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Top-Ranked Environmental Lawyers in Florida

Updated Methodology LexRank v1.225 lawyers rankedReviewed by LexRanked editorial team

Summary

As of November 1, 2026, the top-ranked environmental lawyers in Florida are Edward P Delaparte Jr. (LexRank 84.00), Paul Joseph Schwiep (80.00) and Roger Michael Brooks “Michael Brooks” (80.00).

This ranking lists the top 25 of the 273 environmental lawyers LexRanked tracks across Florida, in order of their LexRank score, calculated from their Florida Bar records and other cited sources. They practice in 9 cities, led by Orlando.

Lawyers ranked
25
Fully verified
25 of 25

The ranking

Ordered by organic LexRank score; paid placements are labelled and never affect a position. How we rank

  1. No change

    Edward P Delaparte Jr.

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 48 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #1?

    Ranks #1 with 84.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Reputation (4/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Reputation 4/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  2. No change

    Paul Joseph Schwiep

    Independent practice · Miami, FL

    Verified
    • 37 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #2?

    Ranks #2 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20). 4.00 points behind #1, mostly reputation.

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)

    4.00 points behind #1 (Edward P Delaparte Jr.): Reputation −4.

  3. No change

    Roger Michael Brooks “Michael Brooks”

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 29 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #3?

    Ranks #3 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  4. No change

    Leonardo Francisco Brito Jr. “Leo”

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 39 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #4?

    Ranks #4 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  5. No change

    Scott A Cookson

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 28 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #5?

    Ranks #5 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  6. No change

    James T Hetz

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 29 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #6?

    Ranks #6 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  7. No change

    Matthew Stephen Smith “Matt”

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 29 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #7?

    Ranks #7 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  8. No change

    Nectaria M. Chakas

    Independent practice · Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Verified
    • 27 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #8?

    Ranks #8 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  9. No change

    Michelle Diffenderfer

    Independent practice · West Palm Beach, FL

    Verified
    • 31 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #9?

    Ranks #9 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  10. No change

    Jeffrey Charles Lynne “Jeff Lynne”

    Independent practice · Boca Raton, FL

    Verified
    • 29 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #10?

    Ranks #10 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  11. No change

    Segundo Jay Fernandez

    Independent practice · Tallahassee, FL

    Verified
    • 49 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #11?

    Ranks #11 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  12. No change

    Edwin Andrew Steinmeyer

    Independent practice · Tallahassee, FL

    Verified
    • 35 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #12?

    Ranks #12 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  13. No change

    James Marcus Vernon

    Independent practice · Clearwater, FL

    Verified
    • 31 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #13?

    Ranks #13 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  14. No change

    Jeffrey S Bercow

    Independent practice · Miami, FL

    Verified
    • 47 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #14?

    Ranks #14 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  15. No change

    Eileen Rose Mehta

    Independent practice · Miami, FL

    Verified
    • 48 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #15?

    Ranks #15 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  16. No change

    Shannon Elise Batsel “Elise”

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 29 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #16?

    Ranks #16 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  17. No change

    Marianne Cufone

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 26 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #17?

    Ranks #17 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  18. No change

    Douglas Paul Manson “Doug”

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 40 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #18?

    Ranks #18 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  19. No change

    Gregory Steven Rix

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 26 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #19?

    Ranks #19 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  20. No change

    Matthew Bryan Taylor

    Independent practice · Tampa, FL

    Verified
    • 26 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #20?

    Ranks #20 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  21. No change

    Karen Zagrodny Consalo “Kara”

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 26 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #21?

    Ranks #21 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  22. No change

    John Kingman Keating

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 40 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #22?

    Ranks #22 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  23. No change

    Mary B Meeks

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 38 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #23?

    Ranks #23 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  24. No change

    William L Pence

    Independent practice · Orlando, FL

    Verified
    • 46 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #24?

    Ranks #24 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)
  25. No change

    Stephen Jerome Darmody

    Independent practice · Jacksonville, FL

    Verified
    • 25 years experience
    • Environmental
    • Bar status verified
    View profile
    Why #25?

    Ranks #25 with 80.00: strongest in Experience (30/30) and Practice-area relevance (20/20); held back by Reputation (0/20).

    Strongest

    • Experience 30/30 (ranking avg 23.7)
    • Practice-area relevance 20/20 (ranking avg 18.9)

    Held back by

    • Reputation 0/20 (ranking avg 0.2)

Environmental market in Florida

LexRanked tracks 273 lawyers in environmental law in Florida. 273 of the lawyers have verified professional data. Data verified October 30, 2026.

Lawyers
273
Law firms
0
Verified professional data
273 of 273
Average rating
Withheldtoo few sourced ratings
Median review count
Withheldtoo few sourced counts
Median experience
24 years273 lawyers

Calculated by LexRanked from its own records on ; data verified . Ratings and review counts count only when backed by a source; figures from fewer than three profiles are withheld. All lawyers in Florida

What sets these Florida environmental lawyers apart

Every lawyer in this ranking has a The Florida Bar license verified as eligible to practice, and every fact shown links to its source. The figures come from each lawyer's Florida Bar profile, checked in November 2026.

