Menelaos “Manny” Papalas – Eminent Domain Attorney

Menelaos “Manny” Papalas is a founding partner of Papalas & Griffith, based in Jacksonville, Florida, where he devotes his legal practice exclusively to representing landowners in eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and related property rights cases. With over two decades of experience, Manny has handled hundreds of condemnation parcels across Florida—fighting for full compensation on behalf of private individuals, businesses, farmers, and landowners facing government takings.


He doesn’t represent government agencies—and he never has. His work is focused solely on protecting the constitutional rights of Florida property owners.

A Career Built on Property Rights—Not Government Work

Manny’s practice spans all stages of condemnation—from early negotiation and valuation disputes to courtroom litigation and appeals. He has secured multi-million-dollar outcomes in takings involving highways, utility corridors, pipeline easements, redevelopment projects, and transportation infrastructure. Whether a case involves a total taking, partial taking, or contested right-to-take hearing, Manny brings clarity, toughness, and strategic depth to each client’s situation.


He has also guided businesses through complex lost profits claims and relocation challenges, helping them recover business damages after FDOT or local agencies disrupted access or operations. His focus on getting more than just fair market value—by identifying severance damages, business loss, and other compensable elements—has helped clients recover two, five, or even eight times the government’s initial offer.

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Education & Legal Background

Florida State University College of Law, J.D., High Honors

  • Law Review Member
  • Clerked for Justice R. Fred Lewis, Florida Supreme Court

University of Florida,  B.A., Political Science

Manny began his legal career with strong foundations in appellate and constitutional law. His early work for the judiciary helped shape the meticulous, research-driven approach he brings to complex eminent domain issues today.

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Court Admissions

  • Florida Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • Supreme Court of the United States

Recognition & Ratings

  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent® Peer Rating
  • “Top 40 Under 40” – Recognized for legal excellence and advocacy on behalf of Florida landowners
  • Multiple speaking engagements and publications on condemnation law
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Professional Affiliations

  • The Florida Bar – Eminent Domain Committee
  • Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Florida Justice Association
  • National Association of Property Owners’ Counsel (by invitation)
  • Frequent CLE presenter on eminent domain litigation topics

Manny remains actively engaged in professional circles that shape Florida’s eminent domain law. He is often asked to speak on landowner rights, condemnation procedure, and valuation disputes in both bar and civic settings.

Local Roots, Landowner Focus

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Manny understands the unique pressures Florida property owners face—whether in coastal towns, rural farmland, or fast-growing metro corridors. His local knowledge helps him anticipate agency tactics and tailor arguments for the courtrooms and counties where these cases are decided.

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Want to Talk with Manny?

If you’ve received a notice or believe your property is at risk of condemnation, contact Menelaos Papalas for a consultation. He’ll help you understand your rights—and what compensation you may truly be owed.