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Recent News

BEWARE OF SCAMS AND PAYING FOR UNNECESSARY RECORDED DEED DOCUMENTATION

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 28, 2024) Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, our clients often find themselves inundated with paperwork and correspondence following property transactions or the transfer of real property to a revocable trust. They receive an official-looking document in the mail…

Pavese adds new attorney Stephen Dwyer

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Dwyer as an associate attorney. Mr. Dwyer will be focusing his practice on Real Estate Law, and Civil Litigation representing clients with residential and commercial real estate transactions. Drawing from over a decade of…

D.C. JUDGE ISSUES IMMEDIATE HALT TO FLORIDA 404 PROGRAM

By: Chene Thompson, Esq., On February 15, 2024, at 11:42pm EST, a judge presiding over the case of Center for Biological Diversity et al. vs. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, et al., issued a decision immediately vacating Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) programmatic biological opinion and…

TOLLING AND EXTENDING PERMITS, OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS DUE TO STATES OF EMERGENCY FOR HURRICANES IAN, NICOLE, AND IDALIA

By: Kelsey J, Weisenberger, Esq., Property owners should be advised that Section 252.363, Florida Statutes, extends certain permits and other authorizations in counties where there is a State of Emergency (SOE) declared by the Governor because of a natural disaster. This law provides that certain development…

New Federal Reporting Requirement for Business Entities Ownership and Control

By: Katherine R. English, Esq. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), adopted in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, went into effect on January 1, 2024. CTA requires many business entities to report basic information regarding who owns and…

WHAT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT

By: Alexander Menendez, Esq., In 2021, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act. The legislation is intended to create a database of information to assist the U.S. government’s efforts to track bad actors who hide or benefit through the use of shell companies. Companies, such as…

Neale Montgomery Honored as Notable Women Leader in Law by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite

Pavese Law Firm partner Neale Montgomery has been recognized as one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite Notable Women Leaders in Law. This prestigious accolade acknowledges Montgomery’s contributions to her work in all areas devoted to using land and protecting property rights which include land use,…

South Florida Water Management District Declares Water Shortage for Lee and Collier Counties

FORT MYERS, Fla. – On November 21, 2023, the South Florida Water Management District issued a Declaration of Water Shortage Warning for Lee and Collier Counties.  The District issued the Warning due to continuing drier than normal conditions and concerns about declining water levels.  Rainfall…

Insightful Tips for 2024 Budgeting and Annual Meetings

As winter approaches and a new year is just around the corner, the return of seasonal residents signals a surge in the association’s daily business activities. This guide offers invaluable tips and reminders tailored for managers and directors, both new and seasoned, empowering you to…

Pavese Law Firm Named in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms as a Tier 1 Metropolitan Firm in Three Practice Areas

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce its selection by Best Lawyers® as a Tier 1, Metropolitan firm in Fort Myers for Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning, and Real Estate Law. This prestigious designation is a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence,…

Empowering Education: Attorneys Leading the Way in Community Financial Matters

The CAI South Gulf Coast Chapter hosted Alex Menendez and Christopher Pope as presenters at their recent continuing education breakfast seminar. The event held on September 29th, 2023, brought together community association members, board members, and businesses eager to gain valuable insights into community financial…

Planning for Tomorrow: Everything you Need to Know About Hosting an Estate and Financial Planning Seminar

Pavese Law Firm partner Mary Vlasak Snell presented at the 61st Annual Conference of the International Catholic Stewardship Counsel (ICSC) held at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida, on October 2, 2023. The breakout session titled “Planning for Tomorrow: Everything you need to know about…

Congratulations to Six Pavese Law Attorneys Honored as 2024 Best Lawyers in America®

Pavese Law is proud to announce that six attorneys have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Attorneys Steve Hartsell, Neale Montgomery, Katherine English, Irene Kennedy Quincey, Charles Mann, and Chené Thompson were selected by their peers for inclusion in…

2023 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES FOR FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AND COOPERATIVES

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Construction Law; Condominium and Planned Development Law; Real Estate Law Staying informed about legislative changes is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of laws pertaining to condominiums and cooperatives. The 2023 Florida legislative session…

NEW WOTUS RULE BLOCKED IN FLORIDA

By: Katherine R. English, Esq. On June 26, 2023, The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of the Army (agencies) announced on EPA’s website that they are developing a rule amendment to the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule (WOTUS),…

THE SACKETTS RIDE AGAIN

By: Katherine R. English, Esq. On May 25, 2023, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, holding that the Clean Water Act applies only to traditional navigable water bodies (streams, rivers, lakes and oceans) and those wetlands with…

New WOTUS Rule Blocked in Florida

By:  Katherine R. English, Esq. The new definition of the Waters of the United States Rule (WOTUS) adopted by the US Environmental Protection Agency has been blocked from implementation in Florida.  See the Order here.  A coalition of twenty-four states, including Florida, joined by eighteen…

STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR HURRICANE IAN STILL IN EFFECT GIVING MORE TIME FOR DEVELOPERS AND PERMIT HOLDERS; GOVERNOR DESANTIS EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR HURRICANE NICOLE

By:  Amy S. Thibaut, Esq. Property owners in Florida may be able to extend their development approvals pursuant to the Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole states of emergency, which are currently active across all Florida counties.  Florida law provides that certain development permits may be…

Pavese Law partner Kate English appointed to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women

Nominated by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture to four-year term Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson appointed Kate English to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. The Pavese Law partner will be sworn in on March 22 in Tallahassee to serve a four-year term….

Waters of the United States Rule (WOTUS) Update

By:  Katherine R. English, Esq. On January 18, 2023, the Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Environmental Protection Agency published their final rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act in the Federal Register at 88 FR 3004.  The…

Neale Montgomery, Woman of Vision

We would like to congratulate Neale Montgomery, Partner with Pavese Law Firm for her recent feature in Gulfshore Life’s “Women Visionaries” issue.