Fact about the 25 ranked lawyers Figure
Years in practice 25 to 49 (median 31)
Languages besides English Spanish (5), French (1), Greek (1)
License status with The Florida Bar Eligible to practice, verified for every lawyer

Where do Florida's top environmental lawyers practice?

8 of the 25 practice in Orlando; the table shows every city.

City Lawyers in this ranking
Orlando 8
Tampa 7
Miami 3
Tallahassee 2
Boca Raton 1
Clearwater 1
Fort Lauderdale 1
Jacksonville 1
West Palm Beach 1

Who is included in this ranking?

Lawyers eligible to practice in Florida, with an office in a Florida city we cover and environmental as a practice area on record. It ranks every environmental lawyer LexRanked tracks in Florida by the same score and shows the top 25. The Florida Bar does not board-certify lawyers in environmental, so the practice area is the one each lawyer lists on their Florida Bar profile, which The Florida Bar does not review. How we rank.

Find a environmental lawyer in your city

A lawyer near you knows the local courts; each city has its own ranking of environmental lawyers.

Florida rules to know

Florida gives citizens the right to sue to stop violations of environmental laws, after first filing a verified complaint and giving the agency 30 days to act.

Rule What it means
Citizen suits A citizen may sue for an injunction against anyone violating laws that protect Florida air, water and natural resources (Fla. Stat. § 403.412(2)(a))
Complaint first The citizen must first file a verified complaint with the responsible agency, which has 30 days to act (§ 403.412(2)(c))
Development order challenges A challenge that a development order is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan must be filed within 30 days after the order (§ 163.3215(3))
Property rights claims An owner whose property is inordinately burdened by a government action may seek compensation under the Bert J. Harris, Jr. Act (§ 70.001(2))
Bert Harris deadlines The claim must be presented within 1 year after the law is first applied, at least 90 days before suit, with an appraisal (§ 70.001(4)(a) and (11))

Cases are heard in the county where they arise; see which judicial circuit covers each county.

How to choose among these lawyers

Confirm the license, prefer a lawyer who regularly works in your county, ask who will handle your matter, and get the fee terms in writing.

  1. Look up the lawyer in The Florida Bar's directory and check the bar number shown on their LexRanked profile.
  2. Ask how many matters like yours the lawyer has handled in your county recently.
  3. Ask how they charge and what costs are extra, and get the agreement in writing.

Further reading

Sources for the rules above

Frequently asked questions

Can a citizen sue a polluter in Florida?

Yes. Under the Environmental Protection Act a citizen may seek an injunction against anyone violating laws that protect air, water and natural resources (section 403.412), after filing a verified complaint with the agency and giving it 30 days to act.

How long do I have to challenge a development approval?

30 days after the development order, or after local appeals are exhausted, for a challenge that it is inconsistent with the comprehensive plan (section 163.3215(3)).

What is a Bert Harris claim?

A claim for compensation when a specific government action inordinately burdens an existing use of real property (section 70.001). It must be presented within 1 year after the law is first applied and at least 90 days before suit, with an appraisal.

Where are the best environmental lawyers in Florida?

Of the 25 lawyers in this ranking, 8 practice in Orlando, 7 practice in Tampa, 3 practice in Miami. Each city also has its own ranking.

Do I need a environmental lawyer in my own city?

Any lawyer licensed by The Florida Bar may practice anywhere in Florida, but a lawyer who regularly appears in your county knows its judges and procedures.

How is this ranking ordered?

By the LexRank score, calculated only from facts with a cited source: experience, practice-area relevance, awards on record such as board certification, professional credentials, data quality and location. Client reviews do not affect the LexRank score: neither star ratings nor the number of reviews is scored. Payment never changes a position.

Do client reviews affect the LexRank score?

Client reviews do not affect the LexRank score: neither star ratings nor the number of reviews is scored. Reviews are shown on profiles for information only, and Reputation counts only awards on record, such as board certification. How we rank

Which lawyers are verified?

25 of the 25 ranked lawyers have fully verified profiles: Edward P Delaparte Jr., Paul Joseph Schwiep, Roger Michael Brooks “Michael Brooks”, Leonardo Francisco Brito Jr. “Leo” and Scott A Cookson and others.

What is the difference between the top two lawyers?

Edward P Delaparte Jr. scores 84.00 and Paul Joseph Schwiep 80.00, a gap of 4.00 points, mostly in reputation. Compare them side by side

About this ranking

Last updated
Methodology
LexRank v1.2 - deterministic, reproducible scoring
Editorial review
LexRanked editorial team,
Independence
Positions are never sold. Paid placements, if any, are labelled and do not affect scores.

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