legal services to the Cities of Deltona, Winter Garden, Longwood, Edgewood, Eagle Lake and St. Cloud relating to employee pension plans including Florida Statutes, Chapter 175 (firefighter) and Chapter 185 (police) plans.

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have represented the cities of Deltona, Orlando, Winter Garden, St. Cloud, Edgewood and Longwood relating to the creation, amendment and administration of impact fee ordinances concerning transportation, public safety, recreation and open space, and drainage, and successfully defended challenges to some of those fees.

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have provided counsel and advice to the Cities of Deltona, Orlando, Winter Garden, Longwood, and St. Cloud, relating to both tax free municipal bond issues, and Industrial Development Bond (IDB) issues, and have acted as local bond counsel for the issuance of municipal bonds and IDBs. The firm has also defended municipal bond issues at bond validation proceedings at the Circuit Court and Florida Supreme Court level.

The Vose Law Firm has provided general legal services in the areas of special assessments and special assessment collections and liens for each of the cities represented by the firm. In addition, the firm did major work for the City of Longwood in reviewing and collecting long over-due special assessments, and the firm has represented Orange County as to Code Enforcement Board (CEB) lien foreclosures and settlements for the last 21 years.

The Vose Law Firm has provided legal services to the Cities of Deltona, Winter Garden, Longwood, Edgewood, and St. Cloud relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts. In addition, as general counsel for the North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees, the firm developed significant experience dealing with the interplay of a municipal tax increment financing district and a special taxing district.

Knowledge and practice in the area of land use, zoning, real property, and community development issues, including growth management and comprehensive plan amendments

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have practiced in the field of land use law as part of their representation of the cities of Deltona, Orlando, Longwood, St. Cloud, Winter Garden, Edgewood, Eagle Lake, Windermere, Bunnell, and Oakland, and have represented numerous private clients before local governmental agencies not represented by this firm.

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have vast experience writing and interpreting zoning and land use ordinances and dealing with Florida’s Comprehensive Growth Management Act, zoning, redevelopment districts, code enforcement, development agreements, development orders, enterprise zones, Developments of Regional Impact, and the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act.

While acting as City Attorney for nine (9) different cities, the Vose Law Firm has represented various boards relating to the areas of land use, zoning, community development issues, impact fees, Developments of Regional Impact, growth management and comprehensive plan amendments, as well as advising board members as to requirements under Florida law relating to quasi-judicial boards.

Members of the firm also have been involved in significant land use litigation on behalf of public clients as well as private clients. The reported case of City of Orlando vs. The School Board of Orange County, 362 So.2d 694 (Fla. 4th DCA 1978), was handled by Ms. Vose and helped establish the appellate law in Florida relating to the effect of municipal zoning on other public uses.

The firm’s attorneys also have extensive expertise in commercial real estate law, and have been actively involved in various governmental clients’ property acquisitions, (through both negotiation and eminent domain), as well as acting as counsel when governmental entities either lease property for their use, or lease out governmentally owned property to private individuals or entities, or to other governmental agencies. The Vose Law Firm writes title insurance through First American Title Insurance Company, and Old Republic National Title Insurance Company.

The Vose Law Firm has also had voluminous experience handling land use and real estate related matters for private clients and entities. For a period of over eleven (11) years, Becky Vose represented BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc., in well over 100 real estate transactions ranging from the purchase of a high-rise office building in south Florida, to numerous lease and sub-lease issues. Another example of this work is the firm’s representation of a group of clients from Belgium who purchased the controlling interest in the Deltona Corporation, which was then listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Vose Law Firm handled the complete real estate due diligence relating to the over 1,000 parcels of property scattered throughout the State of Florida that were owned by the Deltona Corporation.

Knowledge and practice in the area of Environmental Law

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have represented public and private clients with regard to environmental matters in conjunction with governmental representation and private real estate practice. The firm was hired by Orange County as its outside counsel for environmental litigation. In that capacity, the firm represented the county as to numerous environmental lawsuits, including one relating to contamination resulting from a solid waste disposal site, and another relating to ground water contamination due to petroleum contamination.

