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

Representative Cases

• 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

Carlton Fields Ranks Among Best in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

News

Construction

Carlton Fields Construction Attorneys Featured in the Tampa Bay Business Journal on Coronavirus in the Construction Industry

News

Labor & Employment

Carlton Fields Names Lori Baggett as Tampa Office Managing Shareholder

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 (2006–2021)
• Chambers USA (2006–2021)
• Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2006–2020)
• Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine (2006–2008, 2012–2013, 2015, 2018–2020)
• Tampa Construction Lawyer of the Year (2015)
• Top 100 Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2007–2014, 2020)
• 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
• Litigation Counsel of America
  • 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 (2004–2019)
• 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