Luis Prats

Experience

• Public owner’s construction counsel for $3 billion capital improvement and expansion project at major international airport
• Public owner’s construction counsel for $600 million convention center project
• Counseled national homebuilder on investigation by state attorney general’s office regarding alleged statewide violations of building codes and trade practices
• Represented multiple owners on claims for defective construction, yielding judgments, awards or settlements in excess of $200 million
• Defended dozens of construction clients on claims for breach of contract, business torts, fraud, statutory violations, and other claims in state and federal courts. Among others, Luis defended:
  • Lead designer of a space shuttle launching facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida
  • Program manager of a taxiway expansion project at major international airport in Florida
  • Lead designer of a wastewater treatment plan in South Florida
  • Contractor for a power plant in Guatemala City
  • Manufacturer of equipment for a utility project in Nicaragua
  • General contractor of a $200 million-plus resort in Dade County, Florida
  • General contractor of several large condominium and resort facilities in north Florida
  • Lead designer of a $70 million highway expansion project in central Florida

• Church of the Palms-Presbyterian (U.S.A.), Inc. v. Cincinnati Ins. Co., 404 F. Supp. 2d 1339 (M.D. Fla. 2005)
• Jim Walter Homes v. Walker, 729 So. 2d 432 (Fla. 5th DCA 1999)
• Johnson v. City of Tarpon Springs, 758 F. Supp. 1473 (M.D. Fla. 1991)
• Howlett v. Rose, 571 So. 2d 29 (Fla. 2d DCA 1990)
• Alvis v. Inv. I, Inc., 504 So. 2d 508 (Fla. 2d DCA 1987)
• Canal Ins. Co. v. Cont'l Cas. Co., 489 So. 2d 136 (Fla. 2d DCA 1986)
• Mason v. State, 489 So. 2d 734 (Fla. 1986)
• Sharp v. Macry, 488 So. 2d 133 (Fla. 2d DCA 1983)
• Moles v. Gotti, 433 So. 2d 1380 (Fla. 2d DCA 1983)

Featured Insights

Construction

The Hurricane is Coming in Five Days - Are We Ready for This?

Publication

Appellate & Trial Support

Carlton Fields Ranks Among Best in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

News

Construction

Robin H. Leavengood Joins Carlton Fields’ Nationally Ranked Construction Practice

News

All Insights

All News

Recognition

• Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar
• AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
• Stetson University College of Law Hall of Fame (Inducted 2017)
• Top Lawyers in Construction Litigation, Tampa Magazine (2019)
• The Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law (2006–2020)
• Chambers USA (2006–2018)
• Florida Super Lawyers, Construction, Super Lawyers Magazine (2006–2019)
• Florida Legal Elite, Construction, Florida Trend Magazine (2006–2008, 2012–2013, 2015, 2018–2019)
• Tampa Construction Lawyer of the Year (2015)
• Top 100 Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2007–2014)
• The Legal 500, Real Estate and Construction (2014) 
• Paul M. May Meritorious Service Award, Stetson Lawyers Association (2006)
• Finalist, Minority Businessperson of the Year,Tampa Bay Business Journal (2005)
• United Who's Who Registry of Executives & Professionals
• Who's Who in Tampa Bay Business, Tampa Bay Business Journal
• Sixth Circuit Award for Meritorious Public Service
• Recognized by the Florida Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals for representation of a death row inmate
• Florida Bar Certificate of Appreciation for contribution to the Legal Profession as a Legal Education Author (1999–2000, 2002–2003)
• Hillsborough Attorney's Award of Merit in Recognition of Pro Bono Efforts (1993–1999)

Professional & Community Involvement

• American Bar Association
  • Litigation Section
  • Forum on Construction Law
    • Division 1 Steering Committee (2007–2014)
    • Division 1 Chair (2012–2014)
    • Division 8 Steering Committee (1995–1996, 1999–2000)
• American College of Construction Lawyers
  • Fellow
• The Florida Bar
  • Construction Law Certification Committee (2011–2014)
  • Executive Council, Trial Lawyers Section (2008–2009)
  • Chair, Judicial Relations Committee (2009)
  • Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, Sixth Judicial Circuit  (1990–1991)
• Hillsborough Bar Association
  • Construction Law Committee
  • Diversity Committee (2012–present)
• Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
  • General Counsel (2004)
  • Board of Directors (2004–present)
• Tampa Habitat For Humanity
  • Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Legal Committee (1990–1992)
• Stetson University
  • Chair, Board of Trustees (2014–2017)
  • Board of Trustees (2004–present)
• Stetson University Alumni Association
  • President (2004–2008)
  • Board of Directors (1993–1997, 2001–2006)
• NALP Foundation for Research and Education
  • Board of Trustees (1999–2000)

Speaking Engagements

• “Strategies Affecting Design Professionals and Construction Claims/Litigation: Defenses and Settlement Strategies,” Sixth Annual East Region Construction Defect and Insurance Coverage Conference, MC Consultants Inc., Boca Raton, FL (June 6-8–2012)
• “Use of Technology in Resolving Construction Disputes,” Fifth Annual Construction Law Institute, The Florida Bar, Reunion, FL (March 22–24, 2012)
• “Takin' Care of Business,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Midwinter Meeting, New York, NY (January 20, 2011)
• “Dealing with the Property Damage and Potential Health Effects,” Chinese Drywall Litigation Conference, Orlando, FL (June 4–5, 2009)
• “Understanding the Anatomy of the Standard CGL Policy and Terms of the Builder's Risk, Professional Liability and OCIP Policies,” Insurance in the Construction Industry, Atlanta, GA (May 7–8, 2009)
• “Ten Key Decisions to a Successful Construction Project,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Fall Meeting, Toronto (September 2005)
• “Florida Construction Law: What Do You Do When …,” National Business Institute (1990–2001)
• “Florida Law for Design Professionals” Lorman Education Services (2000–2001)
• “Liens, Bonds and Getting Paid,” Associated Builders and Contractors Annual Convention (1990–1996)
• “Key Construction Contract Clauses,” Florida Associated General Contractors (1994–1998)
• “Construction Contracts, Claims and Disputes: When Things Go Wrong” (1997)
• “Contracts and Claims,” Associated Builders and Contractors (1994-1996)
• “Growing Global: A Practical Guide,” ABA Forum on the Construction Industry (1995)
•  “HAPHCC Florida Construction Law,” HAPHCC Inc. (1994)

Credentials

Areas of Focus