Tyler J. Derr

Tyler Derr is a construction litigator and trial attorney with a complementary business litigation practice, with experience in state and federal courts nationwide. Tyler represents developers, contractors, and owners in a wide spectrum of construction-related matters. He has a deep understanding of the full range of legal issues involved in any construction project, in addition to experience handling complex business litigation matters. His litigation experience spans construction defect claims, contract disputes, torts, enforcement of noncompete agreements, and class actions.

Tyler routinely represents developers and general contractors in complex construction defect matters throughout Florida, having handled numerous multimillion-dollar cases involving residential, multifamily, and single-family homes, condominiums, and commercial buildings, as well as representing national homebuilders in contract and tort matters with demands often exceeding $20 million. He is also experienced in contract drafting and review and dispute resolution. Over the course of his career, he has handled more than 200 depositions — including depositions of developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, engineers, architects, special inspectors, and industry executives — numerous multiparty mediations, and cases involving the enforcement of noncompete agreements, including those contained within franchise agreements.

Drawing on his experience as both a litigator, trial attorney, and a federal district court law clerk, Tyler believes the best results come from collaboratively working with clients to best meet their goals through the development of proactive and pragmatic strategies. His practical approach to cases has resulted in numerous successful resolutions.

Tyler dedicates a significant amount of time each year to helping deserving clients with their legal matters on a pro bono basis, including through his pro bono legal representation with Crossroads for Florida Kids. He is also active in his community, having served as a mentor for the U.S. Attorney's Office's Lockhart Elementary Lunch and Learn Program.

• Obtained dismissal of breach-of-contract claims on behalf of steel manufacturer, securing the company's motion to dismiss in federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a master homeowners' association in a personal injury lawsuit brought by a minor and his parents, with the judgment affirmed on appeal by the Florida Second District Court of Appeal.
• Obtained judgment and payment in excess of $8 million for owner represented in dispute arising from construction of beachfront home.
• Obtained trial verdict for computer managed services provider following trial.
• Represented restaurant franchise and obtained summary judgment of class action claims before class certification.
• Represented vertical transportation company in claims involving construction defects.
• Represented global transportation company in defense of numerous claims involving catastrophic torts and wrongful death claims.

• Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2026)
• Florida Rising Stars, Super Lawyers Magazine (2018–2021)
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

• American Bar Association
• The Florida Bar
  • Construction Law Committee
  • Editor, Constructive Talk Newsletter (2019–2020)
• Hillsborough County Bar Association

• "The Future of Construction Insurance and Bonding," American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law 2023 Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (April 12–14, 2023)