City County Government

With over 20 years of consistent service in local government matters, St. Johns Law Group is a trusted legal resource for municipalities, public agencies, and private parties interacting with local government in St. Augustine and across Northeast Florida. Our City and County Government Attorneys include former city and county counsel, a board-certified expert, and seasoned trial attorneys.

🏛️ Trusted by Local Governments for Over Two Decades

Our attorneys have served as general counsel and special counsel for numerous public entities across Northeast Florida, including:

• St. Augustine–St. Johns County Airport Authority (over 20 years)

• City of St. Augustine Beach (former city attorney)

• St. Johns County Government (deputy county attorney, assistant county attorney)

• City of St. Augustine (former assistant city attorney)

• State Attorney’s Office (former special assistant state attorney)

We have helped shape policy, draft legislation, close complex public finance deals, and litigate critical disputes—bringing comprehensive knowledge of how government works from the inside out.

✅ Key Government Law Credentials

• James Whitehouse – Board Certified in Local Government Law by The Florida Bar

• Douglas Burnett – Former General Counsel, Airport Authority & City of St. Augustine Beach

• James Hatfield – Adviser on Municipal Taxation and Public Finance

• John Whiteman – Government Bond and Real Estate Closings Attorney

⚖️ City & County Legal Services

We provide full-scope representation for public entities and private clients navigating government processes, including:

🔹 General Counsel & Legal Oversight

• Ongoing municipal representation

• Charter amendments and local legislation

• Ordinance and resolution drafting

• Open meetings (Sunshine Law) & public records compliance

• ADA compliance & civil rights regulations

🔹 Government Contracting & Procurement

• RFP & RFQ drafting and compliance

• Bid protests and procurement defense

• Review of public contracts and service agreements

• Performance and payment bond claims

• Letter of credit drafting and review

🔹 Public Finance & Real Estate

• Bond and loan closings (borrower’s counsel)

• Government facility financing and acquisition

• Eminent domain actions & land acquisition

• Public-private real estate development

• Road vacations, platting, and conveyances

🔹 Land Use & Development

• Comprehensive Plan Amendments (COMPAMD)

• Zoning, Rezonings, & Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

• Development Agreements, Impact Fee Credits, Concurrency

• Land use litigation, vesting determinations, and variances

• Billboard and sign ordinance compliance & litigation

🔹 Litigation & Administrative Proceedings

• Code enforcement hearings & Notices of Violation

• Petitions for Writ of Certiorari (zoning and board appeals)

• Government-related business disputes

• Sovereign immunity defense

• Jury and non-jury trial experience

• Mediation and arbitration

🏢 Representation for Private Clients Dealing with Government

In addition to representing public entities, we also assist private individuals and businesses with legal issues involving local government, including:

• Land use applications and appeals

• ADA and code compliance issues

• Ordinance challenges and administrative petitions

• Public records disputes

• Zoning and permitting issues

• Development and concurrency agreement negotiation

🛡️ Why St. Johns Law Group?

Our attorneys have on-the-job experience with government operations and extensive trial and development backgrounds. We know how local governments work and have proven results—whether by negotiation, public hearing, or courtroom litigation.

📞 Contact Our City & County Government Law Team Today

Serving St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Northeast Florida, and surrounding jurisdictions.