Alexander J. Menendez and Alton M. Kuhn named Partners at the Pavese Law Firm

Alexander J. Menendez | Alton M. Kuhn FORT MYERS, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2023) – Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorneys Alexander J. Menendez and Alton M. Kuhn have been named partners at the firm. Mr. Menendez concentrates his practice in the areas of…

EMERGENCY RULE 5MER22-8 HURRICANE IAN REPLACEMENT FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS

By:  Irene Kennedy Quincey, Esq. and Raychel A. Thomas, Esq. Emergency Rule allows Florida Ag Producers to Reapply Fertilizer to Damaged Areas to Reestablish Crops Impacted by Hurricane Ian.  Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida’s agricultural industry and the resulting loss of vast perishable commodity crops…

Pavese Law Firm adds attorney Luke L. Kane

Pavese Law Firm believes in mentoring and real life experience as the optimal way to shape the future of law in Southwest Florida. The firm has been hiring and mentoring recent law school graduates demonstrating drive and promise and guiding them through the first steps…

Pavese Law Firm Adds Attorney Brett G. Bleier

Pavese Law Firm is helping to shape the future of law in Southwest Florida by hiring and mentoring recent law school graduates demonstrating drive and promise, and guiding them through the first steps in their career as practicing attorneys. Pavese Law Firm is proud to…

Pavese Law Firm’s Raychel Thomas passes the Bar

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney Raychel Thomas passed the bar and was sworn in on Monday, September 26. Ms. Thomas joined Pavese in 2021. Her primary areas of focus include Agricultural and Natural Resources Law, Environmental and Water Law, and Land…

HURRICANE IAN RECOVERY – CONDOMINIUMS AND HOAS BEWARE

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Christopher J. Shields, Esq., Alexander J. Menendez, Esq., and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. The aftermath of Hurricane Ian has left many condominium and homeowners’ association communities with severe damage, many of which are uninhabitable, or, for those located on the barrier…

Pavese Law Firm welcomes two new Members

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce recent law school graduates Brett G. Bleier and Luke L. Kane have joined the firm. Bleier is a member of the firm’s condominium & homeowners/transactional law group. His practice will encompass a broad range of matters including enforcement…

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS AFTER HURRICANE IAN

By:  Christopher J. Shields, Esq., Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Alexander J. Menendez, Esq., and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. The Board has a duty to take reasonable steps to perform repairs and restore the condominium, assuming the governing documents do not require automatic termination based upon the…

Pavese attorney among “2022 Top Lawyers” Honored by Naples Illustrated

Pavese Law is pleased to announce that attorney Michael Lehnert has been named a 2022 Top Lawyer by Naples Illustrated Magazine. Lehnert joined the firm in 2021 and he concentrates his practice in the area of real estate law, including assisting property owners, lenders, and…

State of Emergency Re Hurricane Ian

By:  Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. On Friday, September 23, 2022, by Executive Order 22-218, Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency covering 24 counties, including Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County, relating to Tropical Depression Nine, aka Hurricane Ian. That order was amended Saturday, September 24,…

Christopher Pope Earns Board Certification in Real Estate

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney Christopher L. Pope has earned Board Certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization & Education. Mr. Pope is now triple Board Certified, having also earned Board Certification in Construction Law…

FLORIDA CONDO & CO-OP BUILDING REPORTING DEADLINE JANUARY 1, 2023

By:  Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. As an update to our June 7, 2022, article on the Building Safety Act, please be reminded that the deadline for Florida condominiums and cooperatives to report building information to the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes (“Division”) is…

Five Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Honored as 2023 Best Lawyers in America

Pavese Law Firm partners Christopher J. Shields, Steven C. Hartsell, Neale Montgomery, Katherine English, and Irene Kennedy Quincey were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Shields was selected in the practice area of Real Estate…

WHAT ARE PFAS AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?

By: Katherine R. English, Esq. and Irene Kennedy Quincey, Esq. Compliance Officers and General Counsels are now challenged to help their companies prepare for EPA’s planned PFAS regulations as part of its effort to protect the public and the environment from a little understood, but…

Pavese Law Firm welcomes Litigation Attorney Erin Casey

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney Erin Casey has joined the firm. Ms. Casey brings to the firm over 20 years of combined criminal and civil litigation experience. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Casey practiced Criminal Defense for 13 years as…

Pavese Law Firm welcomes summer law clerks

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to welcome two summer law clerks, Freddy Maldonado from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and Kelsey Grant from Ava Maria School of Law, as their vision for the future requires inspiring young professionals and helping them discover…

Pavese Law Firm attorneys recognized by the 2022 Florida Super Lawyers® Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce attorneys Christopher Shields, Steven Hartsell, Neale Montgomery, Charles Mann, Christina Harris Schwinn, Charles Capps, and Chené Thompson have been named to the esteemed 2022 Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in Florida. Mr. Shields, Mr. Mann, and Mr….

MISCLASSIFYING EMPLOYEES AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS: IS IT WORTH THE RISK?

By: Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq, LLM Determining whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor under federal and state law requires more than a written agreement designating the individual as an independent contractor.  The tests for determining who can qualify as an independent…

FLORIDA CONDO & CO-OP SAFETY BILL PASSES IN A SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE

By: Christopher J. Shields, Esq. and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the Legislature is in session” is a quote attributed to either Mark Twain or Gideon J. Tucker depending on who you ask.  The same now apparently applies…

Christina Harris Schwinn Elected Incoming President of North Fort Myers Rotary Club

Pavese Law is pleased to announce Christina Harris Schwinn has been elected as incoming President of the North Fort Myers Rotary Club by its members, and will serve for the term of one year starting July 1. She will be inducted into her presidency the…

Effective July 1st, Changes to Florida’s Tree Removal Statute Could Impact Your Condo, HOA, or Co-op

By: Christopher J. Shields, Esq. and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. How many lawyers does it take to cut down a tree? A new bill amending Section 163.045 of the Florida Statutes recently made its way through the Florida legislature and is set to become effective July…

Harbor South Condominium – 20 Years Working Together

Harbor South Condominiums celebrated their 55th anniversary in 2022. Pavese Law Firm has represented Harbor South Condominium Association for 20 years. In recognition of this service, Harbor South presented Pavese Law Firm this poster depicting the history and development of the building and the surrounding…

CONDO ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION UNDER
SECTION 718.1255 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES

By:  Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. This article concerns the recent amendments to the alternative dispute resolution provisions of the Condominium Act. All references to sections and subsections of statutes in this article are to the Florida Statutes (2021). The Condominium Act requires arbitration of certain disputes…

Homeowners’ Associations – Remember to Discuss Preserving Your Community Covenants

By:  Alexander J. Menendez, Esq. It’s something that’s easy to put off. However, after being recorded for thirty (30) years, if not properly preserved, a community’s covenants or deed restrictions can be extinguished by Florida’s Marketable Record Title Act (known as “MRTA” for short).  Further,…

CONDOMINIUM BOARD MEMBER EMAILS TO PRIVATE EMAIL ACCOUNTS MAY BE OFFICIAL RECORDS

By: Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. On January 12, 2022, the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes (“Division”) issued a final order granting a Petition for Declaratory Statement (“DS”) addressing whether emails between condominium board…

AVOID CONTRACTING YOUR CONSTRUCTION LIEN SHIELD AWAY: POTENTIAL RISK COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS FACE WHEN FACILITATING AND FUNDING A TENANT’S BUILD-OUT

By:  Dillon L. McColgan, Esq. Last month, the Third District Court of Appeal in Florida filed its opinion in K.D. Constr. of Fla., Inc. v. MDM Retail, Ltd., 2021 WL 5617447 (Fla. 3d DCA Dec. 1, 2021), addressing a significant concern facing many commercial landlords—when…

