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Florida is a highly regulatory and regulated state, with unique procedural and substantive rules governing its state agencies, their authority, and the ability to challenge their actions.  We have experience helping clients navigate through state actions, as well as actions taken at the local and federal levels.

Rule Challenges and Rule Making

We represent clients affected by a government agency’s rules or policies. Our team routinely engages with federal, state, and local government offices throughout Florida to help effectuate a non-litigated resolution. Our Tallahassee attorneys, with a physical presence near state agency decision-makers, routinely assist in developing preventative and proactive measures to help mitigate our clients’ complex business problems. In the event a proactive or informal resolution cannot be found, our administrative litigation team has experience challenging agency rules and policies. 

Contesting Agency Action

Our administrative litigation team assists clients after an agency or local government has taken, or intends to take, action affecting the client’s interests. We have experience representing clients in matters involving licensure and discipline, bid protests and procurement, zoning challenges, Medicaid overpayment disputes, permitting, and enforcement, among other issues.

  • Administrative Litigation and Appeals
  • Administrative Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings
  • Government Contracts, Bid Protests and Procurement
  • Business, Professional and Facility Licenses Proceedings
  • Environmental Permitting, Compliance and Enforcement
  • Non-Profit and Trade Association Formation, Compliance and Management
  • Government Investigations and Audits
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Rulemaking and Rule Challenges
  • State and Local Taxation
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investigations And Enforcement Actions
  • Sunshine Law and Open Government Laws Litigation
  • Successful defense of multiple state permits against attacks by third parties, including driveway permits, air curtain incinerator permits, phosphate mine permits and reclamation plans, limestone mine permits, commercial development permits

  • Successful defense of licensures and permits in disciplinary and enforcement actions ranging from security services to stormwater violations

  • Successful bid protests and appeals at the municipal level involving multimillion dollar contracts for global technology company

  • Provide advice and counsel to multinational corporations regarding municipal procurement responsive strategies and related compliance aspects

  • Successful defense of multimillion dollar Medicaid overpayment claim

  • Successful defense of billion dollar healthcare procurements

  • Successfully negotiated issuance of dozens of permits from state and federal agencies

Events: Ethical Best Practices for 2024 Elections
Florida Tax Collectors Association Fall Conference |May 2024|Robert J. Walters

Government Affairs News Update, Publications: Interim Committee Week 5 | November 13-17, 2023
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|November 2023|Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

Government Affairs News Update, Publications: Rotunda Report Week 1 | March 6-10
Stearns Weaver Millers News Update|March 2023|Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

In the Media: News and Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter |September 2022

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Crème de law Admin | Summer 2022
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2022|Glenn Burhans, Jr., Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Bridget Smitha, Robert J. Walters

Events: Symposium to look at 'Social Media and the 1st Amendment'
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School |July 2022|Abigail Corbett

Events: 2022 FACO Virtual Summer Conference
Florida Association for Constitutional Officers |July 2022

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter |June 2022|Melanie R. Leitman, Robert J. Walters

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Two New Laws Immediately Impact Florida Healthcare Providers
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2022|Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Robert J. Walters

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|March 2022|Melanie R. Leitman, Robert J. Walters

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Rotunda Report Week 7 | February 21-25
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|February 2022|Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

Publications: COVID Special Session Update
Winter Edition of the Tallahassee Bar Association's Bar Bulletin|February 2022|Robert J. Walters

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Crème de law Admin | Winter 2021
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|February 2022|Robert J. Walters, Jessica M. Icerman

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|December 2021|Melanie R. Leitman, Robert J. Walters

Events: Condo Gaggle: Legislative Lay of the Land going into the 2022 Regular Session
Community Associations Institute Florida Legislative Alliance |November 2021|Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

In the Media: Movers: New Arrivals
The National Law Journal|October 2021

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|September 2021|Melanie R. Leitman, Robert J. Walters

Events: Administrative Law Appellate Case Law Update
Department of Financial Services Lunch and Learn |August 2021|Melanie R. Leitman

Events: Appellate Case Law Update (Part III of the Series)
Florida Bar's Administrative Law Updates Webinar Series |June 2021|Melanie R. Leitman

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|June 2021|Melanie R. Leitman, Robert J. Walters

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Agencies Continue to Adjust to The New Normal
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |April 2021|Douglas L. Kilby, Bridget Smitha

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 25
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|March 2021|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

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

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 24
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |January 2021|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 23
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |December 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 22
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |October 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

Events: Social Media and Government Communications: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Miami-Dade County - Commission on Ethics & Public Trust |September 2020|Abigail Corbett

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 21
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|September 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 20
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|September 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 19
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|September 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

Firm Announcements: Stearns Weaver Miller Names Four New Shareholders
September 2020

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 18
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID Legal Compass | Edition 17
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 16
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 15
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 14
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|June 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 13
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|June 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 12
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|June 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali, Christopher P. Smith

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 11
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|June 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|June 2020|Melanie R. Leitman

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 10
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 9
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Edition 8
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | COVID-19 Updates | Edition 7
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | COVID-19 Updates | Edition 6
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|May 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | COVID-19 Updates | Edition 5
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Timely and Significant COVID-19 Updates | Edition 4
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Timely and Significant COVID-19 Updates | Edition 3
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Timely and Significant COVID-19 Updates | Edition 2
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2020|S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr., Kevin Reali

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: $2 Trillion CARES Act - What You Need To Know
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |April 2020|Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

COVID News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Government Affairs News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: COVID-19 Legal Compass | Timely and Significant COVID-19 Updates
Stearns Weaver MIller News Update|March 2020|Marco T. Paredes, Jr., S. Elise Batsel, Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jessica M. Icerman, Kevin Reali, David M. Smith

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|Glenn Burhans, Jr., Bridget Smitha

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Crème de law Admin | Winter 2020
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|February 2020|Melanie R. Leitman, Marco T. Paredes, Jr.

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

In the Media: Florida Supreme Court weighs opening state’s closed primaries
Tampa Bay Times|December 2019

In the Media: Briefcase: Nov. 3
Tallahassee Democrat|November 2019

Publications: Burhans: Proposal lets all voters vote
Sarasota Herald-Tribune|October 2019|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

In the Media: Facing Facts
Sunrise: A Florida Politics Podcast|October 2019

In the Media: Ashley Moody closed to open primaries proposal
Florida Politics|October 2019

In the Media: Florida GOP balks at open primaries proposal
Florida Politics|October 2019

Government & Administrative News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: 2015 Waters of the United States Rule Repealed, with a New Rule Expected this Winter
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|September 2019|Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jeffrey A. Collier, Jacob T. Cremer, Nicole Neugebauer MacInnes

In the Media: Florida economists, open primary supporters clash over projected costs
Tallahassee Democrat|September 2019

In the Media: Sunburn — The morning read of what’s hot in Florida politics
Florida Politics|August 2019

In the Media: Personnel note: Marco T. Paredes Jr. joins Stearns Weaver Miller
Florida Politics|August 2019

In the Media: Mystery money boosts campaign to limit Florida ballot measures
Tampa Bay Times|August 2019

In the Media: Ballot measure would temper both parties | Bill Cotterell
Pensacola News Journal|August 2019

In the Media: Another $704K backs primary election proposal
Florida Politics|August 2019

In the Media: Ballot measure would temper both parties
Tallahassee Democrat|August 2019

In the Media: Tryon: Open-primary initiatives reflect voting trends
Herald Tribune|July 2019

In the Media: 3 ballot proposals dominate signature gathering
FOX35|July 2019

In the Media: New restrictions begin for citizen initiatives
Politico|July 2019

In the Media: Ballot Initiative Pushes For Jungle Primaries In Florida
WFSU Public Media|July 2019

In the Media: Election, assault weapon proposals ready for court
News4Jax|June 2019

In the Media: Election, assault weapon proposals ready for court
Panama City News Herald|June 2019

In the Media: Another $2.25M raised in May for ‘All Voters Vote’ amendment
Florida Politics|June 2019

In the Media: Desantis signs controversial petition bill
Action News Jacksonville|June 2019

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|June 2019

In the Media: Seven state ballot initiatives to watch in the coming months
Tallahassee Democrat|May 2019

