Edward J. Page

Overview

A former federal and state prosecutor with more than 37 years of legal experience, Ed Page has tried more than 100 jury trials in state and federal courts and more than 250 bench trials. In 1987, he became Tampa’s first Florida Bar Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer. Ed handles federal and state criminal and civil matters, including white collar criminal, aviation, product liability, personal injury, family law, and complex commercial litigation matters. His white collar criminal representation covers both individuals and corporate clients, health care fraud (including False Claims Act matters), criminal tax, environmental crimes, asset forfeiture, attorneys general investigations, and regulatory enforcement. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, The Best Lawyers in America  named Ed as its Tampa Qui Tam Law "Lawyer of the Year." Ed is also the recipient of the Hillsborough County Bar Association's James H. Kynes Memorial "In the Trenches" Award for excellence in criminal litigation.

He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and flight instructor, and provides legal representation to pilots, mechanics, drone operators, and others involved in aviation matters, including FAA enforcement actions, TSA matters, airport matters, civil disputes, insurance, taxes, aircraft ownership, and U.S. Customs matters.

Ed is a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit civil mediator. He focuses his mediation work on False Claims Act cases, aviation matters, and general civil cases. Ed has held numerous positions of bar leadership, including serving as chair of the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission and The Florida Bar's Criminal Law Certification Committee.

Experience

Healthcare Fraud

• Represented physicians group involved in an Office of the Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, investigation concerning various billing practices.
• Represented a wheelchair and motorized scooter company involved in a federal grand jury investigation concerning its Medicare billings.
• Represented licensed pharmacist in federal “pill mill” investigation.
• Represented pharmacist in federal health care fraud investigation.
• Represented individual in federal health care anti-kickback statute investigation.
• Represented an oxygen and durable medical equipment company indicted in a federal grand jury investigation concerning its Medicare billings.

Aviation

• Represented flight school in TSA inquiry regarding simulator flight training.
• Represented flight school concerning flight training documentation.
• Represented flight instructor in TSA inquiry regarding alien flight training.
• Represented certificate holders in dispute with the FAA.
• Advised LLC member regarding the flight department company trap rule.
• Represented numerous pilots in various FAA enforcement actions.
• Represented surviving spouse in her husband’s fatal airplane crash.
• Represented pilot FAA accused of violating presidential (TFR) airspace.
• Represented flight school in crash litigation.
• Represented helicopter company in crash litigation.
• Advised pilots regarding FAA medical certification.

False Claims Act

• Represented physician in False Claims Act investigation.
• Represented national construction company in a False Claims Act case.
• Represented health care provider entity in a federal qui tam/False Claims Act federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. 
• Represented a major university in defending a False Claims Act case based on allegations of fraud in research grants submitted to the National Institutes of Health.
• Represented anesthesiology practice group in False Claims Act inquiry.

Federal Criminal Defense

• Represented FAA-certified mechanic in federal grand jury investigation.
• Represented companies and individuals in mortgage fraud investigations and cases.
• Represented seaman in federal criminal environmental investigation under MARPOL.
• Represented doctor in federal criminal tax fraud investigation.
• Represented telemarketing company in telemarketing fraud investigation.
• Represented former NFL football player in state criminal sexual battery investigation.
• Represented major league baseball player in DUI with injuries prosecution.
• Represented major league baseball player in felony marijuana case. 
• Represented company under federal investigation for honest services fraud.
• Represented individual in federal criminal clean air act investigation.
• Represented ship’s chief engineer in federal criminal environmental pollution case.
• Represented electrician accused of manslaughter.
• Represented college student accused of armed burglary.
• Represented juvenile accused of felony criminal mischief.
• Represented farmer in federal crop insurance fraud case.
• Represented oil reclamation company in federal criminal environmental pollution investigation.

Products Liability, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice

• Defended in a hip implant litigation in state and federal court, including multidistrict litigation.
• Defended the state attorneys general executive committee investigation of medical device manufacturer.
• Defended an aircraft products litigation.
• Defended a concert promoter in personal injury claims.
• Defended a hospital in complicated medical malpractice litigation.
• Prosecuted medical malpractice claim against the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Complex Civil Litigation

• Represented hotel chain in attorneys general price-gouging investigation.
• Represented individual in energy tax credit fraud investigation.
• Represented insurance agent in Florida Department of Insurance investigation.
• Represented businessman accused of trafficking in counterfeit goods.
• Represented gas wholesaler in price-gouging investigation.
• Represented online travel company in Florida deceptive and unfair trade practices investigation.
• Represented firefighter’s local union in defamation case.
• Represented company in civil breach of contract case.
• Represented witnesses in special litigation committee’s investigation under Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Represented businessman in civil breach of fiduciary duty case.

Elder Abuse

• Investigated, prosecuted, defended, and advised on numerous criminal and civil claims of elder abuse.

Family Law

• Represented ex-wife in post-dissolution accounting dispute regarding business profits.
• Represented lawyer's wife in dissolution proceedings.
• Represented a husband in child custody matter.
• Represented a Navy officer in dissolution proceedings.
• Represented a lawyer in contested paternity case.
• Represented a physician in pre-suit dissolution counseling.
• Represented several petitioners and respondents in contested domestic violence and stalking cases.

All Insights

All News

Recognition

• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Tampa's First Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, The Florida Bar (1987)
  • Recertified (1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017)
• Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate, The National Board of Trial Advocacy (1988)
  • Recertified (1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018)
• AVVO Rating 10.0 out of 10.0 (Superb)
• Hillsborough County Bar Association Pro Bono Award (several years)
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 
  • "Lawyer of the Year"
    • Tampa Qui Tam Law (2016-2018)
    • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants (2017)
  • Criminal Defense: General Practice, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Qui Tam Law (2007-2020)
• Selected for inclusion in Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite (2007-2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019)
• Selected for inclusion in Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2019)
• Listed in Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Business Lawyers (2009-2013)
• Certified Arbitrator, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
• U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General’s Special Achievement Award for Sustained Superior Performance of Duty (1992)
• Employee of the Year Award, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida (1993)
• Special Achievement Award, Office of the Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr (1998)
• U.S. Department of Justice Volunteer Service Award (1991)

Professional & Community Involvement

Aviation Memberships/Groups

• Aero Club of Washington, D.C.
• National Business Aviation Association
• Aviation Insurance Association 
• Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
• Seaplane Pilots Association
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 
  • Legal Services Panel Attorney for AOPA
• Alaska Airmen Association
• Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association
• Cessna Pilots Association
• The Twin Cessna Flyer
• Lake Amphibian Club
• National Association of Flight Instructors
• FAA Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)
  • Commercial Pilot With Commercial, Instrument, Seaplane, and Advanced Ground and Instrument Ground Instructor Ratings

 Other Memberships/Groups

• Appointed by U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio to the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission (2015-2017)
• Carlton Fields Advocacy Club – Conceived and facilitated biweekly advocacy training program for the law firm's attorneys (2012-2016) 
• The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2011-2016)
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission
  • Member (2011-2017)
  • Chair (2013-2014)
  • Vice-Chair (2011-2012 and 2016)
• Ironman-Distance Triathlon finisher
• General Counsel, Hillsborough County Republican Party (2011-2012)
• Rhetoric Society of America
• National Republican Lawyers Association
• Instructor for the Carlton Fields' deposition clinic (2006-2015, 2019)
• The Federalist Society
  • Tampa Chapter President (2005-2011)
• MacDonald Training Center Inc.
  • Board of Directors (2006-2009)
• American Bar Association
  • Section of Litigation
  • Criminal Justice Section
• Rotary International
  • Rotary Club of Tampa
  • Paul Harris Fellow  (2005-2010)
• Herbert G. Goldberg Inn of Court
  • Master, Member (2007-2016)
• Fellow, The Florida Bar Foundation
• Fellow, American Bar Foundation
• Federal Bar Association
  • Board of Directors, Tampa Bay Chapter (2000-2006)
• Boy Scouts of America
  • Assistant Scout Master Troop 4, Tampa, Florida
• The Florida Bar 
  • Aviation Law Committee (2000-2008, 2013-present)
  • Chair, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee 13F (2002-2003) 
  • Chair, Criminal Trial Law Certification Committee (1994-1995) 
  • Trial Lawyers Section
  • Health Law Section 
  • Criminal Law Section 
• Hillsborough County Bar Association 
  • Chair, Trial and Litigation Section (1995-1996) 
  • Corporate Counsel Section
• Ferguson-White American Inn of Court, Tampa, Florida
  • Master (1987-1996, 2012-2016)
  • President-elect (1996-1997)
  • Treasurer (1992-1995)
• Bay Area Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Volunteer Lawyer (1986-1995)
• University of South Florida
  • Guest Lecturer
• University of Florida College of Law Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program
  • Instructor
• Emory Law School Advocacy Program
  • Instructor (1996)
• National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (2000-2015)
• Florida Supreme Court Committee on Standards of Conduct Governing Judges (1987)
• National Press Club, Washington (1998-present)
• Congresswoman Kathy Castor's Military Academy Nominating Committee (2005-2010)
• The Florida Bar Speakers Bureau
• University of South Florida Alumni Association
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• National Institute for Trial Advocacy
  • Trial Advocacy Teacher Training Program at Harvard
• St. John's Parish Day School Inc. 
  • Chair (2010-2012)
  • Board of Trustees (2007-2012)
• Florida Supreme Court Historical Society
• Supreme Court Historical Society