The firm was counsel to the Green Swamp Land Authority, which representation included extensive dealings with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs, and two water management districts. While an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando, Ms. Vose worked on the permitting for the Iron Bridge Road Sewage Treatment Plant and for various drainage and other public works projects. As the City Attorney for Longwood, the firm represented the City in matters relating to a RCRA site on City property and was responsible for negotiations with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, [now the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)], and for matters relating to negotiations with the environmental company hired to evaluate the clean up of the property.

In private practice, the attorneys of Vose Law Firm have been extensively involved in the permitting of various environmental features to private developments and have also represented numerous property owners in negotiations with the FDEP and in litigation over environmental contamination issues.
Ms. Vose co-authored the book, Environmental Survival Kit for Realty Professionals, a book designed to protect realty professionals from losses due to environmental problems. The Florida Board of Realtors purchased the rights to such publication for purposes of including the publication among its educational materials.

Knowledge and practice in the area of public works issues, including utilities and utility franchise agreements

The Vose Law Firm has wide-ranging experience rendering legal advice and drafting documents relating to utility taxes and utility franchise agreements. The representation of the cities of Orlando, St. Cloud, Longwood, Winter Garden, Eagle Lake, Windermere, Ocoee and Edgewood included the drafting and reviewing of numerous franchise agreements with various utility companies relating to such matters as cable services, solid waste pick-up, recycling services, electric, water, gas, telephone, and cellular towers.

The firm’s representation of the City of St. Cloud included handling the complex transaction between the Orlando Utilities Commission and the City of St. Cloud as to the voluntary “take over” of the St. Cloud electrical system by the OUC, which resulted in a lowering of electric rates, reduction in outages, and a higher financial return to the City of St. Cloud.

As the City Attorney for Longwood, the firm represented the City in matters relating to a RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) site on City property and was responsible for negotiations with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and for matters relating to negotiations with the environmental company hired to evaluate the clean up of the property. Also, while City Attorney for Longwood, the firm drafted ordinances providing for a new city-wide storm drainage system, and the imposition of new special assessment taxes to pay for the improvements.

While an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando, Ms. Vose was the attorney in charge of the approvals and permitting for the Iron Bridge Road Sewage Treatment Plant, and she worked extensively with representatives of the EPA and what is now the FDEP on that project. The approvals and permitting for that plant were particularly problematic because it was geographically located outside the City of Orlando, and was actually located in Seminole County. Lengthy and broad negotiations were needed to reach an inter-local agreement between the City of Orlando and Seminole County before plans could be finalized for the plant. Ms. Vose also represented the City of Orlando in litigation over compliance with state standards issues relating to the Bennett Road Sewage Treatment Plant, including the appeal of the case to the District Court of Appeals.

As City Attorney for each of the cities the firm has represented, the firm provided legal advice and assistance to the public works department, or its city engineer, with obtaining its National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have comprehensive experience representing both public and private clients as to virtually all aspects of construction law, including construction relating to public works projects, bid solicitations, bid protests, construction contracts, construction defects, construction litigation, warranty issues, delay damages, etc.

The attorneys of Vose Law Firm have represented public and private clients with regard to environmental matters in conjunction with governmental representation and private real estate practice. As counsel to the Green Swamp Land Authority, the firm had extensive dealings with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs, and both the St. Johns River Water Management District and the South Florida Water Management District.

Representation of entities in litigation

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have wide-ranging experience in the representation of local government entities in litigation taking place in Circuit Courts, County Courts, District Courts of Appeal, Florida Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and Federal Appeals Court. The cases handled by the firm run the gamut of eminent domain, requests for injunctive relief, declaratory judgments, claims for monetary damages, environmental claims, §1983 Civil Rights Claims, Code Enforcement Board foreclosures, prosecution of ordinance violations, lien defense, quiet title actions, defense of ordinance cases, inverse condemnation, personal injury, property damage, foreclosure of special assessment liens, zoning litigation, breach of contract claims, statutory actions, intellectual property litigation, and construction litigation.

