sean@gellislaw.com
561-371-2848
LEGAL SERVICES FOR FLORIDA’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
As Florida’s former FDOT General Counsel, I provide construction companies, contractors, and infrastructure firms with legal representation that understands both industry needs and agency operations. Having directed legal strategy for FDOT’s $12 billion work program and supervised 122 legal professionals across seven districts, I bring insight into how FDOT evaluates proposals, processes permits, and resolves disputes. Whether you’re bidding on a major project, navigating regulatory requirements, or facing a contract dispute, I help clients work effectively within Florida’s transportation framework to achieve their business objectives.
PROCUREMENT & BIDDING
From prequalification to award, FDOT procurement involves complex rules that can disqualify even experienced contractors. I help clients navigate the competitive bidding process, protest improper awards, and position themselves for success on major transportation projects. Having reviewed thousands of bids as FDOT General Counsel, I understand what makes proposals succeed and where agencies look for compliance issues.
– Bid protest representation
– Proposal review and strategy
– Prequalification disputes
– Cone of silence compliance
– Design-build and P3 guidance
CONTRACT MATTERS
Construction disputes often arise not from poor performance but from unclear contract terms, scope changes, or differing site conditions. I represent contractors and subcontractors in contract negotiations, claims, and disputes with FDOT and other public agencies. My experience overseeing FDOT’s contract administration helps clients frame claims effectively and resolve disputes efficiently.
– Contract negotiation and review
– Claims and disputes
– Change order negotiations
– Payment disputes
– Performance issues
REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE
Florida’s transportation projects involve layers of state and federal regulatory requirements that can delay projects or expose contractors to liability. I help construction companies maintain compliance with DBE programs, workforce requirements, environmental regulations, and other mandates. Understanding how FDOT monitors compliance allows me to help clients avoid problems before they start.
– DBE/SBE compliance
– Workforce requirements
– Environmental permits
– Right-of-way coordination
– Utility relocation issues
PERMITTING & APPROVALS
Securing necessary permits can make or break project timelines and budgets. I guide contractors through FDOT permits, environmental permits, local approvals, and utility coordination to keep projects moving forward. Having overseen FDOT’s permitting operations, I know how to present applications that meet agency requirements and avoid unnecessary delays.
– FDOT permit applications
– Environmental permits (DEP, Corps)
– Local government approvals
– Expedited processing strategies
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Transportation policy and funding decisions made in Tallahassee directly impact construction opportunities across Florida. As a registered lobbyist with extensive agency relationships, I represent contractors, industry associations, and infrastructure companies before the Legislature and state agencies. My dual experience in FDOT leadership and legislative advocacy provides unique insight into how policy becomes reality.
– Legislative representation in Tallahassee
– Agency advocacy and coordination
– Policy development – Industry association support
FRACTIONAL GENERAL COUNSEL
Many construction companies face recurring legal issues but don’t need a full-time general counsel. I provide fractional general counsel services to contractors, giving you strategic legal guidance on demand without the overhead of a full-time attorney. This arrangement allows growing companies to access sophisticated counsel for contract review, risk management, and business strategy as needed.
– Strategic business counsel
– On-demand legal counsel and advice
– Contract template development and review
– Risk management and compliance programs
– Business structure and entity formation
– Employment and subcontractor agreements
– Insurance and bonding matters
WHY FORMER FDOT EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Most transportation attorneys understand the law. Few understand how FDOT actually works from the inside.
As FDOT General Counsel, I supervised 122 legal professionals across seven districts and directed legal strategy for a $12 billion annual work program. I reviewed the contracts you negotiate. I oversaw the permitting processes you navigate. I managed the lawyers who handle your disputes. I participated in procurement decisions affecting billions in construction work.
This experience provides critical advantages for my clients. I understand how FDOT evaluates proposals and what makes agencies comfortable approving permits. I know how procurement decisions get made and which arguments resonate with agency staff. Most importantly, I understand that the best outcomes happen when contractors and agencies work together effectively—not when they’re adversaries.
Whether you’re bidding on a major design-build project, resolving a contract dispute, or seeking legislative support for transportation funding, my background helps you achieve your goals while maintaining productive relationships with the agencies you depend on.
CONTACT ME TODAY
sean@gellislaw.com
561-371-2848