Eminent Domain is the right of the government to expropriate property for public use with payment compensation. In other words, condemnation or eminent domain is the legal process by which governments and utilities can acquire your land, your property even your home for purposes of a public project such as road and schools.
The 5th amendment of the United States Constitution, also known as the Takings Clause, contains an eminent domain clause that permits the government to acquire private property, both real estate and personal belongings, even a business for a public purpose but requires full compensation.
If you are not happy with the compensation offered for your property, you can contest it. In Florida, twelve (12) citizens are empaneled to determine the amount of compensation a property owner will receive when you fail to negotiate a settlement with the government. That is why you need an attorney with eminent domain trial experience.
Eminent Domain is the right of the government to expropriate property for public use with payment compensation. In other words, condemnation or eminent domain is the legal process by which governments and utilities can acquire your land, your property even your home for purposes of a public project such as road and schools.
The 5th amendment of the United States Constitution, also known as the Takings Clause, contains an eminent domain clause that permits the government to acquire private property, both real estate and personal belongings, even a business for a public purpose but requires full compensation.
If you are not happy with the compensation offered for your property, you can contest it. In Florida, twelve (12) citizens are empaneled to determine the amount of compensation a property owner will receive when you fail to negotiate a settlement with the government. That is why you need an attorney with eminent domain trial experience.
What do you do if you are notified that your home, business or property is going to be condemned by the government?
Eminent domain can be complex with special rules and regulations. Having professional representation helps insure you get the most value for your property. You also need to understand how the project, when completely constructed, will affect your remaining property. It is your constitutional right in Florida to receive legal representation and the condemnor is required to pay for your representation and other experts needed for your case. Afterall, they have a team of lawyers, engineers and experts working together to take your property. You need someone who’s working for you!
The process of who to choose can be overwhelming. It does not have to be. I would like to offer three things to consider when hiring an attorney:
It’s important to know an attorney’s area of expertise. It’d be terrible to hire a terrific attorney, only to find out that their expertise is in workman’s compensation and not eminent domain.
My practice is almost exclusively in the area of condemnation. My focus is on helping property owners whose land, home or business is being taken for public purpose.
If you are told to vacate a property, you need to be sure you receive comparable replacement of housing prior to displacement. This includes moving and related expenses, relocation planning and advisory services.
Your property will need to be appraised and the price for your property negotiated. You’ll also need adequate time to relocate.
Can you reach them on the phone? There are many moving parts in an eminent domain case. You’ve got a mortgage holder, moving from you home, relocating your business, the road is being constructed, driveways are being poured. A lot of times you need to get a hold of your attorney and the most important aspect of an eminent domain relationship is the ability for the client to contact his attorney when they need to.
If you hire me as your attorney, you will have my cell number. I will be available whenever you need me.
