Development, Entitlements & Permitting

Development, Entitlements, and Permitting

At WHWW, we specialize in guiding developers, property owners, and investors through the complexities of development, entitlements, and permitting in Florida. Our seasoned attorneys possess in-depth knowledge of applicable regulations, ensuring that your project advances smoothly from conception to completion.  We regularly collaborate with planners, engineers, environmental consultants, transportation consultants, and architects, along with municipalities, counties or other governmental agencies, to achieve a desired goal that benefits both the client and the community.

Our team has a proven track record in managing a diverse range of development projects, including residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments. On complex or phased developments, we advise clients on subdivision of the project and planning for the future, financing and sale of individual lots, financing of infrastructure, allocation of development rights and entitlements among lots or parcels, and creative legal strategies to address maintenance of common areas and common facilities. We are involved from conception of a project with unentitled, vacant land and our representation continues through issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy.  We understand the unique challenges that each project presents and are adept at navigating the legal landscape to secure the necessary approvals and permits and negotiating applicable agreements to make a real estate project come to life.

Zoning and Land Use Planning: We assist clients in obtaining zoning changes, rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs), subdivisions, site plans, variances, special exceptions, conditional use permits and other special use permits and entitlements. Our attorneys work closely with developer’s consultants, governmental staff, board members and elected officials to advocate for your project’s needs.  We also assist clients with navigating development issues, including environmental, archeological, historic preservation, transportation, water, concurrency, and building code compliance.

Licenses and Permits:  We assist clients with preparing and submitting applications, and obtaining, various permits, approvals, and licenses required to develop property, including civil site permits, building permits, signage permits, wetlands permits, marina permits and licenses, sovereign submerged lands leases, and liquor and alcoholic beverages licenses.   

Due Diligence Reviews:  We conduct thorough due diligence to identify potential permitting and development issues early in the development process, and refer outside consultants to clients when beneficial, including planners, engineers, property condition consultants, environmental consultants, transportation consultants, and architects.   

Site Plan Approvals: We assist with the preparation and submittal of detailed site plans, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Our goal is to facilitate swift approval processes.

Environmental Permitting: Our firm is experienced in securing environmental permits from quasi-governmental and governmental agencies, such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. We manage all aspects of environmental compliance, including environmental resource permitting, wetlands delineation and mitigation.

Subdivision and Platting: We guide clients through the subdivision process, including the preparation and approval of preliminary and final plats and subdivisions. Our attorneys ensure adherence to all local subdivision regulations.

Development Agreements: We negotiate and draft development agreements that protect our clients’ interests while fostering positive relationships with applicable governing agencies and other stakeholders.

Impact Fees and Exactions: Our team provides strategic advice on negotiating and minimizing impact fees and exactions, helping to reduce development costs.

Declarations, Covenants and Reciprocal Easement Agreements: We negotiate and draft declarations, covenants, reciprocal easement agreements and related documentation required to create a unified development and manage the maintenance of common areas and common facilities.

At WHWW, we believe in proactive and strategic problem-solving. Our attorneys collaborate with clients to identify potential obstacles early in the development process and devise innovative solutions. Whether dealing with regulatory challenges, community opposition, or complex permitting and development requirements, we are committed to delivering results that align with your vision and goals.