In the Media: Lawmakers place barriers to ballot initiatives
The News-Press|May 2019

Events: Dark Money and Florida Political Committees
Masters Program of Applied American Politics and Policy, Florida State University |April 2019|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|March 2019

Government & Administrative News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: Permit Applicants May Need to Reevaluate Strategies Following New Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Agency Deference
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|February 2019|Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jeffrey A. Collier, Jacob T. Cremer

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|December 2018

Events: “The Future of Florida’s Electorate – How will Florida Respond to the Rising Independent Voters?”
Association of Florida Developers, Inc. |November 2018|Reggie L. Bouthillier

Events: Open Primaries What Would It Mean For Florida?
Tampa Tiger Bay Club |October 2018|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

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|Glenn Burhans, Jr., Kelly A. O'Keefe, Bridget Smitha

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|September 2018

Ad Valorem Tax News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: Upcoming Vote on Amendment Two Has Significant Tax Implications for Non-Homestead Property Owners
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2018|Reggie L. Bouthillier, Glenn Burhans, Jr., Jeffrey A. Collier, Sabrina Weiss Robinson, Nicole Neugebauer MacInnes

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Recent Supreme Court Decision Overrules
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2018|Glenn Burhans, Jr., Bridget Smitha, Nicole Neugebauer MacInnes

Events: Florida Appellate & Administrative Law Update
Legal Advocacy Forum, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities |May 2018

Events: Dark Money and Florida Political Committees
Florida State University | Masters Program of Applied American Politics and Policy |April 2018|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Publications: Appellate Case Notes
Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar Newsletter|March 2018

Events: Introduction of City of Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber
NAWL Midyear Meeting |March 2018

Events: Crossing Party Lines
Spectrum News |February 2018|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

In the Media: News 13: Ybeth Bruzual hosts 'Town Hall: Crossing Party Lines'
Orlando Sentinel|February 2018

Publications: Statement of Glenn Burhans to the Ethics & Elections Committee
Florida Constitution Review Commission|January 2018|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: The Crisis of Political Intransigence
Tallahassee Exchange Club |December 2017|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: Introduction of Michelle Suskauer, Florida Bar President-Elect
Tallahassee Women Lawyers |November 2017

In the Media: The high cost of losing for the football capital of Florida
Tallahassee Democrat|October 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Who Runs The World?
Election & Political Law Report |September 2017|Kelly A. O'Keefe, Bridget Smitha

Events: Launching Your Campaign | Women Can Run
The Oasis Center for Women & Girls |September 2017|Kelly A. O'Keefe, Bridget Smitha

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|Glenn Burhans, Jr., Bridget Smitha

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

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: 2017 Legislative Round-Up: What's New in Election & Political Law?
Election & Political Law Report |June 2017|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: Election Law: Rules, rules and more rules
Institute for Civic Leadership |June 2017|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Publications: Sometimes Government Works Right
Tallahassee Democrat|March 2017|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: The Florida Constitution Review Commission: Three Election Law Reforms
Tallahassee Exchange Club |December 2016|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: Talk Show Appearance
The Usual Suspects |October 2016|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Amendment 4 Could Spur Solar Energy Investment and Development in the Sunshine State
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2016|Reggie L. Bouthillier, Jeffrey A. Collier, Jacob T. Cremer

In the Media: Voters Go Indie
Florida Weekly|March 2016

In the Media: Democrat? Republican? Nope. Youngest voters reject the parties
The Florida Times Union|March 2016

Publications: Voters Should Not Have to Join a Party
Tallahassee Democrat|February 2016|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

In the Media: Group wants open voting
Tampa Bay Times|July 2015

Publications: O Civility, Where Art Thou?
Context Florida|July 2015|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: Talk Show Appearance
The Usual Suspects |July 2015|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: The Accidental Lobbyist: Florida Lobbyist Registration Requirements and Applicable Public Records Act Provisions
February 2015|Glenn Burhans, Jr.

Events: How to Advocate within the Law: Election & Campaign Finance Considerations for Nonprofits
United Partners for Human Services 15th Annual Conference for Excellence in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, TCC Center for Workforce Development |May 2014

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