In addition, the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm have practiced extensively representing local governments in administrative litigation including administrative hearings before the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Orlando Civil Services Board, the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, the Department of Community Affairs, the Department of Transportation, the Public Services Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Orange County has repeatedly hired the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm to represent the county in various complex litigation cases. The firm has defended the county in several lawsuits by property owners over alleged environmental contamination, has defended numerous §1983 Civil Rights lawsuits against the county, and has handled Code Enforcement Board foreclosures, including appeals.

While City Attorney for Deltona, the attorneys of the Vose Law Firm successfully represented that city in an inverse condemnation case based upon a situation where the City of Deltona adjusted water control facilities to flood vacant land outside the city to protect populated areas in the city during flood conditions.  When the Vose Law Firm was hired to represent Deltona the litigation over the issue had been going on for over six years.  The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm immediately analyzed the issues, recommended and got the City Commission to authorize an offer of judgment, then set the case for trial.  Trial ensued with the city being completely vindicated and the court finding that the City of Deltona was not liable to the property owner.  Based upon the offer of judgment, the plaintiffs that had sued the city ultimately paid the city $100,000 to cover the costs and fees involved in the lawsuit.

The Orange County Property Appraiser’s office hired the Vose Law Firm to handle complex intellectual property litigation relating to the alleged illegal use of the software system used by that office to conduct its business. The result of the litigation was quite favorable to the property appraiser’s office.

While City Attorney for Longwood, Ms. Vose represented the city in various litigation, including the defense of a §1983 Civil Rights claim that was tried in U.S. District Court. The plaintiff in that case received a $0 verdict from the jury.

While working for the City of Orlando, Ms. Vose represented the city in a large number of litigation matters including the defense of §1983 Civil Rights claims, a challenge to the City’s election districting determinations, civil service board appeals, defense of claims against police officers acting in the line of duty, defense of several zoning code provisions, inverse condemnation cases, a case to determine the qualification to hold office by a city council candidate, defense of determinations by the Historic Preservation Commission, suit against the Orange County School Board to prevent that entity from violating City of Orlando zoning code provisions, alleged unlawful employment termination cases, bond validations, defense of appeals and requests for certiorari from various board determinations, and a myriad of other municipal law related matters.

The Vose Law Firm’s eminent domain litigation experience includes the full range of eminent domain practice including initial pre-litigation advice and drafting of resolutions, preparation of all pleadings, numerous contested as well as uncontested Order of Taking hearings, settlement negotiations and drafting of settlement documents, mediations, jury trials and appeals. In addition, the firm has broad experience dealing with issues of public use, incidental private use, necessity, inverse condemnation, business damages, severance damages, damages to non-profit entities, historically significant properties, cost to cure, consolidation of parcels and down-zoning issues.

As both an Assistant City Attorney for Orlando and as Special Counsel to the City of Orlando, Ms. Vose represented the City of Orlando for over 15 years in eminent domain litigation. During that time, she represented the City as to numerous acquisitions, including rights-of-way, pedestrian walkways, park lands, land for parking areas, easements for sewage transmission lines, sites for public utility facilities, as well as many other public use projects. As Special Counsel to the City of Orlando, she handled on a contract basis, the acquisition of the property for the Gertrude Walk pedestrian walkway through downtown Orlando, as well as the City of Orlando Arena property (Phases II and III).

The Vose Law Firm’s experience in litigation representing local governments includes significant appellate work, including the following reported appellate cases: City of Orlando v. School Board of Orange County, 362 So.2d 694; Chastain v. Civil Service Board of Orlando, 327 So.2d 230; City of Orlando v. Ashlock, 342 So.2d 1002; and Wilson v. County of Orange, 881 So.2d 625. Three additional reported appellate cases were also handled by members of the Vose Law Firm: Department of Transportation v. Lake Beulah Groves, Ltd., 617 So.2d 1089; Residence Inn by Marriott v. Cecile Resort Ltd., 822 So.2d 548; and Wisconsin Real Estate Investment Trust v. Rouse, 466 So.2d 289.

The Vose Law Firm’s litigation experience also includes hundreds of civil cases handled for private clients. An example of one of those cases is Cecile Resort, Ltd. vs. Residence Inn by Marriott, which was actively litigated by the firm for over 7 years, involved interlocutory appeals to both the Fifth District Court of Appeal (5th DCA) and the Florida Supreme Court, two ancillary cases in California relating to discovery, and a related Bankruptcy proceeding. Becky Vose and Wade Vose tried the case before a jury in Osceola County in a two week trial that ended just before closing arguments with a settlement extremely favorable to the Vose Law Firm’s client.