CHAMPLAIN TOWERS SOUTH IN SURFSIDE, FLORIDA: FREDDIE MAC ISSUED NEW BULLETIN ON MORTGAGE ELIGIBILITY ON CONDOMINIUMS IN NEED OF CRITICAL REPAIRS OR WITH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Construction Law and Condominium & Planned Development Law Because of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, on December 15, 2021, Freddie Mac issued Bulletin 2021-38: Temporary Condominium and Cooperative Project…

Pavese Law Firm named among 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyers® and “Best Law Firms”

Achievement distinguishes firm among top in U.S. with a unique combination of quality law practice and breadth of legal expertise FORT MYERS, Fla. (Nov. 19, 2021) – Pavese Law Firm is being recognized as one of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® and U.S. News &…

OSHA SUSPENDS IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS MANDATORY COVID VACCINE/TESTING REQUIREMENTS

By:  Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. Effective as of November 16, 2021, OSHA announced that it will suspend implementation of its emergency temporary standard (ETS) on mandatory COVID vaccine/testing requirements that it issued on November 4, 2021.  This announcement follows the entry of an order by…

FLORIDA EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ALL NEW HIRES AND MORE

By:  Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. Why are employers required to report newly hired (rehired) employees and independent contractors?  The obvious reason is so that the State of Florida can determine whether unemployment  taxes are being paid on the wages paid to the employees.  There is…

Mandatory COVID Vaccines and Paid Leave. Does It Apply To Your Business? Maybe …

By:  Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. Ever since President Biden announced last September that his administration would instruct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) to promulgate an emergency temporary standard (ETS) requiring employers with 100 or more employees to require their employees to be vaccinated,…

FLORIDA CONDO LAW TASK FORCE UPDATE

The Florida Bar RPPTL Condominium Law and Policy Life Safety Advisory Task Force published its advisory recommendations for changes to condominium law and condominium operation on October 12, 2021 in response to the Champlain Towers South collapse that took the lives of 98 individuals in…

REAL ESTATE LAW AND THE PANDEMIC

By: Michael P. Lehnert, Esq. 2020 ushered in long awaited legal and technological advancements into the real estate market, which, by seeming happenstance, were immensely beneficial in allowing the market to cope with COVID-19’s shocking effects. Assimilation of these technological advancements into legal practice has…

Legal Update: Deadlines For Adopting Condominium Budgets Are Fast Approaching

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in both Construction law and Condominium and Planned Development Law Effective July 1, 2021, Florida condominium law now requires that the annual budget for condominium associations be proposed to unit owners and adopted at least…

Don’t Be A Victim of Property Fraud

By: Amy S. Thibaut, Esq. Property fraud is becoming one of the prevalent white-collar crimes in the United States.  Property fraud may occur when someone else records a fraudulent deed, mortgage or other document in the public records, in which it appears that ownership or…

Gulfshore Business Names Amy Thibaut To Prestigious 40 Under 40 List

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney Amy Thibaut recently earned a prestigious honor as Gulfshore Business named her one of Southwest Florida’s top professionals under the age of 40. The magazine profiled Amy and the other 40 Under 40 honorees in its…

GOVERNOR DESANTIS’S STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM ELSA HAS EXPIRED

Executive Order 21-150 was issued on July 3, 2021, declaring a 60-day state of emergency for Tropical Storm Elsa in certain Florida counties, including Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties. The State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Elsa was not extended and has now expired, so…

CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS: CAN INTEREST BE COLLECTED IF AN OWNER OR CONTRACTOR FAILS TO TIMELY MAKE A DOWNSTREAM PAYMENT UNDER A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law We often get asked by contractors, subcontractors, or materialmen whether they are also entitled to recover interest when a payment is late from the…

Emergency Powers, Virtual Meetings, and Masks For Florida Condos, Co-ops, and HOAs

By: Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. and Christopher J. Shields, Esq. As you may be aware, the State of Florida is no longer under a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor DeSantis has not given any indication that he will issue another….

Three Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Honored As 2022 Best Lawyers Of America

Pavese Law Firm partners, Christopher J. Shields, Steven C. Hartsell, and Neale Montgomery were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 28th edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Shields was selected in the practice area of Real Estate Law.  Hartsell and Montgomery were…

Pavese Law Firm ‘Best of Business’ 2021 Voted Best Corporate and Business Law Firm

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce it was named “Best Corporate and Business Law Firm” in Gulfshore Business magazine’s ninth annual Best of Business readers’ poll.  Pavese Law is honored to win the annual ‘Best of Business’ Award in this category.  The firm was…

GOVERNOR DESANTIS DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM ELSA

Executive Order 21-150 was issued by Governor DeSantis on Saturday, July 3, 2021, declaring a 60-day state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Elsa in various counties, including Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties.  Executive Order 21-151 was subsequently issued on Monday, July 5, 2021 to…

The State of Emergency 21-94, Extension of Executive Order 20-COVID-19 Was Not Extended

State of Emergency 21-94, Extension of Executive Order 20-COVID-19, was issued on April 27, 2021 for a 60 day period. The State of Emergency for COVID-19 was not extended and has now expired, so the 90 day clock for filing for State of Emergency time…

Does my Association have to go back to Hosting In Person Meetings?

By:  Alexander J. Menendez, Esq. You may have noticed that the world is reopening from COVID lockdown. With the proliferation of vaccines and falling infection and mortality rates, businesses and local governments are further scaling back restrictions and policies that have been the “new normal”…

Legislative Changes to Assessment Notices and Collections Procedures for Florida Condominiums, Cooperatives, and Homeowners Associations

By:  Christopher J. Shields, Esq. and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. On June 16, 2021, Governor DeSantis approved the final version of Senate Bill 56: Community Association Assessment Notices (“SB 56”).[1] Accordingly, the changes provided therein will become effective on July 1, 2021. All Florida condominium associations,…

Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Recognized by the 2021 Florida Super Lawyers® Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce attorneys Christopher Shields, Neale Montgomery, and Christina Harris Schwinn have been named to the esteemed 2021 Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in Florida.  Mr. Shields was named in the field of Real Estate, Ms. Montgomery was named…

2021 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR FLORIDA COOPERATIVES

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq. and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. The 2021 Florida legislative session produced several bills that made numerous changes to cooperative law (Chapter 719, Florida Statutes; the Cooperative Act) that will affect the operation of cooperatives across the State. Below is a summary…

2021 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law The 2021 Florida legislative session produced several bills that made numerous changes to condominium law (Chapter 718, Florida Statutes; the Condominium Act) that will…

2021 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONS

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law The 2021 Florida legislative session produced several bills that made numerous changes to homeowners’ association law (Chapter 720, Florida Statutes; the Homeowners’ Association Act)…

Don’t Miss Your Deadline!
Changes to Florida Summary Judgment Rule Could Catch Lawyers off Guard

By: Chene’ M. Thompson, Esq. As most people know, settlement is the #1 way that lawsuits get resolved. Perhaps the second most frequent way to resolve a case, in the civil context, is by a Motion for Summary Judgment. A summary judgment motion may be…

FEDERAL COURT OVERTURNS THE CDC’S NATIONWIDE EVICTION MORATORIUM: HAS IT BREATHED ITS LAST BREATH?

