Eminent Domain

Jones Foster recognizes that existing owners of private property are adversely affected when the state, county or other condemning authority exercises its right of eminent domain to gain control over property for government projects.  For decades, Jones Foster has effectively represented private owners and tenants who are adversely affected by the government’s exercise of its eminent domain powers.  Collectively, our eminent domain attorneys have over fifty years of practice, and include attorneys who have worked for the Florida Department of Transportation and the Palm Beach County Attorney’s Office. 

In representing our clients in eminent domain matters, the firm’s overriding objective is to secure the highest dollar amount possible for our clients, including the value of the actual land taken and any damage to the remaining property, such as reduced size of the remaining parcel, limited or restricted access, or lost profits to an operating business.  Once the condemnation process begins, Jones Foster brings to bear its legal talent and years of experience in this area of law.  The firm carefully evaluates a particular situation and assembles a team of professionals to represent the land owner.  These teams often include traffic engineers, drainage engineers, land planners, appraisers, accountants, and marketing professionals.  A value is eventually determined through one of three methods: negotiation, mediation, or trial by jury.