St. Augustine Commercial Real Estate Attorneys | Acquisitions, Leasing & Closings – St. Johns Law Group

Introduction: Commercial Real Estate Requires Experienced Legal Counsel

Commercial real estate transactions often involve significant investments, complex contracts, and long-term commitments. Whether you are acquiring office space in downtown St. Augustine, leasing retail property in Ponte Vedra, or selling investment property in Palm Coast, the stakes are high.

At St. Johns Law Group — St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm — our commercial real estate attorneys represent business owners, developers, investors, and landlords across Northeast Florida. With 12 attorneys and more than 250 years of combined experience, we provide the full range of legal services businesses need to protect their investments and achieve their goals.

Our team handles every aspect of commercial transactions: acquisitions, leases, financing, development, and disputes. We combine business insight with legal experience to deliver Dedicated & Responsive Service® throughout your project.

👉 Related Resource: St. Augustine Real Estate Lawyers

Why Businesses and Investors Need a Commercial Real Estate Attorney

While residential real estate is often straightforward, commercial transactions involve more variables and greater financial exposure. Title companies can process paperwork, but only an attorney can:

• Negotiate and draft commercial contracts that align with your business goals

• Conduct due diligence and identify hidden risks

• Advise on lease obligations and long-term commitments

• Resolve financing and development issues

• Represent you in disputes or litigation if a deal goes wrong

With attorney-led closings, St. Johns Law Group provides experienced commercial legal protection while ensuring every part of your transaction complies with Florida law.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Closing Attorneys in St. Augustine

Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions & Sales

Buying or selling commercial property is rarely a simple transfer. Our attorneys provide guidance from the letter of intent through closing, including:

• Contract Drafting & Negotiation – Ensuring terms are clear, enforceable, and favorable.

• Due Diligence – Reviewing surveys, environmental reports, title history, and zoning compliance.

• Financing Coordination – Reviewing loan agreements and working with lenders.

• Title & Closing Services – Conducting searches, issuing insurance, and handling closing documents.

• Risk Mitigation – Identifying liabilities such as unpaid taxes, easements, or tenant disputes.

👉 Related Resource: Residential Real Estate Attorneys in St. Augustine – For homeowners or mixed-use properties.

Leasing and Tenant Representation

Leases often define the success or failure of a business. Our attorneys represent landlords and tenants in:

• Retail, Office, and Industrial Leases – Drafting and negotiating terms to protect your interests.

• Triple-Net (NNN) and Gross Leases – Clarifying expense responsibilities.

• Long-Term Commitments – Protecting your business from unfavorable terms.

• Dispute Resolution – Handling nonpayment, breach, or eviction matters.

We focus on aligning your lease obligations with your business strategy, preventing costly conflicts down the line.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Leasing Attorneys in St. Augustine – For homeowners or mixed-use properties.

Financing & Development

Commercial projects often rely on complex financing arrangements. We assist clients with:

• Loan Review – Negotiating terms with banks and private lenders.

• Investment Structuring – Advising on partnerships, joint ventures, and investor agreements.

• Title & Insurance Requirements – Meeting lender standards to secure financing.

• Regulatory Approvals – Ensuring compliance with municipal and county requirements.

Whether you’re expanding your portfolio or breaking ground on a new project, we provide the legal support to move forward with confidence.

Business Sales Involving Real Property

Many business sales also involve real property. For example, selling a restaurant often includes transferring both the operating entity and the building or lease. Our attorneys coordinate both sides of the deal by:

• Drafting purchase and sale agreements

• Handling licensing and regulatory transfers

• Coordinating real estate closings with business transactions

• Addressing lease assignments and landlord consents

By managing the real estate and business law elements together, we streamline transactions and reduce risks.

👉 Related Resource: Business Buy & Sell Attorneys in St. Augustine

Disputes in Commercial Real Estate

Commercial disputes can quickly threaten profitability. Our litigation team represents clients in:

• Breach of Contract – Enforcing obligations under sales and lease agreements.

• Earnest Money & Deposit Disputes – Resolving escrow conflicts fairly.

• Title & Boundary Issues – Addressing easements, encroachments, and survey conflicts.

• Nondisclosure Claims – Pursuing remedies when sellers misrepresent or fail to disclose defects.

When negotiation isn’t enough, our attorneys are prepared to litigate aggressively in Florida courts.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Contract Dispute Attorneys in St. Augustine

Local Knowledge = Stronger Representation

Commercial real estate in Northeast Florida is unique. Historic downtown properties require preservation compliance. Coastal properties raise flood zone and environmental concerns. Suburban development brings zoning and infrastructure challenges.

Because our attorneys live and work in the community, we understand these local nuances and regularly appear before city and county boards. Our regional knowledge gives clients an edge in both transactions and disputes.

👉 Related Resource: St. Augustine Real Estate Lawyers

Areas We Serve

Our commercial real estate services extend throughout:

• St. Augustine (downtown, Vilano Beach, Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach)

• Ponte Vedra & Nocatee

• Palm Coast & Flagler County

• Jacksonville & Duval County

• Clay & Putnam Counties

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

• St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm – 12 attorneys with 250+ years of combined experience

• Full-Service Representation – Commercial, residential, closings, and disputes all under one roof

• Dedicated & Responsive Service® – Clear communication and timely updates for every client

• Attorney-Led Closings at Title Company Prices – Combining affordability with legal protection

Meet Our Commercial Real Estate Attorneys

• Douglas N. Burnett – Founder & Owner; extensive experience in Florida real estate and development matters.

• John L. Whiteman – Senior Attorney with more than 40 years in commercial transactions.

• David T. Abraham – Focuses on closings, title services, and commercial real estate litigation.

👉 Meet the Full Team of Attorneys

Contact Us

Whether you are buying, leasing, financing, or selling commercial property, St. Johns Law Group has the knowledge and resources to protect your investment.

📞 Call (904) 495-0400 or request a consultation online to connect with an experienced St. Augustine commercial real estate attorney today.