Michael J. Tomkiewicz

Michael J. Tomkiewicz - Shareholder

Michael J. Tomkiewicz specializes in Florida eminent domain and property rights litigation. His practice encompasses a wide range of legal areas, including representing property owners and businesses in condemnation actions, inverse condemnation, regulatory takings, Bert J. Harris claims, land use and zoning disputes, as well as commercial and partnership litigation related to real estate. Michael has a track record of success in handling complex and groundbreaking cases, both at the trial and appellate levels.

With a substantial portfolio of eminent domain cases, Michael has consistently secured substantial benefits for his clients. Notable achievements include:

Facilitating a Pinellas County property owner in obtaining full compensation amounting to $3,713,000, a remarkable increase of $2,058,675 over the initial offer of $1,654,325.

Successfully opposing the government's attempt to take an entire 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse from a Broward County property owner, demonstrating that only a portion of the warehouse was necessary for a road project.

Negotiating a settlement of $300,000 on behalf of a Leon County property owner, an exceptional 150-fold increase over the condemning authority's initial offer of $2,000.

Michael serves a diverse clientele, ranging from large national corporations to local Florida businesses, individual property owners, and tenants, including gas stations, shopping centers, doctor's offices, churches, sand mines, and homeowners.

Background:

Michael's dedication to eminent domain law is deeply rooted in his personal experience with a government taking that affected a neighbor's lake house—a place where he cherished many summers during his upbringing. Originally from Upstate New York, where he resided on a small farm, Michael is an alumnus of the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. Interestingly, he once aspired to pursue a career as a professional musician. Today, he continues to support the arts alongside his wife, Ressa, and their three children.

Recognition:

• First District Appellate Inn of Court, Master of the Bench

Civic Involvement:

• Zeta Beta Tau, House Corporation President

Reported Cases:

• Berlin v. State Dept. of Transp., Case No. 4D18-3057, --- So. 3d ---, 2020 WL 88799 (Jan. 8, 2020)

Professional Associations and Memberships:

• The Florida Bar

Eminent Domain Committee, Member

• Tallahassee Bar Association