John assists clients in the areas of environmental law, real estate, and land use and zoning law, with an emphasis on litigation. He helps individuals, developers and public entities in all aspects of environmental due diligence, permitting and entitlement.
John's experience includes advising clients on compliance with the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act , the Endangered Species Act , the National Environmental Policy Act, the Rivers and Harbors Act, and Chapters 373 and 403, Florida Statutes, as well as 62-330, Florida Administrative Code, and 62-780, Florida Administrative Code.
John’s litigation practice includes the defense of clients in enforcement proceedings for violations of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, defense of citizen suits brought under the Clean Water Act, administrative litigation before the Division of Administrative Hearings over entitlement to environmental resource permits, coastal construction control line permits and state land authorizations, and the defense of industrial clients in class action pollution and nuisance litigation.
John has litigated claims arising under the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Private Property Rights Act, unconstitutional exactions claims under the decisions in Nollan, Dolan, and Koontz, and comprehensive plan consistency challenges under section 163.3215, Florida Statutes.
Prior to joining Smith Hulsey & Busey, John practiced with a statewide firm specializing in environmental, governmental, and land use and zoning law, and served as an assistant state attorney in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, where he tried numerous jury trials.
John is admitted to practice in all state courts in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In addition, he is admitted in the District Courts for Middle District of Florida and the Northern and Southern Districts of Georgia.