Justia Legal Services & Lawyers Directory

My real estate practice focuses on the acquisition, lease and development of commercial and residential properties, including office buildings, retail centers, condominiums, apartment complexes and single-family homes. I regularly draft and negotiate purchase contracts and ground leases for my clients, and work closely in conjunction with the them and their respective project management teams to help anticipate and resolve any issues that may arise throughout the inspection and development of the properties. I also have practical experience in the areas of commercial lending, real estate financing, and the creation of condominium and homeowner associations. The clients that I represent are particularly appreciative of my ability to continuously keep them updated as to the most current status of their matters, and advise accordingly regarding what steps should be taken next to help ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Practice Areas
Local government law, including serving as general counsel for the St. Augustine – St. Johns County Airport Authority and the City of St. Augustine Beach, Florida. Mr. Burnett’s practice also includes real estate development, real property and construction litigation, land use planning, comprehensive planning and concurrency, development agreements, financing and transactional matters. Mr. Burnett has represented all participants in the real estate development business including landowners, developers, contractors, lenders and brokers. His experience includes management of sensitive and controversial applications for development approval. Mr. Burnett has also handled litigation of contested zoning matters before the trial and Appellate Courts.

Education

University of North Florida, B.B.A. 1994
Widener University School of Law, J.D. 1998
Experience

Former Assistant County Attorney in St. Johns County, Florida.
Former Assistant State Attorney in St. Johns County, Florida.
Former Shareholder at Rogers Towers, P.A.
Regularly serves as outside counsel to local governments.
Represents numerous landowners and developers in negotiating with local government to obtain Development Agreements and Impact Fee Credit Agreements.
Represents landowners and developers seeking amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and vesting under the Comprehensive Plan.
Successful plat and street vacations.
Extensive trial experience, including over thirty jury trials and non-jury trials, as well as mediation and arbitration.
Representation of owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in disputes and litigation involving both commercial and residential contract and construction claims.
Professional Activities

St. Augustine Lighthouse (Board Member and Founding Lights Member)
St. Johns County American Cancer Society (Former Cattle Baron)
St. Johns County Bar Association (Past President)
St. Johns County Education Foundation (Board Member)
St. Johns County Salvation Army (Advisory Council Member)
Flagler College (Prior Visiting Instructor)
Bar Memberships

The Florida Bar
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida