Douglas N. Burnett – St. Augustine Real Estate & Zoning Attorney
Founder and Owner | St. Johns Law Group
Real Estate • Zoning & Land Use • Government Counsel • Complex Litigation
Attorney Douglas N. Burnett is a leader in St. Augustine’s legal community, known for his extensive experience in real estate law, land development, zoning, municipal representation, and litigation. As the founder and owner of St. Johns Law Group, he has spent over 25 years advising individuals, developers, business entities, and public institutions throughout St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Northeast Florida.
2026 Highlight: 3 Jury Trials – 3 Months – 3 Wins
Mr. Burnett possesses strategic insight and deep understanding of Florida land use law, local government procedures, and commercial real estate transactions. His practical knowledge, honed through years of representing both private and public sector clients, positions him as a regular advisor for complex matters involving real estate development, land use regulation, permitting, and litigation.
Practice Areas
Real Estate Development & Land Use
Counsel for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments
Rezoning, land use amendments, PUD applications, and special exceptions
Negotiation of development agreements and concurrency proportionate fair share determinations
Representation before zoning boards, city councils, and county commissions
Mr. Burnett has obtained approvals for more than 100 PUDs.
Real Estate Transactions & Closings
Residential and commercial real estate sales and acquisitions
Drafting, negotiation, and closing of purchase and sale agreements
Title defect resolution and quiet title actions
Serving as lender’s counsel for banks and private capital firms
Mr. Burnett has overseen the closing of $100’s of millions in transactions.
Government & Public Sector Law
Former City Attorney for the City of St. Augustine Beach
Former General Counsel for the St. Augustine–St. Johns County Airport Authority
Experience working within and advising Florida municipalities and counties
Drafting ordinances, policy guidance, and comprehensive plan amendments
Mr. Burnett has closed numerous bond and public debt financing transactions.
Complex Civil Litigation
In addition to transactional and development work, Doug Burnett is an experienced civil trial attorney who represents clients in high-stakes litigation involving real estate and commercial disputes.
- Real estate and development disputes
- Land use and zoning appeals and petitions for writ of ceritorari
- Contract disputes and business litigation
- Construction and development litigation
- Boundary and easement disputes
- HOA and condominium litigation
- Partnership disputes
Mr. Burnett has significant trial experience, including dozens of jury trials and a defense verdict against a $10+ million claim.
HOA & Condominium Law
General counsel for homeowners’ associations and condominium boards
Dispute resolution, enforcement of covenants, and amendment of governing documents
Association collections and lien foreclosures
Education & Legal Background
University of North Florida, B.B.A. (1994)
Widener University School of Law, J.D. (1998)
Mr. Burnett began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney and later served as an Assistant County Attorney for St. Johns County. He subsequently entered private practice, becoming a shareholder at a regional law firm before founding St. Johns Law Group to better serve the fast-growing legal needs of Northeast Florida’s real estate and development community.
Professional Affiliations & Court Admissions
Member, The Florida Bar
Admitted to practice, U.S. District Court – Middle District of Florida
Member, St. Johns County Bar Association
Former President, St. Johns County Bar Association
Leadership & Community Engagement
Former Board Member, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum
Former Chair, American Cancer Society (St. Johns County Cattle Barons’ Ball)
Advisory Council, Salvation Army – St. Johns County
Past Board Member, St. Johns County Education Foundation
Active supporter and former guest instructor, Flagler College
📞 Contact Douglas N. Burnett
📧 dburnett@sjlawgroup.com
Personal Life
Doug Burnett is a devoted husband and father to four daughters, drawing energy and joy from their individual accomplishments. A man of strong faith, he attends Colonial Church in St. Augustine. He credits his commitment to public service and community involvement to the values instilled by his parents:
- Major General Douglas Burnett (Ret.), former Adjutant General of Florida
- Judith Burnett (Dec.), former college professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville
Two decades into his legal career, Doug continues to practice alongside his mentor and colleague, John Whiteman, with the same dedication that guided his founding of St. Johns Law Group.