By: Eric D. Molina, Esq. On May 5, 2021, a federal district court for the District of Columbia vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (“CDC”) nationwide eviction moratorium, which was set to expire on June 30, 2021, after several prior extensions of the…

Impact of Recent COVID-19 Executive Orders on Florida Condos & HOAs

By: Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. -and-Christopher J. Shields, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Real Estate Law andCondominium and Planned Development Law Executive Order 21-81:        On April 2, 2021 Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 21-81 which dealt with vaccination documentation to be effective…

Gov. DeSantis Terminates Local Government Restrictions and Mandates Imposed Based on COVID-19 State of Emergency

Governor DeSantis signed two Executive Orders on May 3, 2021 terminating state agency and local government emergency orders, restrictions and mandates imposed due to COVID-19.  Executive Order 21-101 invalidates “any emergency order issued by a political subdivision due to the COVID-19 emergency which restricts the…

LAST CHANCE FOR FLORIDA HOAS TO ADOPT UNIFORM RENTAL RESTRICTIONS THAT WILL APPLY TO ALL OWNERS

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law andCondominium and Planned Development Law-and-Christopher J. Shields, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Real Estate Law andCondominium and Planned Development Law Barely a week ago, on April…

FIVE OPTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO A CONSTRUCTION LIEN

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law Under Florida’s Construction Lien Law (Chapter 713, Florida Statutes), a contractor or supplier only has 90 days from the last day they furnished labor…

Gov. DeSantis Extends Florida’s COVID-19 “State of Emergency” Order

Governor DeSantis signed Executive Order 21-94 on April 27, 2021 which extends the COVID-19 State of Emergency because COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the state.  The extension is for an additional 60 days which allows permit and…

Employer Mandated COVID 19 Vaccine?©

By: Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. 2020 will be remembered, most notably, for the COVID 19 pandemic (“COVID”) and the total upheaval of home and work life as we knew both before COVID.  Since COVID became an unfortunate reality of life, clients call me—almost daily—asking whether…

Low-E Windows Are Literally (And Figuratively) Green And Likely A Material Alteration of the Condominium

By: Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law Most condominium Declarations require the unit owners to maintain, repair, and replace the windows to their unit (except when damage is caused by an…

Employment Law Attorney Christina Schwinn Authors Article on Florida’s Eligibility Verification Requirements

Employment Law Attorney Christina Schwinn guest authored an article in the April 2021 edition of Southwest Florida Business Today covering new employment eligibility requirements that went into effect January 1, 2021 in the state of Florida. These requirements are in addition to federal mandates to…

FLORIDA CONDOMINIUMS AND HOAs GIVEN NEW LIABILITY PROTECTIONS FOR COVID-19-RELATED CLAIMS

By: Christopher J. Shields, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Real Estate and Condominium and Planned Development Law and Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. On Monday, March 29, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that among other things, establishes liability protections…

Pavese Law Firm’s Christina Harris Schwinn presented HR courses at COMA meetings

Pavese Law firm partner Christina Harris Schwinn was the guest speaker at two recent COMA meetings held in Fort Myers and Naples earlier this month. Schwinn presented her course on “Accommodating the Disabled in the Workplace and Recognizing Substance Abuse.” Schwinn’s presentation focused on an…

Forcing Nonexempt Employees to Work Off the Clock (without pay) Violates the Law

By: Christina Harris Schwinn, Esq. A recent appellate court case from the Fifth Circuit Court Appeals[1] is a stark reminder that employers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that nonexempt employees accurately record all time worked and are fully compensated for all hours worked regardless of…

Five Common Problems with Condominium Documents that Leave Condominium Associations and their Members Exposed

By:  Christopher L. Pope, Esq., Board Certified by the Florida Bar in both Construction Law and Condominium and Planned Development Law The governing documents of condominium associations, which include the Declaration of Condominium, the Articles of Incorporation, the Bylaws, and any Rules and Regulations, are…

Florida Mandates New Employment Eligibility Verification Requirements

The new requirements effective January 1, 2021 affect both private and public sector employees, but do so in different ways.  This article will outline many of the new requirements imposed on both private and public sector employers, as same relates to verifying whether a person…

Winter 2021 Community Association Newsletter

Attorney Charles Capps has been Appointed to the Condominium and Planned Development Law Certification Committee Attorney Christopher Pope Earns The Florida Bar Certification in Construction Law Construction Contracts: “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure” A Second Look at Conducting Community Association…

DECEMBER 2020 EMPLOYMENT LAW NEWSLETTER

DID THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION GRANT A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE TO EMPLOYERS? Hmmmm…MAYBE May an employer require its employees to receive the COVID 19 vaccine when available? This is a question that has been asked of the author of this news update many times and…

Christopher L. Pope Earns Board Certification in Construction Law, Joining a Select Group of Specialists

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney Christopher L. Pope recently earned Board Certification in Construction Law in the Florida State Bar. In 2019, Mr. Pope also became Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law, making him one of only two attorneys…

NEWS ALERT…PERMITS ELIGIBLE FOR EXTENSION DUE TO TROPICAL STORM ETA

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

Community Association Newsletter Special Alert: Community Association Emergency Powers Update

By:  Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. & Christopher J. Shields, Esq. Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-52 on March 9, 2020 declaring a state of emergency under Section 252.36 of the Florida Statutes relating to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and the disease caused…

Pavese Attorneys Among “2020 Top Lawyers” Honored by Naples Illustrated

Pavese Law is pleased to announce that attorneys Steve Hartsell and Neale Montgomery have been named 2020 Top Lawyers by Naples Illustrated magazine. Mr. Hartsell is Florida Bar Board Certified in Condominium and Planned Development Law. He concentrates his practice in land use, zoning and…

Four Pavese Law Firm attorneys honored as 2021 Best Lawyers in America

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce partners, Christopher J. Shields, Steven C. Hartsell, Neale Montgomery, and Katherine R. English were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 27th edition of The Best Lawyers in America©. Shields was selected in the practice area of…

Summer 2020 Community Association Newsletter

A Primer for Conducting Community Association Meetings Via Remote Means Proper Payments: Don’t Pay Twice for Your Construction Projects What Does the Limited Extensions of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief Mean for Community Associations? Emotional Support Animals – SB 1084: New Dog, Old Tricks Changing…

Charles Capps appointed to the Condominium and Planned Development Law Certification Committee

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorney Charles Capps has been appointed to the Condominium and Planned Development Law Certification Committee. This committee is comprised of board-certified condominium and planned development attorneys who are appointed by the Florida Bar to administer the screening…

EPA on Agricultural Respiratory Protection Shortages during COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

