Edward J. Page

Overview

A former federal and state prosecutor with more than 38 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

Complex Civil Litigation

• Represented firefighter’s local union in defamation case.
• Represented company in civil breach of contract case.
• 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 witnesses in special litigation committee’s investigation under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
• Represented businessman in civil breach of fiduciary duty case.

Product 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.

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.

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 Cct 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.

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.

Health Care 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.

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.

Featured Insights

Aviation

The ABCs of Pilot Deviations

Podcast

White Collar Crime & Government Investigations

Federal and State Officials Launch Joint Efforts to Investigate and Prosecute Fraud Related to the Coronavirus

Publication

Antitrust and Trade Regulation

COVID-19 Prompts Florida Price Gouging Statute Affecting the Sale of Commodities

Publication

All Insights

All News

Recognition

• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by The Florida Bar, Tampa's First Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (1987)
  • Recertified (1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2017)
• Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by 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)
• James H. Kynes Memorial "In the Trenches" Award, Hillsborough County Bar Association
• 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)
• Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine (2007–2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019)
• Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2006–2020)
• Chambers USA (2009–2013)
• Certified Arbitrator, U.S. District Court for the 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 for the 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.
• Aviation Insurance Association 
• Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association 
  • Legal Services Panel Attorney for AOPA
• Alaska Airmen Association
• Cessna Pilots Association
• Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association
• Lake Amphibian Club
• Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association
• National Association of Flight Instructors
• National Business Aviation Association
• Seaplane Pilots Association
• The Twin Cessna Flyer
• 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 Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio to the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission (2015–2017)
• The National Trial Lawyers – Top 100 Trial Lawyers (2011–2016)
• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• American Bar Association
  • Fellow
  • Section of Litigation
  • Criminal Justice Section
• Federal Bar Association
  • Board of Directors, Tampa Bay Chapter (2000–2006)
• Boy Scouts of America
  • Assistant Scout Master Troop 4, Tampa, FL
• Rotary International
  • Rotary Club of Tampa
  • Paul Harris Fellow (2005–2010)
• The Federalist Society
  • President, Tampa Chapter (2005–2011)
• Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission (2011–2017)
  • Chair (2013–2014)
  • Vice Chair (2011–2012, 2016)
• The Florida Bar Foundation
  • Fellow
• The Florida Bar 
  • Aviation Law Committee (2000–2008, 2013–present)
  • Chair, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee "F" (2002–2003) 
  • Chair, Criminal Trial Law Certification Committee (1994–1995) 
  • Trial Lawyers Section
  • Health Law Section 
  • Criminal Law Section 
• The Florida Bar Speakers Bureau
• National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (2000–2015)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• National Press Club (1998–present)
• National Institute for Trial Advocacy
  • Trial Advocacy Teacher Training Program at Harvard
• Rhetoric Society of America
• Republican National Lawyers Association
• Supreme Court Historical Society
• Congresswoman Kathy Castor's Military Academy Nominating Committee (2005–2010)
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Florida Supreme Court Committee on Standards of Conduct Governing Judges (1987)
• Florida Supreme Court Historical Society
• Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Hillsborough County Bar Association 
  • Chair, Trial and Litigation Section (1995–1996) 
  • Corporate Counsel Section
• Hillsborough County Republican Party
  • General Counsel (2011–2012)
• Herbert G. Goldburg-Ronald K. Cacciatore Criminal Law American Inn of Court
  • Master, Member (2007–2016)
• Ferguson-White American Inn of Court
  • Master (1987–1996, 2012–2016)
  • President-Elect (1996–1997)
  • Treasurer (1992–1995)
• Emory Law School Advocacy Program
  • Instructor (1996)
• University of Florida College of Law Prosecutor/Public Defender Trial Training Program
  • Instructor
• University of South Florida Alumni Association
• University of South Florida
  • Guest Lecturer
• St. John's Parish Day School Inc. 
  • Chair (2010–2012)
  • Board of Trustees (2007–2012)
• Bay Area Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Volunteer Lawyer (1986–1995)
• MacDonald Training Center Inc.
  • Board of Directors (2006–2009)
• Ironman-Distance Triathlon Finisher
• Instructor for Carlton Fields' Deposition Clinic (2006–2015, 2019)
• Carlton Fields Advocacy Club – Conceived and facilitated biweekly advocacy training program for the law firm's attorneys (2012–2016) 

Speaking Engagements

• "The Drones Are Coming (With Lots of Insurance Issues)," The Florida Bar Insurance and Surety Committee of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section (June 15, 2020)
• "The Drones Are Coming," Carlton Fields, Tampa, FL (February 28, 2020)
• "Evolving Rules and Legal Aspects of Operating UAS in the Public Arena," Fort Myers, FL (January 15, 2020)
• "Aviation Cyber Security: Threats, Best Practices to Mitigate Risks, and Hot Topics," Tampa Bay Aviation Association Inc., Tampa, FL (March 21, 2019)
• "Property Damage Assessment Using Drones: The Law, the Pitfalls, and the Prospects," Orlando, FL (August 15, 2018)
• "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, Lakeland, FL (March 25, 2014)
• "Work-Life Balance: How Not to Kill Yourself Practicing Law," Ferguson-White American Inn of Court, Tampa, FL (April 10, 2014)
• "Making Presentations to the Government," Third Annual NACDL White Collar Criminal Defense College, 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 Financial Crimes Conference, 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,” State Court Trial Seminar, Hillsborough County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (June 12, 2009 and June 13, 2008)
• “ABCs of FAA Enforcement Actions,” Stetson University College of Law’s Aviation and Aerospace Law Society (January 17, 2008)
• “Regulations: What Every Pilot Should Know,” safety seminar presented to a group of approximately 100 pilots, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation, Tampa, FL (November 13, 2007)
• “Health Care Fraud,” Federal Sentencing Guidelines Seminar (May 25, 2012)
• “Predictive Coding - Finding the Needle in the Electronic Haystack," 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: White House Travel Office Firings (Travelgate), FBI Files (Filegate), and President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Senior adviser 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 Weisskopf (HarperCollins 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 for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa, FL (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, FL (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