St. Johns Law Group · St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine Boundary Dispute & Property-Line Attorneys
Surveys. Encroachments. Property Lines. Trespass. Easement Overlap.
Boundary disputes can affect where a fence, driveway, structure or improvement may legally remain—and can escalate quickly when neighbors disagree over surveys, clearing, access or long-standing use.
St. Johns Law Group represents homeowners, landowners, developers, associations and businesses in boundary and property-line disputes throughout Northeast Florida.
Common Boundary Problems
✓Conflicting surveys or legal descriptions
✓Fences, driveways or structures over the line
✓Clearing, trespass and possession claims
✓Boundary disputes involving easements or access
Survey & Property-Line Evidence
Where Is the Legal Boundary?
A survey is often central to a property-line dispute, but the analysis may also require deeds, plats, monuments, legal descriptions, historical use and witness testimony.
St. Johns Law Group works with property owners and appropriate real-estate professionals to evaluate the record boundary and the facts on the ground.
- Conflicting surveys
- Fence and driveway encroachments
- Structures across a property line
- Clearing or grading disputes
- Trespass and possession claims
- Easement and access overlap
Property-Line Evidence
Three Views of a Boundary Dispute
The legal documents and the physical condition of the land must be evaluated together.
Survey & Monuments
Survey stakes, monuments, plats and legal descriptions help identify the record boundary.
Boundary Evidence →
Clearing & Encroachment
Tree removal, grading or construction across a disputed line may create claims for relief or damages.
Discuss the Dispute →
Trespass & Possession
Unauthorized entry, occupation or exclusion may lead to trespass, ejectment or injunction claims.
Discuss the Dispute →A fence is not automatically the legal boundary.
The analysis may require surveys, title records and Florida law concerning possession, agreement, acquiescence, adverse possession or other property rights.
Boundary & Property-Line Claims
Common Boundary Disputes We Handle
Conflicting Surveys
Different surveys may depict different lines, monuments or improvements.
Learn More →Fence Encroachments
Fences built on or across a disputed line can trigger ownership and possession claims.
Learn More →Structures Over the Line
Buildings, driveways, pools or retaining walls may encroach onto neighboring property.
Learn More →Clearing Beyond the Boundary
Tree removal, grading or construction across a disputed line can create damages claims.
Learn More →Adverse Possession
Long-term possession claims involve specific Florida legal requirements.
Learn More →Trespass & Ejectment
Unauthorized entry or possession may lead to trespass, ejectment or injunction claims.
Learn More →Drainage & Stormwater
Runoff and grading can overlap with boundary, easement and development disputes.
Learn More →Legal Description Errors
Deed, plat or legal-description discrepancies can create ownership uncertainty.
Learn More →Easement Overlap
Boundary disputes may also involve access, utility or drainage easements.
Learn More →Resolving the Boundary
Not Every Property-Line Dispute Has to End at Trial
Negotiated Resolution
Boundary or Easement Agreement
The parties may resolve an encroachment or access issue through an agreement, easement, relocation or conveyance.
Litigation
Court Determination of Property Rights
Claims may involve declaratory relief, quiet title, trespass, ejectment, injunctions or damages.
Boundary Dispute Litigation Team
Real Estate, Land Use and Litigation Experience
Real Estate • Complex Litigation
Douglas N. Burnett
Attorney Profile →
Real Estate • Contracts • Trial Team
Megan Burnett Drysdale
Attorney Profile →
Civil Litigation • Contracts • Appeals
Alex Nunchuck
Attorney Profile →
Construction • Property Litigation
Shaun C. Saliba
Attorney Profile →
Litigation • Property • Business
Eric D. Whitcher
Attorney Profile →
HOA/Condo • Real Estate Litigation
Hillary N. Mesa
Attorney Profile →Trial-Ready Representation
Building the Boundary Case Around the Evidence
Boundary disputes can require surveys, deeds, plats, historical photographs, witness testimony and expert analysis.
3 Jury Trials • 3 Months • 3 Wins
Recent civil jury-trial results demonstrate the firm's litigation resources. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Potential Court Relief
Declaratory and Injunctive Relief
A court may be asked to determine property rights or prevent continued interference when supported by the facts and law.
Related Claims
Quiet Title, Trespass & Damages
Depending on the dispute, claims may involve title, possession, trespass, ejectment, damages or other property remedies.
Evidence in Boundary Cases
Surveys Are Important—But They Are Not the Only Evidence
Current Boundary Survey
A licensed survey can identify record boundaries, monuments, improvements and apparent encroachments.
Discuss Your Dispute →Prior Surveys & Plats
Historical surveys and recorded plats may show how property was previously described.
Discuss Your Dispute →Deeds & Legal Descriptions
The chain of title helps establish the record interests being disputed.
Discuss Your Dispute →Photographs & Aerials
Historical imagery can document fences, clearing, structures and patterns of use.
Discuss Your Dispute →Witness Evidence
Prior owners, neighbors and contractors may have relevant knowledge.
Discuss Your Dispute →Expert Evidence
Surveyors, engineers or appraisers may explain location, damages or technical issues.
Discuss Your Dispute →Boundary Dispute FAQs
Common Questions About Florida Property Lines
Which survey controls if two surveys disagree?
There is not always a simple answer. Survey methodology, deeds, plats, monuments, legal descriptions and other evidence may need evaluation.
Is a fence the legal property line?
Not necessarily. A fence is physical evidence, but the legal boundary may require survey and title analysis.
What if my neighbor built over the property line?
Potential responses depend on the location, history, title documents, survey evidence and the type of encroachment.
Can I remove a neighbor's fence or structure myself?
Self-help can create additional legal risk. Property rights and available remedies should be evaluated before taking action.
Can a boundary dispute involve an easement?
Yes. Access, utility, drainage and other easements frequently overlap with boundary and survey issues.
Can these disputes settle without trial?
Yes. Boundary agreements, easements, conveyances, relocation or mediation may resolve some disputes without trial.
Local Real Estate Litigation Counsel
St. Augustine Lawyers for Northeast Florida Property Disputes
Hidden-defect claims often involve local property conditions, contractors, inspection records, permits, repair history and witnesses.
St. Johns Law Group represents buyers, sellers and property owners from its St. Augustine office and can draw on attorneys across real estate, construction, HOA/condominium and civil litigation when those issues intersect.
Boundary & Property-Line Dispute Consultation
Protect Your Property Rights.
Tell us about the property condition, disclosure, inspection and post-closing dispute.
Contact St. Johns Law Group
Tell Us About the Boundary or Property-Line Dispute
Submission does not establish an attorney-client relationship.