It is imperative that agricultural pesticide applicators wear respiratory protection when required by pesticide product labeling. The COVID-19 public health emergency has created a significant increase in demand for respirators to protect healthcare workers which has, in turn, limited availability of respiratory protection options for…

Community Association Newsletter Special Alert: An Update on Community Association Emergency Powers Re COVID-19

By:  Christopher J. Shields, Esq. & Vanessa Fernandez, Esq. As you are aware, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-52 on March 9, 2020 declaring a state of emergency under Section 252.36 of the Florida Statutes relating to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2,…

Community Association Newsletter Special Alert: The HEROES Act Would Be A Villain to Community Associations

By:  Christopher J. Shields, Esq. & Alexander J. Menendez, Esq. As Congress continues to mull over the 1,800 page HEROES Act that was passed by the House of Representatives on Friday, May 15th, a host of oversights have slipped through the cracks with very serious…

Pavese Law Firm attorneys recognized by the 2020 Florida Super Lawyers® Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce attorneys Neale Montgomery and Christopher Shields have been named to the esteemed 2020 Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in Florida. This honor is bestowed upon no more than five percent of lawyers statewide. Selections for the revered Super Lawyers list result…

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn Panelist at the Above Board Chamber Lee County Luncheon Meeting

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at the Crown Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers. During the luncheon, a panel of experts will discuss “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People!”  The panelists will…

Winter 2020 Community Association Newsletter

Lender Questionnaires, Estoppel Certificates, Transfer Fees And Resale Capital Contributions (Who Can Charge Whom, What, When And Where?) Tenants Have Vested Rights – Even After Foreclosure Website Accessibility – “Surf By” Lawsuits – A Growing Trend© An Overview Of Consideration For Community Associations That Want…

2020 Brings New Minimum Salary Requirements and More ….©

The United States Department of Labor was on a mission in 2019 to publish two important—need to know—final rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”): 1) minimum salary for salary exempt employees; and 2) a clearer definition of Regular Rate of Pay (hourly pay…

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn Panelist at Above Board Chamber Lee County Luncheon Meeting

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Crown Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Dr, Fort Myers. During the luncheon, a panel of experts will discuss “Time Management for Business”.  The panelists will include Christina Harris…

Business Commercial Rent and Surcharge Tax Updates Beginning January 2020

Commercial Rent The state of Florida has issued a reduced sales tax rate on commercial rent beginning January 1, 2020. This reduction takes the commercial rent sales tax from 5.7% to 5.5% at the state level. This new law will cause landlords to amend existing…

Pavese Law Firm Welcomes Attorneys Alton Kuhn and Vanessa Fernandez

Pavese Law Firm continues to meet the needs of its clients with the latest additions of two new attorneys. Alton Kuhn will be practicing in the areas of Real Estate Development, Commercial and Residential Transactions, Condominium and Homeowners’ Association Law, and Business Law. Vanessa Fernandez will…

Montgomery Honored as 2019 Top Lawyer by Naples Illustrated Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce Neale Montgomery was named to the 2019 Top Lawyers List by Naples Illustrated Magazine. Montgomery concentrates her practice in land use, zoning and local government; environmental and water; and real estate law.  She focuses primarily on real estate and environmental…

Five Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Named to 2020 Best Lawyers in America List

Attorneys William T. Haverfield II, Christopher J. Shields, Steven C. Hartsell, Neale Montgomery, and Frank A. Pavese, Jr. were selected by peers for inclusion in the 26th edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Haverfield was selected in the practice area of Family Law, Shields…

Pavese Law Firm Welcomes Justin Mazzara to our Litigation Team

Attorney Justin Mazzara has joined Pavese Law Firm and will be practicing in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Real Estate, Construction, and Business Law. Mazzara earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of West Florida and graduated cum laude from the University of Florida Levin…

Partners Recognized as Florida Trend’s 2019 Legal Elite

Attorneys Christopher J. Shields and Chené M. Thompson have been recognized in the 2019 edition of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. This is Shields’ sixth year named in the legal elite category. The list of honorees, published in the July issue of Florida Trend magazine, includes…

HB 7103 Goes into Effect Providing for Prevailing Party Attorneys Fees in Comp Plan Challenges to Local Development Orders

On June 28, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7103 which went into effect immediately. The bill contains a number of amendments relating to land use and comprehensive plan requirements, including requirements that local governments must review applications for permits within specified time frames,…

Knick v. Township, No. 17-647 (U.S. June 21, 2019).

“It’s Alive!” In Rose Mary Knick’s family graveyard the U.S. Supreme Court breathes new life into the once popular 42 USC §1983 claim for regulatory takings violations by local governments. “[N]or shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” The Fifth Amendment’s…

Pavese Attorney Earns The Florida Bar Board Certification in Condominium and Planned Development Law

Attorney Christopher Pope was recognized by The Florida Bar with Board Certification in Condominium and Planned Development Law. Florida Bar Board Certification requires a rigorous application process and examination, and is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar for the skills, special knowledge,…

Pavese Attorneys Recognized by the 2019 Florida Super Lawyers Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce attorneys William T. Haverfield II, Neale Montgomery and Christopher J. Shields have been named to the esteemed 2019 Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in Florida. This honor is bestowed upon no more than 5 percent of lawyers…

Attorney Mary Vlasak Snell Completes Life Planning Seminar Series

Mary Vlasak Snell, a partner at Pavese Law Firm, recently completed a series of complimentary Life Planning Seminars in partnership with the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida. Snell was a featured speaker at 10 educational seminars in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Punta Gorda,…

Habitat for Humanity 2019 Women Build Kick Off Party – March 6, 2019

Pavese is a proud sponsor at the Habitat for Humanity 2019 Women Build Kick Off Party.  This event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 6th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL. For details, click here: …

Human Resources Seminar for Community Association Managers – February 7, 2019

Please join United Community Association Networking (UNET) and Pavese Law Firm for a Human Resources seminar on “Reducing Exposure to Employment Claims and Avoiding Claims of Retaliation” on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Cross Creek Country Club, 13050 Cross Creek Boulevard, Fort…

Must A Residential Construction Contractor Pay Its Project Supervisor Overtime Pay?

