ABCS of Local Land Use and Zoning Decisions (Florida‪)‬

This article targets the general practitioner who is called either to assist clients in seeking local government development approvals or in opposing such approvals. Often times, attorneys are approached on the eve of a critical public hearing to urge support for or object to a development order. Many times, clients wait until the last minute to seek legal counsel to assist in what they perceive as a local political matter. What clients may not anticipate are the vagaries of local collegial boards or the impact of well-organized or invested opposition. They may also discount the expense and uncertainty of litigation that may result from a development order being issued or denied. The purpose of this article is to arm the general practitioner with the tools demanded by this unique legal arena. The emphasis is on prevention because the outcome is often dictated by the presentation of evidence in the local government proceeding. Expectations Associated with Local Government Boards