Overview
John Hart is a seasoned litigator and trusted adviser with more than 40 years of experience. Throughout his distinguished career, John has focused on commercial real estate litigation, contract and business disputes, trust and estate matters, commercial leasing, property management, and distressed assets and loan workouts. His ability to navigate complex legal challenges and deliver strategic solutions has made him an indispensable partner for high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs, closely held businesses, and institutional clients alike.
John's extensive litigation background, including having taken dozens of cases to trial all across Florida and mediating countless disputes to favorable pretrial outcomes, gives him a unique perspective in advising clients on when to litigate, when to negotiate, and how to mitigate risks before disputes escalate. This tactical approach allows his clients to focus on their businesses, investments, and personal endeavors, without unnecessary legal distractions.
The hallmark of John's practice is his ability to select and quarterback the right team of professionals, anticipate challenges, and execute sophisticated legal and financial strategies, while serving as a steady, responsive, and trusted adviser. His commitment to practical, results-driven advice makes him an indispensable partner for clients who require the highest level of legal service and business acumen while navigating the complexities of private wealth, institutional growth, business operations, and high-stakes legal affairs.
Experience
Represented court-appointed receiver in evidentiary proceedings resulting in a prevailing motion to sell commercial property in Boca Raton over objections of a third party. U.S. Bank, N.A. v. Joe James Enterprises LLC, No. 50-2010-CA-007405 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 2014).
Prosecuted receivership and rent sequestration motions at evidentiary proceedings involving multimillion-dollar shopping center property in Orlando, Florida. PNC Bank National Ass'n v. Hiawassee Woods, LLC, No. 6:12-cv-01484 (M.D. Fla. 2012).
Prosecuted a motion for the appointment of a receiver in a four-day evidentiary hearing in a hotly contested matter involving a hotel and restaurant property in South Palm Beach. PNC Bank v. Kosovo Realty Corp., No. 50-2011-CA-002959 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 2011).
Tried commercial foreclosure action resulting in $7,619,621 final judgment in favor of client against borrower and guarantors on office complex in Vero Beach, Florida. PNC Bank v. Ameritrend Commerce Center, No. 3120 10 CA 01 0806 (Fla. Cir. Ct. 2011).
Represented lender in mortgage foreclosure action that resulted in summary judgment in favor of lender for approximately $1 million. On appeal, Fourth District Court of Appeal held that trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying motion to vacate foreclosure sale for alleged inadequacy of sale price where mortgagor failed to allege any irregularity or defect connected with the sale process. Esque Real Estate Holdings, Inc. v. C.H. Consulting, Ltd., 940 So. 2d 1185 (Fla. 4th DCA 2006).
Represented Mandalay Resorts Group Inc. in legal proceedings under Florida's Vexatious Litigant Law, section 68.093, Florida Statutes (2003), which resulted in barring further frivolous lawsuits against client. May v. Barthet, 886 So. 2d 324 (Fla. 4th DCA 2004).
Interlocutory appeal in mortgage foreclosure action involving gasoline station property. Represented lender in appellate proceedings affirming the entry of a dismissal order. After this decision, prosecuted remainder of action through conclusion of non-jury trial and judgment in favor of client, which judgment was also later affirmed by the Fourth District Court of Appeal. Walter T. Embry, Inc. v. LaSalle National Bank, 868 So. 2d 661 (Fla. 4th DCA 2004).
Represented Buckeye Check Cashing Inc. in defense of class action lawsuit involving allegations of usury and violation of various state statutes. Fourth District Court of Appeal held that federal law controlled enforcement of arbitration agreements at issue, and reversed trial court's order denying the lender's motion to compel arbitration. The Fourth DCA's decision was subsequently reversed by the Florida Supreme Court, but was reinstated by the Florida Supreme Court after the U.S. Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction of the case and issued an opinion affirming the Fourth DCA's 2002 decision. Buckeye Check Cashing, Inc. v. Cardegna, 824 So. 2d 228 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002).
Pro bono representation of a borrower, Ruby Kirkland, who was defending an ejectment lawsuit, seeking to evict her from her home of many years, thereby depriving her of her equity in the property. Lender structured the transaction through the use of an Illinois land trust in order to avoid foreclosure upon default. Fourth DCA held that the transaction at issue was not a valid Illinois land trust; it was a mortgage securing indebtedness. The Fourth DCA reversed trial court's order entitling lender to ejectment. Kirkland v. Miller, 702 So. 2d 620 (Fla. 4th DCA 1997).
Represented lender, New England Mutual Life Insurance Co., in an appeal involving in excess of $2 million of insurance proceeds from Hurricane Andrew in connection with two shopping centers in Dade County, Florida. Third DCA held that lender's interest in casualty insurance policy proceeds had priority over law firm's charging lien for services rendered to borrower in obtaining settlement with insurance company. New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. v. Podhurst, Orseck, Josefsberg, Eaton, Meadow, Olin & Perwin, P.A., 690 So. 2d 1354 (Fla. 3d DCA 1997).
Represented New York Life in a multimillion-dollar foreclosure action, with appellate proceedings involving litigation over lien priority rights between lender and community development association over unpaid property assessments. New York Life Insurance & Annuity Corp. v. Hammocks Community Ass'n, 622 So. 2d 1369 (Fla. 3d DCA 1993).
Defended appeal by borrower of judgment rendered in favor of lender on promissory note pursuant to verdict after conclusion of three-day jury trial. Also prosecuted cross-appeal, entitling lender to prejudgment interest at the default rate of 18% on borrower's promissory note obligation. Johnson v. Bauman, 549 So. 2d 1185 (Fla. 5th DCA 1989).
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
"Troubled Assets: Valuation, Legal and Asset Management Issues," National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries Valuation Committee Meeting (2010)
"Breach of Real Estate Contract Litigation, Case Law Update and Ethical Considerations," Palm Beach County Bar Association Real Estate Seminar (2009)
"Florida Foreclosure and Related Bankruptcy and Title Issues," National Business Institute (2004)
"Florida Foreclosure and Related Bankruptcy and Title Issues," National Business Institute (1999)
Recognition
Honors & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America (2016–2027)
Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2026)
Top Lawyers, Palm Beach Illustrated (2024–2026)
Power Leaders in Law and Accounting, South Florida Business Journal (2025)
Legal Elite Notable Managing Partners, Florida Trend (2024)
South Florida Power Leaders, South Florida Business Journal (2019–2022)
Top Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide (2004–2015, 2021–2022)
Pro Bono Award, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (2008)
Real Property Pro Bono Award, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (1998)
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.
Professional & Community Involvement
Professional & Community Involvement
John is a member of the American Bar Association's Litigation Section and the Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section. He serves as the mock trial coach for students at Miami Lakes Middle School and Barbara Goleman Senior High School and helped found Toby's Legacy Critter Creek Ranch Foundation, a nonprofit sanctuary ranch in Palm City.
Beyond the Bio
John is office managing shareholder of the firm's West Palm Beach office. Extending his leadership beyond the firm, he coaches the next generation of advocates through middle and high school mock trial programs. Born and raised in Miami, John can be found outside the office playing amateur jai alai, a sport he has supported for the past 30 years.
Related Capabilities
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
Education
J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
B.A., magna cum laude, University of Miami
