Douglas N. Burnett – Leading St. Augustine’s Largest Law Group | Real Estate, Land Use & Development
Clients throughout Northeast Florida turn to Douglas N. Burnett, founder and owner of St. Johns Law Group, when in need of an attorney for real estate law, development projects, and land use. With more than two decades of experience navigating Florida’s complex legal landscape, Doug has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate for property owners, investors, developers, and families.
Today, Doug leads St. Augustine’s largest and most experienced law firm, guiding a team of attorneys who collectively bring over 265 years of legal experience to the table. Whether you are closing on your first home, structuring a multi-million-dollar development, or resolving a heated boundary dispute, Douglas Burnett offers the knowledge, leadership, and results-driven service you need.
Early Career & Legal Foundation
Doug began his legal career with a focus on real estate and land use law, quickly distinguishing himself in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. His work coincided with Northeast Florida’s explosive development along A1A, U.S. 1, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and Palm Coast, giving him front-line experience in large-scale development approvals, municipal negotiations, and high-stakes property transactions.
As St. Augustine and St. Johns County grew into some of Florida’s most desirable real estate markets, Doug built a practice that met the demand for sophisticated legal counsel in development, zoning, and property disputes. Over the years, he expanded his reach to also include HOA/condo law, commercial leasing, quiet title actions, easements, and construction-related issues, creating one of the most well-rounded real estate practices in the St. Augustine region.
Real Estate Transactions & Closings
Buying or selling property is one of life’s biggest financial decisions, and Doug has made it his mission to ensure clients are protected every step of the way.
At St. Johns Law Group, Doug oversees a team that provides:
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Residential Closings – Guiding homebuyers, sellers, and investors through every document, title search, and contract term.
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Commercial Real Estate Transactions – Structuring acquisitions, leases, and sales of retail, office, and industrial properties.
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1031 Exchanges & Investor Services – Helping investors leverage IRS tax-deferred exchanges and maximize portfolio growth.
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Title Insurance & Escrow Services – Ensuring clean title, eliminating surprises, and providing peace of mind.
His leadership in real estate closings is bolstered by St. Johns Law Group’s title company services, where clients enjoy the efficiency and affordability of a title company with the added protection of being represented by experienced attorneys.
Land Development & Zoning Leadership
One of Douglas Burnett’s strongest areas of expertise lies in land use and zoning law, where he has advised on projects that have shaped the future of Northeast Florida.
Doug assists clients with:
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Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) – From initial planning to approval, Doug helps developers secure entitlements while balancing the requirements imposed by County Commissioners.
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Comprehensive Plan Amendments – Guiding property owners through changes in land use designations and future land use maps.
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Variances & Special Exceptions – Navigating city and county boards to secure project approvals.
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Government & Municipal Relations – Representing developers before planning commissions, zoning boards, and elected officials.
His work in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Palm Coast has positioned him as a critical link between private development goals and public land use policy.
HOA, Condominium & Property Disputes
Florida’s fast-paced growth has also led to an increase in property disputes, association conflicts, and title issues. Doug regularly represents:
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HOAs and Condominium Associations in governance, enforcement, and contract issues.
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Homeowners in disputes over assessments, bylaws, and rights enforcement.
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Property Owners in boundary disputes, easement conflicts, and quiet title actions.
By blending deep legal knowledge with practical dispute-resolution strategies, Doug provides clients with both courtroom advocacy and negotiation skills that protect their interests.
Commitment to Client Service
Doug is known not just for his leadership, but for the “Dedicated & Responsive Service®” that defines St. Johns Law Group. Clients trust him for:
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Clear Communication – Simplifying complex issues so clients can make informed decisions.
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Hands-On Leadership – Actively guiding every stage of a matter, from planning to execution.
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Proven Results – A record of success in both transactions and litigation.
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Community Insight – Deep local knowledge of St. Johns County regulations, politics, and growth trends.
Whether working with individual families or multi-national developers, Doug delivers the same level of dedication and responsiveness that has become his hallmark.
Owner of St. Johns Law Group
As founder and owner, Douglas has grown St. Johns Law Group into the St. Augustine Area’s largest law firm. The firm includes attorneys practicing in:
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Family Law & Divorce
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Business & Corporate Law
This full-service approach allows Doug to bring in other specialized attorneys when his clients face multi-dimensional challenges—whether it’s a real estate developer needing corporate counsel, or a family resolving estate-related property disputes.
Community Involvement & Recognition
Douglas Burnett’s commitment extends beyond the courtroom and boardroom. He has been involved in local civic organizations, charitable causes, and professional associations, reflecting his dedication to the St. Augustine community.
Through these roles, Doug has helped guide responsible growth, economic development, and community planning in one of Florida’s most historic and rapidly expanding regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of clients does Douglas Burnett represent?
Doug works with individuals, families, developers, HOAs, condominium boards, and businesses across Northeast Florida.
2. Does Douglas Burnett handle disputes in court?
Yes. While he often resolves matters through negotiation, Doug is an experienced litigator in real estate disputes, contracts, boundary cases, and association conflicts.
3. Is St. Johns Law Group only for St. Augustine clients?
No. Doug and his team serve clients throughout St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, Putnam, Clay, Nassau, and Southern Georgia.
4. What makes Doug different from other real estate attorneys?
His unique combination of deep local knowledge, development approvals, litigation experience, and full-service law firm resources sets him apart in the St. Augustine area.
Contact Douglas N. Burnett
If you need experienced legal representation in real estate, land development, zoning, or property disputes, turn to an attorney who has been trusted for decades in Northeast Florida.
📞 Call St. Johns Law Group at (904) 495-0400
🌐 Visit www.sjlawgroup.com
📍 Serving clients in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and beyond
Douglas N. Burnett – Trusted. Experienced. Dedicated.