Overview
Aaron Dunlap brings a multifaceted perspective to advising his clients, including private developers, lenders, local land use clients, and businesses with interests in real estate or that regularly deal with state and local administrative agencies throughout Florida. Prior to joining Carlton Fields, Aaron worked for a Florida municipality, the Florida state land planning agency, and in private practice focused on real estate development, land use and zoning, and appearances before state agencies and local governments. His insider’s understanding of both private party and governmental priorities helps him find common ground and collaborate with stakeholders to craft solutions that benefit his clients.
Aaron's experience includes representing clients on land use and zoning matters before elected officials and local governmental boards and commissions concerning real estate development matters, drafting zoning code and comprehensive plan amendments, and navigating the public hearing process in municipalities throughout Florida. Additionally, his state and local government experience also encompasses drafting legislation and ordinances, development agreements, working through the implementation of new legislation, and Florida Sunshine Law and Public Records Act matters.
His previous experience with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity gives him special insight into state-level administrative workings and administrative actions, ranging from large-scale state land planning and real estate development issues such as sector plans, developments of regional impact (DRIs), the requirements and challenges to developing property in areas of critical state concern (ACSC), as well as handling the complexities of state and local agencies in obtaining real estate development entitlements and approvals.
On state administrative matters, Aaron can guide and facilitate discussions with state agency staff and leadership, draft legislation, and provide strategy and representation in government grants and contracting, procurement issues, and Chapter 120 administrative hearings before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
Aaron also has significant litigation and appellate experience in handling land use and real estate litigation on issues as varied as disputes between developers and municipalities, large-scale land use and zoning litigation, matters involving developer rights, homeowner and condominium association documents, restrictive covenants, and Public Records Act matters.
Aaron is board certified in City, County, and Local Government Law by The Florida Bar.
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