Maybe.  It all depends on the project supervisor’s duties.  As a matter of background, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) issued an opinion letter in 2009 on this very topic under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), but withdrew it shortly thereafter stating the DOL…

October 2018 Employment Law Newsletter

What Employers and Employees Should Know about Confidentiality, Noncompete and Nonsolicitation Agreements May an employer restrict employees from working for a competitor following termination? The answer is yes, so long as the employer has a protectable legitimate business interest. Whether your company is an employer…

Fall 2018 Community Association Newsletter

The New Law Which Imposes Term Limits for Condominium Board Members; What We Are Advising Our Condominium Clients At This Time Website Requirement for Certain Condominium Associations Effective January 1, 2019 New Law Requires Homeowners’ Associations’ Board of Directors to Consider Filing Notice of Preservation…

Pavese Attorneys Among those “Top Lawyers” Honored by Naples Illustrated

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that attorneys William T. Haverfield, II, Diane L. Jensen, Christopher J. Shields, and Neale Montgomery have been named to the 2018 Naples Illustrated Top Lawyers list. William T. Haverfield, II Family Law   Diane L. Jensen Bankruptcy and…

Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Recognized for The Best Lawyers in America© for 2019

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce William T. Haverfield, II, Christopher J. Shields, and Neale Montgomery have been named to the 25th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for 2019. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in…

Pavese Law Firm named “Best Large Law Firm” by Gulfshore Business

Pavese Law Firm, a multi-practice firm serving individuals, families, small businesses and large corporations, has been named a winner of Gulfshore Business’ 2018 Best of Business Awards for “Best Large Law Firm.” Now in its sixth year, Gulfshore Business’ Best of Business Awards is the magazine’s…

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn Recognized as an APEX Finalist

Christina Harris Schwinn has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2018 APEX Award, which celebrates women who demonstrate professional excellence, champion community service and assist others in attaining professional goals and leadership skills.  Congratulations to Christina and the other four finalists on this much…

Community Association Newsletter – Special Alert: Amendments to HOA Rules and Regulations Now Need to be Recorded

A recent amendment due to take effect on July 1, 2018, to Chapter 720, Florida’s Homeowners’ Association Act will now require amendments to rules and regulations made on or after July 1, 2018 to be recorded in the County’s Public Records in order to be…

Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Recognized by the Florida Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that six (6) lawyers were selected in the 2018 Florida Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists appearing in Florida Super Lawyers® magazine. From the state, only 5% of lawyers are named to the Florida Super Lawyers® list; no more than 2.5% are named…

Pavese Attorneys Earn The Florida Bar Board Certification in Condominium and Planned Development Law

Four partners with Pavese Law Firm in Fort Myers, Christopher Shields, Steven Hartsell, Charles Mann, and Charles Capps, were recognized by The Florida Bar with Board Certification in Condominium and Planned Development Law.  Florida Bar Board Certification requires a rigorous application process and examination, and…

Delegation of Federal Dredge and Fill Permitting Authority to State of Florida

Chapter 2018-88, Laws of Florida, authorized the Department of Environmental Protection to assume responsibility for the dredge and fill permitting program established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The Department has begun rulemaking and is currently holding public workshops to present the draft…

Spring-Summer 2018 Community Association Newsletter

An Overview of Recent Amendments to Florida Laws Affecting Condominiums and Homeowners Associations and What You Need to Know Legislative Changes to Florida’s Cooperative Statute – Effective July 1, 2018 The Property Appraiser’s Database and Mailing Addresses – What Do They Have in Common? State…

Pavese Law Firm, Sponsor at the 17th Annual Tri-County HR Conference – May 4

Pavese will be a sponsor at the 17th Annual Tri-County HR Conference – HR University – Where Learning Never Ends on Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Lee County School Board, 2855 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The keynote speaker…

2018 LCAWL’s Annual Judicial Reception – May 3

Pavese Law Firm will be a sponsor at the annual Lee County Association for Women Lawyers (LCAWL) to be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018, with cocktails from 4:00-5:00 p.m. and reception from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Edison Restaurant in Fort Myers.  This event honors…

2018 Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Business Hall of Fame, Lee County – April 25

Pavese is a proud sponsor at the 2018 Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Business Hall of Fame, Lee County.  The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, with a cocktail reception…

SHRM SWFL honors Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn with 2017 Excellence Award

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that partner Christina Harris Schwinn was honored with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) SWFL’s 2017 Excellence Award at the March SHRM SWFL luncheon. Schwinn, former SHRM SWFL legislative director, was selected for this award because of…

Attorney Chene’ Thompson comments on Florida’s Judicial Hellhole Rankings Report

Business Observer – March 9, 2018 Read the full article: “Hell Bound”    

Pavese to Sponsor April 12 Above Board Chamber – Lee County Luncheon on “Ethics in Business”

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, April. 12, at Pelican Preserve Town Center, 9800 Veneto Drive in Fort Myers. During the luncheon, a panel of experts will discuss business ethics that govern how businesses operate, how business decisions are…

Coming Soon: The U.S. Department of Labor’s PAID Pilot Program

What does PAID Stand for? Payroll Audit Independent Determination. What is the PAID Program’s purpose? This pilot program is intended to test the efficiency of a self-reporting program to correct wage hour violations discovered by an employer and to create a mechanism whereby the employer…

Junior Achievement of SWFL, Board Chair, Christina Harris Schwinn discusses Volunteer-Based Programs

Gulfshore Business – March 2018 Read the full article:  “Mentoring our Future Leaders”

Board Certification Course for Condominium Associations – March 29, 2018

Join Pavese Law Firm for a complimentary seminar “Board Certification Course for Condominium Associations” scheduled for Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 8:00-12:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers, 12600 University Drive. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.  Continental breakfast will be served. Featured guest…

Board Certification Course for Homeowners’ Associations – March 21, 2018

Join Pavese Law Firm for a complimentary seminar “Board Certification Course for Homeowners’ Associations” scheduled for Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 8:00-12:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers, 12600 University Drive. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.  Continental breakfast will be served. Featured guest…

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn to speak at SHRM SWFL Lunch Meeting on March 14

Christina Harris Schwinn, partner, former legislative director and current member for  Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) will speak at the SHRM SWFL’s March lunch meeting on Wednesday, March 14  from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Crowne Plaza, located at 13051 Bell Tower Dr….

2018 Staffing Industry Analysts Executive Forum North America – March 1, 2018

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn will serve as a panelist during the 2018 Staffing Industry Analysts Executive Forum North America “The Ever-Expanding Landscape of Compliance – And What You Need to Know,” to be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2018…

U.S. Department of Labor Backs Away From its Onerous Internship Standard and Adopts Primary Beneficiary Test

In January of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) updated its standard for determining when an intern qualifies as an intern or is actually an employee. This new standard provides for a new flexible standard that is consistent with numerous court rulings over…

Be Part of…Give Where You Live Collier!

Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida invites the community to support its efforts to provide key programs on work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to local students by donating to the organization during the ‘Give Where You Live Collier’ fundraising initiative, which takes place at noon on…

2018 Southwest Florida Women’s Business Summit – February 16, 2018

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn will speak at the 2018 Southwest Florida Women’s Business Summit, taking place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 16, 2018 at Florida SouthWestern State College, Building U, in Fort Myers. The Lee County Economic Development Office (EDO) is hosting the event. Schwinn,…

Sexual Harassment Could Be 2018’s Hottest Topic

The only reason there is so much focus on this issue is because as each day goes by, more and more women are coming forward about their own experiences with sexual harassment and making allegations against powerful and prominent men.  These women are getting plenty…

Twenty-Seventh Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference – February 2, 2018

Pavese Law Firm is a proud sponsor at the Twenty-Seventh Annual Southwest Florida Water Resources Conference.  The conference will be held at the Pelican Preserve Magnolia Room, Fort Myers, FL on Friday, February 2, 2018.  This year’s theme, “The Changing Climate of Regulation and Funding”,…

Christopher L. Pope Named Partner

Attorney Christopher L. Pope has been named a partner at the Pavese Law Firm. Pope concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate law, condominium and homeowners’ association law and construction law. Prior to practicing law, Pope worked as an Area Construction Manager for…

Attorney Mary Vlasak Snell Selected to Junior Achievement, Hall of Fame, Lee County, Advisory Board

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Mary Vlasak Snell  has been selected to the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, 2018 Business Hall of Fame, Lee County, Advisory Board.  (www.jaswfl.org).  Ms. Snell is a long-time member of the Board of Directors United Way of Lee,…

Reggie Brown, past chair, passes the Golden Gator to newly elected SHARE Council chair, Katherine English

Attorney Katherine English has been elected chair of the SHARE Council for University of Florida Institute of Food & Agriculture Services, to serve 2017-2019. The Special Help for Agricultural Research and Education (SHARE) Council is a volunteer-led group dedicated to the development of the University…

Opportunity to Extend Permits Due to Hurricane Maria

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional 6 months. A written notification for such an extension…

Opportunity to Extend Permits Due to Hurricane Irma

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months. A written notification for such an…

Will the Repeal of DACA Impact Your Business? Maybe.

If your business employs workers who were granted work authorizations under President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”), read on.  On September 5, 2017, President Trump issued an executive order that sunsets the DACA program in six months unless Congress acts to pass a…

ALERT: Army Corps of Engineers Withdraws from the Florida Joint Application Process

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District is withdrawing from the Florida Joint Application Process, effective October 1, 2017. Beginning October 1, the Corps will only accept applications submitted directly to the Corps using its forms and formats. The Joint Application Form 62-330.060(1) submitted…

EPA Extends WOTUS Repeal Comment Deadline

The Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is extending the deadline to submit comments on its proposal to repeal  the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Rule until September 27, 2107.  The WOTUS Rule revised the regulatory definition of what kinds of areas would be protected…

Attorneys Haverfield, Jensen, Shields, and Montgomery Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2018 List

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce William T. Haverfield, II, Diane Jensen, Christopher J. Shields, and Neale Montgomery have been named to the 24th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for 2018. Mr. Haverfield was also recognized as the 2018 Fort Myers Family Law “Lawyer of the…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits due to Tropical Storm Emily

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

Attorney Mary Vlasak Snell Elected to United Way Board

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Mary Vlasak Snell  has been elected to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties Board of Directors. (www.unitedwaylee.org).  Ms. Snell is a long-time member of the board of directors of United Way of Lee, Hendry…

Pavese Law Firm Partners Acknowledged as Florida Legal Elite

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce that partners Christopher J. Shields and Charles B. Capps have been recognized among the prestigious roster of attorneys included in the 2017 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. The list of honorees, published in the July issue…

Pavese Law Firm Partners Named 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Pavese Law Firm is proud to announce partners William T. Haverfield, Diane L. Jensen, Neale Montgomery and Christopher J. Shields have been named to the esteemed 2017 Super Lawyers list of top attorneys in Florida. This honor is bestowed upon no more than five percent…

Summer 2017 – Part 1 Community Association Newsletter

Florida’s New Estoppel Law: How It Will Impact Condominiums, Cooperatives and HOAs in Florida and What You Need to Know. To view the full newsletter click here.

Spring 2017 Community Association Newsletter

Selective Enforcement and Waiver; Court Limits Their Use As a Valid Affirmative Defense 2017 Legal Updates: Election Dispute Medical Marijuana and the Workplace A Recall “Hole” in the Florida Statutes Homeowners Associations: An Election Procedure Pitfall To view the full newsletter click here.

Alternative Dispute Resolution April 28 at The Ins and Outs of Community Association Law 2017

Attorney Susan McLaughlin will discuss Alternative Dispute Resolution during The Ins and Outs of Community Association Law 2017, presented by the Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section. The seminar will take place from 8:45 a.m. to…

“Embracing the value, legacy of Junior Achievement”

“It is undeniable that our youth must develop an understanding of financial and business principles in order to be successful in life,” says Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn.  Click here to read her full article.   Published in The News-Press Date:  April 11, 2017

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits due to Wildfires

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits due to Zika Virus

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a state of emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  With some exceptions, the extension applies…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits due to Hurricane Matthew

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits due to Algae Blooms Extended by Another 60 days

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months. A written request for such an…

Breaking News…Texas Judge Blocks the DOL’s New Minimum Salary/OT Rule

On November 22, 2016, a judge in Sherman, Texas issued an order blocking the implementation of the Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) new minimum salary rule that was set to go into effect on December 1, 2016.  What does this mean for employers?  It means that…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits in 51 Counties due to Tropical Storm Hermine

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

Attorneys Haverfield, Jensen, Shields, and Montgomery Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2017 List

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce William T. Haverfield, II, Diane Jensen, Christopher J. Shields, and Neale Montgomery have been named to the 23rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America© for 2017.   William T. Haverfield, II, Marital and Family Law Diane L….

Attorney Neale Montgomery Selected as 2016-2017 Regional Council Member for Leadership Florida

Neale Montgomery has been selected as a 2016-2017 regional council member for Leadership Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Florida leaders to better serve the state. Montgomery will serve a one-year term, during which she will be engaged in communicating and…

Attorney Christina Harris Schwinn Recognized by Women in Business as Apex Award Finalist

Christina Harris Schwinn was recently honored as an Apex Award nominee by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee. The Apex Award salutes women in Lee County who excel in professional achievement, community service, mentoring and leadership. Schwinn is active in…

Pavese Law Firm Partners Recognized as Florida Legal Elite

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Attorneys Diane L. Jensen and Christopher J. Shields have been recognized in the 2016 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. The list of honorees, published in the July issue of Florida Trend magazine, includes attorneys in private practice…

Pavese Partners Selected by 2016 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Star Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that four (4) lawyers were selected in the 2016 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list appearing in the 2016 Florida Super Lawyers® magazine.  From the state, only five percent of lawyers are named to the Florida Super Lawyers…

Christina Harris Schwinn honored by Junior Achievement with Lifetime Achievement Award

Pavese Law Firm is please to announce that Christina Harris Schwinn, Partner received Junior Achievement of Southwest  Florida, Inc.’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015-2016. Ms. Schwinn, who once served as president for the Junior Achievement (JA) “company” established at her high school, now serves as…

News Alert…Opportunity to Extend Permits Due to Tropical Storm Colin

Section 252.363(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that certain qualifying permits and authorizations are eligible for an extension once a State of Emergency is declared for the length of time the declaration is in effect plus an additional six (6) months.  A written request for such an…

Mary Vlasak Snell and Chene Thompson Honored for Pro Bono Work

Gulfshore Business Daily – October 22, 2015 Attorneys Mary Vlasak Snell and Chené Thompson were honored at the Lee County Bar Association Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. Snell received the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award. Only seven other individuals received this level of recognition….

