Ranked in 1 Practice Areas
2

Band 2

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

Florida: South

6 Years Ranked

About

Provided by Dennis Mele

USA

Practice Areas

Government Relations

Land Use & Zoning

Hospitality, Alcohol & Leisure Industry

Career

Dennis D. Mele is a partner and Chair of the Land Use & Zoning practice group. He is widely recognized for his work in land use, zoning, environmental and governmental law. Having experience as a land planner and a city manager, Mr. Mele has a unique understanding of the myriad issues developers, property owners and local governments face; and is able to advise clients on a wide range of complex matters.

Mr. Mele represents clients before federal, state, regional and local government agencies. He has extensive experience in land use, construction and budgeting issues pertaining to real estate development projects. In addition, he represents developers in obtaining approvals for Developments of Regional Impact (DRI’s), land use plan amendments, dredge and fill/environmental resource permitting and other development projects. Mr. Mele also has experience in representing clients with regard to wetlands jurisdictional determinations.

Utilizing his extensive experience with local government, Mr. Mele represents clients in the annexation of large land areas into municipalities, including the preparation of annexation agreements and special acts to protect property owners’ rights. He also represents local government, developers and property owners seeking development entitlements and works closely with real estate attorneys on land use and environmental issues affecting real estate transactions.

Mr. Mele frequently lectures on land use issues including environmental permitting and comprehensive planning.

Professional Memberships

City of Coconut Creek, City Manager

South Florida Regional Planning Council, Broward County and City of Coconut Creek, Land Planner

American Institute of Certified Planners, Member

American Planning Association, Member

Education

University of Miami School of Law

Juris Doctor

1988

University of Michigan

Masters of Urban Planning

1979

University of Michigan

Master of Arts

1978

University of Michigan

Bachelor of Arts

1976

Awards

Lawyer of the Year: Land Use & Zoning Law

U.S. News & World Report

2024

Best Lawyers in America: Land Use & Zoning

U.S. News & World Report

2024

Rated AV Preeminent®

Martindale-Hubbell

Florida Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers

2019

Top Lawyers

Fort Lauderdale Illustrated,

2022

Florida Super Lawyers: Land Use/Zoning

Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

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