Speaking Engagements

• "Aviation Cyber Security: Threats, Best Practices to Mitigate Risks, and Hot Topics," Tampa Bay Aviation Association Inc., Tampa, FL (March 21, 2019).
• "ABCs of FAA Enforcement Actions," Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association, Albuquerque, NM (June 12, 2015).
• "ABCs of FAA Enforcement Actions," The Twin Cessna Flyers, Colorado Springs, CO (May 2015).
• "Seaplane Law 101," Lake Amphibian Club, Lakeland, FL (February 23, 2015).
• "An Aviation Lawyer’s First Ramp Check," Lakeathon 2014, Lake Amphibian Club Annual Meeting at Lakeland Linder Airport, Lakeland, FL (March 25, 2014).
• "Work-Life Balance: How Not to Kill Yourself Practicing Law," Ferguson-White Inn of Court, Tampa, FL (April 10, 2014).
• "Making Presentations to the Government," Third Annual NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College at Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL (March 21, 2014).
• “FAA Enforcement Action,” Sun 'n Fun Forum (April 2013).
• “Presentations to the Government,” NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College (2013).
•  “The Feds vs. Florida's Real Estate Professionals,” Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's (DBPR) Financial Crimes Conference, FAMU College of Law, Orlando, FL (October 26, 2012).
• “The ABC's of FAA Enforcement Actions,” Lake Amphibian Club (February 2012).
• “Opening Statements and Direct and Cross-Examination from the Defense Perspective,” Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, State Court Trial Seminar (June 12, 2009 and June 13, 2008).
• “ABCs of FAA Enforcement Actions,” Stetson University College of Law’s Aviation and Aerospace Law Society (AALS) (January 17, 2008).
• “Regulations: What Every Pilot Should Know,” Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation’s Safety Seminars presented to a group of approximately 100 pilots, Tampa, FL (November 13, 2007).
• “Healthcare Fraud,” Federal Sentencing Guidelines Seminar (May 25, 2012).
• “Predictive Coding - Finding The Needle in the Electronic Haystack," In-house seminar at Raymond James Financial (May 4, 2012).

Pro Bono

• Section 1983 civil rights case for unlawful arrest and excessive force involving two Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Case settled on January 28, 2015.
• Haitian Asylum Project – Pro bono project through the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center representing indigent Haitians seeking asylum in deportation proceedings before the U.S. Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review, and Immigration and Naturalization Service.
• Represented purchaser of manufactured housing in a breach of contract dispute.
• U.S. v. Hurtado-Balanta
• U.S. v. Wilson
• Carr v. United States, No: 5:06-cv-00190, a plaintiff's medical malpractice case for failure to diagnose a heart attack.
• State v. Henderson, defend in a second-degree murder case (2012).

Background

• Deputy Independent Counsel, Office of the Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr, Washington, D.C. (1998-1999) in the Whitewater investigation (In re Madison Guaranty Savings and Loan) and related investigations: the White House Travel Office Firings (Travelgate), FBI Files (Filegate), and President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Senior advisor to Kenneth W. Starr and media spokesperson for the Independent Counsel. Read more about Ed's work for Kenneth W. Starr in the book, Truth at Any Cost, Ken Starr and the Unmaking of Bill Clinton, by Susan Schmidt and Michael Weiskopf (Harper Collins 2000).
• Senior Associate Independent Counsel, Office of the Independent Counsel David M. Barrett, Washington, D.C. (1995-1998) in In re Henry G. Cisneros. Investigation and prosecution of Henry G. Cisneros, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Linda D. Medlar, and others. Lead special prosecutor in United States v. Medlar in Lubbock, Texas.
• Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice, Middle District of Florida, Tampa, Florida (1990-1999). Deputy Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief, Major Crimes Section (1994-1996); Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (1991-1994). Major Crimes Section (1990-1991). Extensive federal jury trial and appellate experience in complex federal criminal proceedings, including fraud, arson, public corruption, narcotics, and conspiracy. More than 20 briefs filed in, and 15 oral arguments before, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Media Representative for the U.S. Attorney’s Office (1994-1995). More than 25 jury trials tried to verdict.
• Assistant State Attorney, Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office, Tampa, Florida (1981-1990). Felony Division Chief (1986-1990). Deputy Chief, Misdemeanor, Traffic, and Juvenile Divisions (1985-1986). Assigned to Traffic Division; Juvenile Division (delinquencies and dependencies); Felony Division; and Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Division. More than 100 jury trials tried to verdict and more than 250 bench trials tried to judgment.

Areas of Focus