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Overview

Bridget Smitha focuses her practice on corporate defense and complex commercial litigation appearing in state and federal courts in Florida and across the nation, as well as before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Bridget also frequently assists political committees and candidates to navigate Florida’s election and campaign finance laws. Additionally, Bridget is often involved in registering trademarks, obtaining or transferring alcohol licenses, and seeking rule waivers from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. While not a complete list, key areas of concentration are listed below. In recognition of her achievements, Bridget has been named a “Top Litigator under 40” by Benchmark Litigation, “Top 40 under 40” of Florida litigation lawyers by the American Society of Legal Advocates, a Florida Super Lawyers "Rising Star," listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 2023 and is rated in the highest category (AV Preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell.

Areas of Concentration

  • Abstention (Rooker/Feldman; Younger; Pullman, etc.)
  • Commercial Litigation (Class Actions, Products Liability, etc.)
  • Constitutional Law (Due Process, Equal Protection, First Amendment, etc.)
  • Election Law (Candidates, Political Committees, Communications, Contributions, Election Contests, Recount Monitoring, and Related Litigation)
  • Environmental Litigation (Environmental Cost Recovery, Contamination, Toxic Torts, Underground Storage Tanks, etc.)
  • FHFC Petitions for Rule Waiver
  • Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)
  • Governmental Investigations
  • Legislative (Proposed Legislation; Claims Bills; Lobbying Requirements; Gift Law; etc.)
  • Licensure (Applying for a License, Responding to Inquiries and Investigations; Defending Against Adverse Action)
  • Public Records Act & Sunshine Law
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Trademark Registration; Domain Name Protection

Professional & Community Involvement
  • Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL), Board of Directors, 2020-2021
  • Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), 2019-2021
  • Leadership Tallahassee, Class XXXIII, 2016
  • Guardian ad Litem, 2nd Judicial Circuit, 2011-Present
  • American Bar Association, 2004-Present

Recognition
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023-Present
  • Catherine Chapman Pro Bono Service Award, Tallahassee Women Lawyers, 2024
  • Benchmark Litigation, 
    • Future Star, 2017-2022, 2024-Present
    • 40 & Under List, 2016-2021
  • Florida Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2009-2020
  • Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network, 2016
  • American Society of Legal Advocates, “Top 40 under 40 Litigation Lawyers in the State of Florida,” 2015
  • AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Publications & Presentations

Publications: New Law Creates Stricter Requirements for Filing Ethics Complaints at both State and Local Level
Tallahassee Bar Association Bulletin|September 2024

Election & Political Law News Update, Publications: Don’t Lose the Election Before Your Campaign Begins: The Top Four Mistakes to Avoid When Qualifying
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2024

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Crème de law Admin | Summer 2022
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2022

Publications: Don’t Lose the Election Before Your Campaign Begins | The Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Qualifying
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2022

Events: Why Bridget Smitha Has Never Regretted Taking On A Case
The Guardian|February 2022

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Agencies Continue to Adjust to The New Normal
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |April 2021

Events: Licensure – Disciplinary Proceedings/Compliance
The Florida Bar Basic Administrative Law 2021 Program|March 2021

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Election season is here, and these are the dates you need to know ...
Election & Political Law Report |February 2020

Events: Ready to Run: Launching Your Campaign
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) Lobby Days|January 2020

Events: Earn your License to Chill: Florida Government Licensure & Discipline
Paralegal Association of Florida - Big Bend Chapter|September 2019

Publications: Five Steps to Handle an Administrative Complaint or Notice of Proposed Action from a Florida Agency
The Florida Law Practice LINK|April 2019

Events: Licensure - Disciplinary Proceedings and Rulemaking/Compliance
The Florida Bar|November 2018

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Upcoming Vote on Amendment 10 Ensures Florida's County Constitutional Officers Are Elected Locally
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |October 2018

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Recent Supreme Court Decision Overrules
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2018

Events: Hackers, Trolls and the Polls - Campaign Cybersecurity
Webinar|April 2018

Events: Election Law Primer for Candidates, Campaign Consultants and Staff | Free Webinar
February 2018

