Joel B. Giles

Joel Giles practices in the areas of complex real estate and commercial transactions. He represents the developers of large mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects.

Experience

Represented a major developer in the development of a 1,200-acre waterfront community; a 4,000-acre DRI; and a 5,000-acre DRI.

Represented a public company in the acquisition of property for, as well as the construction of, a new high-rise office building.

Represented a major developer in the development of a $230 million high-rise, beachfront condo and hotel project.

Represented a local developer in the sale of a high-rise, beachfront hotel.

Speaking Engagements

"Funding and Legal Framework for Florida's Transportation Future," American Planning Association Florida Chapter Annual Conference, Tampa, FL (September 15, 2010)

"Connection Between Land Use and Transportation Planning," Pinellas County Economic Development Council Quarterly Meeting (January 21, 2010)

Honors & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America (2008–2027); Tampa "Lawyer of the Year," Real Estate Litigation (2020)

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Professional & Community Involvement

Joel is a member of the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section. He is also active in transportation and economic development in the Tampa Bay region. He chairs the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Council and co-chairs the Pinellas County Economic Development Council. He also serves on the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Transit Funding Committee and the Tampa Bay Partnership Transportation Task Force.

In the community, Joel serves on the board of trustees of the Canterbury School of Florida Inc. He is also pro bono counsel to Friends of Albert Whitted Airport, a nonprofit he helped form that offers aviation scholarships and educates the community about the historic St. Petersburg airport.

Joel's past civic involvement includes serving as chairman of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, which named him its Member of the Year. He is also a former chairman of Florida Resurrection House Inc., a St. Petersburg nonprofit serving families experiencing poverty and homelessness. He has been involved with the Tampa Bay Chamber, Catholic Charities Housing Inc., the Suncoasters of St. Petersburg Inc., and the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Inc. He has also been involved in numerous political campaigns, often serving as campaign treasurer.

Joel's leadership is rooted in St. Petersburg. He has led the city's business community and helped shape the region's transportation and economic development, and he helped form a nonprofit that supports the city's historic airport and offers aviation scholarships.