Florida Eminent Domain Law Firm Focused Entirely on Landowners

At Papalas & Griffith, we don’t just practice eminent domain law—we live it. For over 15 years, our firm has focused exclusively on representing landowners and business owners across Central Florida when the government tries to take property. That means we never work for the condemning authority—only for the people and families who own the land.

From roads and pipelines to public utility projects, we help our clients navigate Florida’s complex eminent domain process with one goal: full compensation and the best possible outcome for the property owner.

Built for Eminent Domain. Designed Around Our Clients.

Founded in Jacksonville, our law firm was built on a simple belief: landowners deserve experienced, honest advocates when the government comes calling. Our partners—Menelaos “Manny” Papalas and Charles “Chuck” Griffith—have tried and negotiated eminent domain cases and gone toe-to-toe with with condemning authorities across Florida for decades.

We don’t take cases on behalf of condemning authorities. Protecting landowners and business owners is all we do – and we do it well.

We Know Florida, From the Panhandle to the Peninsula

Our firm is admitted to practice in every level of the Florida court system, including:

While our office is located in Jacksonville, our reach is statewide. We serve clients from the Panhandle—including Pensacola and Tallahassee—to Central and South Florida cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami. Many of our cases stem from projects along the I-4, I-10, I-75 and I-95 corridors, but we’ve also represented clients in rural towns, beach communities, and fast-growing areas facing expansion-related takings.

Whether your property is near one of Florida’s beaches, in a major downtown setting, or situated in one of Florida’s many expanding rural communities, we understand the unique value of your land – and we know how to protect it.

Equipped to Stand Up To Every Major Agency In The State

Over the years, we’ve represented clients in cases involving:

• The Florida Department of Transportation (all 7 districts)
• Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise
• City and county governments
• Public utilities and water management districts
• Airport authorities and school boards
  

No matter who’s trying to take your land, our team knows how to hold them accountable and maximize what you’re owed.

What Sets Us Apart

Florida landowners have a constitutional right to full compensation. That’s our starting point—not a settlement ceiling. Here’s why clients choose us:

• We only represent landowners. You’ll never have to wonder which side we’re on.
  
  
• Our clients don’t pay us. Under Florida law, the government pays your legal fees separately—your compensation stays in your pocket.
  
  
• You get personal attention. We’re a small firm by choice. When you hire us, you work with our partners directly.
  
  
• We focus on outcomes, not quotas. We don’t take dozens of cases at once or measure success by billable hours.
  
  
• We think beyond the check. We’ve helped clients negotiate non-monetary solutions—like access changes or design modifications—that preserve long-term property value.
  

For Attorneys Across Florida—Let’s Work Together

If you’re an attorney with a client facing condemnation or inverse condemnation, we’re here to help. We regularly co-counsel with lawyers throughout Florida and welcome referrals for cases involving roads, easements, utilities, and other government takings.



Your client deserves experienced, focused representation—and we’ll treat them like our own. Contact us to discuss your referral.

Want to See the Results for Yourself?

We’re proud of the outcomes we’ve achieved for Florida property owners. In one case, a client was offered $404,450. After our involvement, the final award was $2,050,000. In another, a power line easement offer of $165,000 turned into final compensation of $1,340,000. See more of our results to understand what’s possible.

If you’re facing a taking—or advising someone who is—reach out to discuss your case. We’re here to help.