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Who Runs The World?
Election & Political Law Report |September 2017

Events: Launching Your Campaign | Women Can Run
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls|September 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: This Is Not My Beautiful House ... How Did I Get Here?
Election & Political Law Report |August 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Is That Legal? Paying Expenses With Campaign Funds
Election & Political Law Report |July 2017

Publications: Ambushed by Public Records Act Trolls: The Risk of Exposure for Private Companies
BeLabor The Point Blog|February 2017

Land Development News Update, Publications: Residential Developers May Now Be Liable for Unfunded Reserves
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |February 2017

Events: Liquor Licensure 101
Stearns Weaver Miller|January 2016

Publications: Fla.'s Public Records Act Now Impacts Gov't Contractors
Law360|October 2013

Events: Ethical Questions – The Practical Do's and Don’ts
Institute for Paralegal Education|May 2013

Events: Trial Preparation From Start to Finish for Paralegals
Institute for Paralegal Education|May 2013

Events: Constitutional Challenges and Defenses to the Process of Legal Specialist Certification in Florida
American Bar Association Standing Committee on Specialization’s Roundtable|March 2012

Publications: Chapter 5 Witnesses, Evidence in Florida
Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education|January 2011

Events: Certification Appeals & Highlights of Recent Litigation
The Florida Bar 2010 Certification Leadership Conference|October 2010

Publications: Comprehensive Plans and Zoning in Florida Law
National Business Institute|January 2005

Publications: The Bert Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act
National Business Institute|January 2005

Publications: The Dam Controversy: Does the Endangered Species Act Apply Internationally to Protect Foreign Species Harmed by the Dams on the Colorado River?
Journal of Transnational Law & Policy|January 2004

Publications: Recent Developments in Land Use Law
Florida State University Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law|January 2003

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Newsroom

In the Media: Money, Networks Mean Few Fla. Judges FaceReelection Foes
Law360 Pulse|August 2024

Firm Announcements: Bridget Smitha Earns Catherine Chapman Pro Bono Service Award Presented by Tallahassee Women Lawyers
April 2024

In the Media: Fla. Defends Social Media Law, Likens Platforms To Utilities
Law360|June 2021

In the Media: Tech Orgs Say New Fla. Social Media Law Limits Free Speech
Law360|May 2021

In the Media: Tech Trade Groups Sue Over Florida’s New Social Media Law
Bloomberg Law|May 2021

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller honored with 2020 Tallahassee Women Lawyers Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award
June 2020

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in 2020 Florida Super Lawyers
June 2020

In the Media: Fla. Pot Co. Says It Was Smeared In Short-Selling Scheme
Law360|January 2020

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2019
June 2019

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Named Among Benchmark Litigation’s 2018 “Under 40 Hot List”
July 2018

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2018
June 2018

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Receives Top Ranking in Benchmark Litigation 2018
October 2017

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2017
June 2017

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Receives Top Ranking in Benchmark Litigation 2017
October 2016

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Named Among Benchmark Litigation’s “Under 40 Hot List” 2016
August 2016

In the Media: Under 40 Hot List - 2016
Benchmark Litigation |August 2016

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2016
June 2016

In the Media: Fla. Gov. Wins 3 Of 4 Judicial Appointment Cases
Law360|June 2016

In the Media: Fla. Gov. Defends Appointment Power In Judicial Challenges
Law360|May 2016

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2014
June 2014

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Adds Two Litigation Attorneys To Tallahassee Office
May 2014

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Practice Areas

Education

  • J.D., magna cum laude, Florida State University College of Law, 2003
    • Journal of Land Use and Environmental Law, Associate Editor and Writing & Research Editor
    • Journal of Transnational Law and Policy, Writing and Research Editor
    • Order of the Coif
  • B.S., summa cum laude, Florida State University, 2001
    • FSU Center for Civic Education Service Scholar
    • FSU President’s Humanitarian of the Year Award
    • FSU Vice President’s Advisory Council Representative

Admissions

  • Florida
  • United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle and Southern Districts of Florida
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit