DOUGLAS N. BURNETT
Doug Burnett is the owner and founder of St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine area’s largest law firm. Today, Mr. Burnett manages the day-to-day operations of the firm and is available to all clients as a resource to support the other attorneys in the firm. Mr. Burnett balances those responsibilities while maintaining an active commercial real estate and complex litigation practice with a focus on land development and subdivisions.
PRACTICE AREAS
Real Estate
Closings, complex real estate matters, leasing and commercial litigation. Overseeing the firm’s real estate closings, Mr. Burnett enjoys working with sellers, buyers, brokers and realtors, especially when an issue arises that can be resolved though a contract amendment or post-closing agreement.
As a real estate attorney, Mr. Burnett enjoys drafting real estate agreements and amendments, resolving property disputes, construction contract matters, business disputes and commercial lawsuits. Mr. Burnett often closes loan transactions for a regional bank and serves a lenders counsel for a national investment banker.
HOA, Land Development and Zoning
Mr. Burnett practices local government law, including land development and zoning, property and construction litigation, and homeowners’ association law.
Mr. Burnett has represented national home builders, regional self-storage and shopping center developers and subdivision developers continuously for over 20 years. In fact, he has represented all participants in the real estate industry including homeowner and condominium associations, landowners, developers, builders, contractors, lenders and real estate brokers.
His practice includes representation of clients who develop subdivisions, apartment complexes, office buildings, and shopping centers. This has given Mr. Burnett experience in management of controversial applications for development approval before planning and zoning agencies, County Commissions and City Councils.
Leasing
With so much real estate experience, Mr. Burnett enjoys drafting lease agreements, such as office space leasing, triple net (NNN), ground leases, physician space sharing and timeshare agreements, and contracts.
Mr. Burnett served as primary attorney on real estate and leasing matters for a major medical company with over 200 locations nationwide. This has given him extensive knowledge and in-depth understanding of leasing issues.
Litigation
Mr. Burnett has successfully handled litigation of complex cases before the Trial and Appellate Courts, as well as contested zoning matters through petitions for writ of certiorari. However, Mr. Burnett believes his greatest value is in helping clients negotiate complex deals, analyze HOA matters, navigate contested litigation and obtain approvals for tough projects.
EDUCATION
- University of North Florida, B.B.A. 1994
- Widener University School of Law, J.D. 1998
EXPERIENCE
- General Counsel for Northeast Florida Regional Airport – St. Johns County Airport Authority for over 15 years (2005-2022)
- City Attorney for City of St. Augustine Beach Florida (2009-2016)
- Former Assistant County Attorney in St. Johns County, Florida.
- Former Assistant State Attorney in St. Johns County, Florida.
- Former Shareholder/Equity Partner at a Regional Law Firm.
- Regularly advises homeowners’ associations (HOA) on legal matters.
- Representation of major health care providers nationwide on real estate matters, including office building leasing.
- Representation of national home builders and developers seeking rezoning, PUD approval, Comprehensive Plan amendments, variances, special use permits and land use permits.
- Extensive trial experience, including over thirty jury trials and over one hundred non-jury trials, as well as mediation and arbitration.
- Representation of owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in disputes and litigation involving both commercial and residential contract and construction claims, as well as build-out and bid documents.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- St. Augustine Lighthouse (Former Board Member and Founding Lights Member)
- St. Johns County American Cancer Society (Former Cattle Baron)
- St. Johns County Bar Association (Past President)
- St. Johns County Education Foundation (Former Board Member)
- St. Johns County Salvation Army (Advisory Council Member)
- Flagler College (Prior Visiting Instructor and Donor)
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
- The Florida Bar
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Mr. Burnett enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters and truly thrives off of their individual accomplishments and life experiences.
- A desire to serve and give back to the community has be instilled in Mr. Burnett by his parents. Mr. Burnett is the son of Major General Douglas Burnett (Ret.) the former Adjutant General of Florida, having served 47 years in the United States Military. Mr. Burnett is also the son of Judith Burnett (Dec.) a former college professor for 35 years at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
- 20 years later, Mr. Burnett is still practicing law with his mentor, John Whiteman.
- With a strong faith, Mr. Burnett attends Colonial Church in St. Augustine.