Attorney Schwinn speaks with reporter, Dave Elias from NBC-2 re: Florida’s consideration of $15 minimum wage.

For the full story click here.

Pavese Attorneys Named to The Best Lawyers in America 2016 List

William T. Haverfield, II, Diane L. Jensen, Christopher J. Shields and Neale Montgomery were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 22nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America© 2016.  Haverfield was selected in the practice area of Family Law, Jensen was recognized for…

Fort Myers Partner, Mary Vlasak Snell, Elected to United Way Board

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Mary Vlasak Snell  has been elected to the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee Counties Board of Directors. (www.unitedwaylee.org).  She is a long time member of the Board of Directors and an Allocations Team Leader….

Pavese Law Firm Named One of the 2015 Best Law Firm Finalists

Pavese Law Firm named one of the 2015 Best Law Firm Finalists in Southwest Florida by Gulfshore Business readers.  We would like to thank you all who participated and for those who voted for Pavese.  Our success reflects the continued trust of our clients and…

Pavese Law Firm Partners Recognized as Florida Legal Elite

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Attorneys William T. Haverfield II, Diane L. Jensen, Neale Montgomery, Christopher J. Shields, Brooke N. Martinez and Charles B. Capps have been recognized in the 2015 edition of Florida Trend’s Florida Legal Elite™. The list of honorees,…

Fort Myers Partner, Steven C. Hartsell Appointed Chair of Urban Land Institute, Southwest Florida District

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce Steven C. Hartsell has been named chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Southwest Florida District Council. Hartsell assumes the role of chair effective July 1. ULI is a nonprofit research and education organization representing land use and…

Law Firm Founder, Frank A. Pavese, Sr. Honored

June 2 was special day for Frank Pavese, the 91-year-old retired founder of Pavese Law Firm. Lee County Commissioners proclaimed that day “Frank A. Pavese Sr. Day,” to honor the long-time attorney for his contributions to the region. – See more at: http://www.businessobserverfl.com/section/detail/law-firm-founder-honored/#sthash.YqElfAEy.dpuf June 2…

Pavese Partners Selected by 2015 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Star Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that four (4) lawyers were selected in the 2015 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list appearing in the 2015 Florida Super Lawyers® magazine.  From the state, only five percent of lawyers are named to the Florida Super Lawyers…

Partner, Katherine English appointed to American Farm Bureau Federation’s Issue Advisory Committee on Environmental Regulations

Partner, Katherine English has been selected to serve a one-year term on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Issue Advisory Committee on Environmental Regulations. The American Farm Bureau Federation, or AFBF, works to enhance and strengthen the lives of rural Americans and to build strong, prosperous…

Notice to E-Verify Users

Effective January 1, 2015, employers will not be able to access records that were created on or before December 31, 2004 in the E-Verify system. If your company relies on the federal government’s database for storage of Form I-9 records, your company should take precautions…

Capps Earns Board Certification from Florida Bar

Gulfshore Business Daily, July 18, 2014 Charles B. Capps, Partner at Pavese Law Firm, has earned his board certification in real estate law from The Florida Bar. Board certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of…

Partner Schwinn to Discuss Legal Issues for Employees vs. Contractors

Christina Harris Schwinn will address the employee versus independent contractor classification issue on May 16 at the Tri-County Conference, which consists of three local chapter affiliates of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); HRMA of SWFL (Lee County), CCSHRM (Charlotte County) and HRCollier (Collier…

Pavese’s Schwinn Named To Advisory Board

Gulfshore Business Daily – December 28, 2012 Pavese Law Firm partner Christina Harris Schwinn was appointed to the advisory board for Florida Gulf Coast University’s Small Business Development Council, where she joins regional business leaders and professionals in supporting the goals of helping businesses grow, create jobs…

Attorney in the Spotlight

Attorney in the Spotlight is where we will present some of our attorney’s most distinguished and recent achievements. They will be linked below. – Christina Harris Schwinn – Eric Molina – Brooke (Bockemuehl) Martinez

Save The Date: Lunch & Learn Series

  Presented by Pavese Law Firm and Leading Edge Benefit Advisors, LLC Is your business prepared to accommodate tax and family leave requests from an employee who is married to a same-sex partner for equal treatment under federal law? Learn about this and more at…

Bankruptcy Auction

Date:  Monday, September 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Location:  Pavese Law Firm, 1833 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, Florida. All sales final at close of bidding – no guarantees are given on any property, personal or otherwise and no refunds given for any reason. Auction Notice

Lunch & Learn Series – April 30, 2014

Join Pavese Law Firm and Leading Edge Benefit Advisors for a complimentary seminar focused on “What to do when the Department of Labor Comes Knocking on Your Door.” Part of the Lunch & Learn Series, the employment law seminar, will feature guest speakers; Christina Harris…

Bankruptcy Auction

Date:  Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Location:  Pavese Law Firm, 1833 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, Florida. All sales final at close of bidding – no guarantees are given on any property, personal or otherwise and no refunds given for any reason. Auction Notice 

Elected Member of the Board with the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that Partner, Christina Harris Schwinn, was elected a member of the board with the Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida (JASWFL) for a term of 3 years.  Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young…

United Way Holds Election – Snell Re-Elected Secretary of the Board

New officers and 11 new board members were elected at the recent United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Okeechobee counties annual meeting. The officers and executive committee members for 2014-2015 are: Robert Wilson, chairman; John Clinger, vice chairman; Patricia Heath, treasurer; Craig Folk, assistant…

Partner, Christopher Shields Presenting at the Community Owners – Managers & Associates Networking Dinner Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. Location: The Plantation Golf & Country Club, 10500 Dartington Drive, Fort Myers, Florida. Presenter: Christopher J. Shields, Board Certified Real Estate Attorney For more information>>

Schwinn Committed to a Three-Year Term as a Member of the Board of Directors, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida

Read on about Christina Harris Schwinn by clicking here. Article first published in the September 2013 issue of the Res Gestae.  Res Gestae has given us permission to post this article on our firm website.

Attorney’s Title Fund Services Honors Pavese Law Firm

Attorneys’ Title Fund Services, LLC named Pavese Law Firm member of The Fund President’s Circle. The Fund President’s Circle is comprised leaders within the legal profession.  These firms have received this statewide recognition because of the commitment they have shown to their clients and to…

Pavese Law Firm Attorneys Recognized by the 2014 Florida Super Lawyers Magazine

Pavese Law Firm is pleased to announce that three (3) lawyers were selected in the 2014 Florida Super Lawyers and 2014 Rising Stars list appearing in the Florida Super Lawyers magazine.  From the state, only five percent of lawyers are named to the Florida Super Lawyers list;…