Experience or practice in advising entities on Florida Sunshine and public records law, and practice and procedures before local government, legislative, and quasi-judicial bodies

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have provided advice and counsel to elected, appointed, and staff officials for all the local governmental agencies represented by them including: the cities of Orlando, Longwood, St. Cloud, Edgewood, Winter Garden, Eagle Lake, Windermere, and Oakland, and special districts represented including the Green Swamp Land Authority, and the North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees.

The firm is available to its clients at any time to provide prompt verbal and/or written opinions and advice regarding all issues of concern to local government officials and staff. In addition, the firm typically offers to provide periodic orientation and workshop presentations to governmental entities it represents covering such topics as:

1.      The “Sunshine Law”

2.      “Public Records Law”

3.      The ethical standards of elected officials

4.      Home Rule

5.      Exercise of police power

6.      Practices and procedures of local governments

7.      Legislative vs. Quasi-judicial matters

8       Voting conflicts and other conflicts

9.      Full and public disclosure of financial interest

10.     Election and campaign finance law

11.     Gifts

12.     Lobbying

13.     Other matters relating to public service as an elected official

14.     Other areas of municipal law

The Vose Law Firm and its attorneys have provided such counsel to all the local governmental agencies represented by them including: the cities of Orlando, Longwood, St. Cloud, Edgewood, Winter Garden, Eagle Lake, Windermere, and Oakland and the special districts represented including the Green Swamp Land Authority, and the North Lake County Hospital Board of Trustees.

Depth of firm and ability to provide comprehensive services

As reflected in the foregoing statements of qualifications, the Vose Law Firm is extremely well qualified and able to provide high quality and comprehensive legal services to a Central Florida city. The Vose Law Firm has four highly competent lawyers, and if required by an unusual circumstance, all four of them are ready, willing and able to devote virtually all of their time to providing municipal legal services.

In addition to having held fourty-two (42) local government positions over the last 41 years, Ms. Vose has taught at numerous continuing legal education seminars and presentations to other attorneys relating to city attorney and other local government matters. In addition, she has made innumerable presentations to local government officials at regular and special meetings, workshops, orientation seminars, and League of Cities meetings.  Wade Vose also has very significant local government representation experience. He has represented Orange County in §1983 Civil Rights litigation, both at the trial court and appellate court levels. He has acted as Special Counsel to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and as counsel to the Orange County Fire and Life Safety Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals. He has also acted as Special Litigation Counsel to Orange County in constitutional challenges to county ordinances, and he has been foreclosure counsel to the Orange County Code Enforcement Board.

Both Ms. Vose and the Vose Law Firm are rated A-V, which is the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell. Ms. Vose and the Vose Law Firm have also been listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. 

The attorneys of the Vose Law Firm are active members of both the Orange County Bar Association, the Florida Bar, and the City, County, and Local Government Law Section of the Florida Bar. Becky Vose has received numerous citations for exceptional service by the Orange County Bar Association for her volunteer services as a guardian ad litem, and for providing free legal services to the homeless.  Wade Vose currently serves as Vice-President of the Orlando Lawyer Division of the Federalist Society, in addition to his active participation in the Young Lawyers Section of the Orange County Bar Association.

 
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Local Government Representation

A government entity needs experience from its attorneys handling the complex issues facing them today. The Vose Law Firm has represented nearly 32 different government entities over the past 36 years.

From code enforcement to establishing a complete management authority, the Vose Law firm has worked in nearly every type of government issues, including the following:

  • condemnations
  • environmental litigation
  • civil rights claims defense
  • eminent domain
  • constitutionality of ordinances
  • intellectual property
  • land protection agreements
  • sunshine law
  • TRIM compliance
  • tax increment financing districts
  • bidding issues
  • Florida Administrative Procedures Act proceedings
  • ethics
  • financial disclosures
  • code enforcements
  • municipal representation
 
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