Land Use & Zoning Appeals Attorneys in St. Augustine, Palm Coast & Northeast Florida

Protecting Your Right to Develop and Use Property Across Our Region

When a land development or zoning request is denied, your project and property value can be placed at risk. At St. Johns Law Group, we represent property owners, builders, and developers in St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, and across Flagler and Northeast Florida.

12 Attorneys and 265+ Years of Combined Experience

Over 100 Zoning Appeals

Our land use and zoning appeals attorneys bring decades of insider knowledge and local government experience to help clients successfully challenge denials, protect their investments, and move projects forward.

Why You May Need a Zoning Appeal

Zoning and planning boards in St. Johns County, Flagler County, and surrounding municipalities exercise broad discretion. Common denials that require appeal include:

• Rezoning requests and Comprehensive Plan Amendments (CPA, COMPAMD)

• Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) and Planned Rural Developments (PRDs)

• Special use permits and variances for unique property needs

• Denials from Planning & Zoning Agencies, Historic Architectural Review Boards (HARB), Design Review Committees (DRC), City Councils and County Commissions

• Restrictions imposed in overlay districts and historic districts across St. Augustine and Flagler Beach

If your project has been denied, our attorneys know how to navigate the process in local boards and courts throughout Northeast Florida.

How We Handle Zoning Appeals

Our appeals strategy combines deep knowledge of Florida land use law with strong relationships across St. Johns and Flagler County government boards. We:

• Challenge procedural errors and legal missteps in zoning decisions

• File appeals with the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners, Palm Coast City Council, Flagler County Commission, and other local authorities

• File Petitions for Writ of Certiorari to Circuit Court and the Fifth District Court of Appeal
• Protect property rights under the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Protection Act

• Negotiate development agreements and settlements to resolve disputes efficiently

Attorneys with Local Government Experience

Our zoning appeals team is led by attorneys who have worked inside the same governments where appeals are heard:

• Douglas N. Burnett, Esq. – Former Assistant County Attorney and City Attorney for St. Augustine Beach, with 25+ years of development and land use experience.

• James G. Whitehouse, Esq. – Former Deputy County Attorney and Assistant City Attorney for St. Augustine, and Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law.

This unique experience gives our clients a decisive advantage in zoning appeals across St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, and beyond.

Results That Protect Property Owners Across Northeast Florida

Our attorneys have successfully represented clients in:

• Reversals of zoning and variance denials in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Flagler County

• Modified permit conditions for lands located in Ponte Vedra and the Nocatee area

• Property rights relief under the Bert Harris Act for landowners in St. Augustine and St. Johns County

• High-profile appeals involving historic and coastal overlay districts in St. Augustine Beach and Ponte Vedra

Click Here to Visit Our Results Page

Contact Our Zoning Appeals Lawyers

If your project has been denied, don’t let local government decisions stop your investment. Our team serves clients throughout St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Flagler County, and the surrounding Northeast Florida region.

St. Johns Law Group – Land Use & Zoning Appeals Attorneys

104 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: 904-495-0400
Email: info@sjlawgroup.com

Your trusted advocates for land use and zoning appeals across Northeast Florida.