Overview
Dale's diverse real estate practice encompasses complex transactions, finance and development, commercial leasing, solar and other renewable energy projects.
Board Certified in Real Estate Law by The Florida Bar since 1992, Dale Burket brings more than 40 years of legal experience and a particular expertise in managing complicated multi-site, multi-state real estate acquisitions, sales and sale-leaseback projects. Currently he devotes a substantial portion of his practice to complex projects involving the management of real estate, tax, environmental and land use issues.
Dale has represented real estate investment trusts (REITs) in connection with mergers, securitizations, portfolio purchases of income-producing properties, and sales of properties by taxable REIT subsidiaries. He also co-chairs the firm’s Renewable Energy Group and has advised owners, lessees and developers regarding utility-scale solar farms and other renewable projects.
Over his career, Dale has negotiated and closed several thousand sale-leaseback transactions for restaurant REITS and partnerships, including portfolio acquisitions and sales with many of the top 100 national restaurant chains, as well as 1031 tax-deferred exchanges of restaurants in sales to private investors. He also has extensive experience representing business clients in the negotiation and closing of complex senior debt facility financings and he is particularly adept at the project management requirements of such transactions.
With an emphasis on client service, Dale has played a leading role in the firm’s expanded commitment to partnering with clients on alternative and special fee arrangements that share risk and promote efficiency and collaboration. He has also been a long-time advocate for incorporating “green” and sustainable initiatives into his clients’ projects, to both preserve the environment and to curb costs. He has written about sustainability issues in the commercial context, including “green” commercial leases, existing building retrofits, renewable energy sources, water conservation and Central Florida’s growing public transportation infrastructure.
A lifelong musician, Dale’s love for music combined with his college training as a music teacher have led to more than 15 years of volunteer involvement with the Florida Young Artists Orchestra (now a part of Central Florida Community Arts), serving as both a board member and three-term president. He also serves as a board member of the Winter Park Chamber Music Academy and is an Assistant Conductor for the Maitland Symphony Orchestra and Bravo Chamber Orchestra, both unique Central Florida community orchestras.
Experience
- Acted as de facto General Counsel for a large restaurant REIT in their portfolio acquisitions, leading forward negotiations with top 100 restaurant chains, and assisting in the creation of a national platform for its successful 1031 sales program.
- Represented the seller in a multi-billion dollar merger transaction involving more than 2,000 restaurant properties in multiple states.
- Negotiated and handled the sale of two office towers, leading a team handling real estate, leasing, complex corporate restructuring, tax, bankruptcy and land use matters.
- Acts as Issuer Counsel in bond financing transactions for the Orange County Health Facilities Authority.
- Represented a utility-scale solar developer in the securing of county tax credit agreements and land use issues across multiple Florida counties.
News & Insights
News
Publications
Recognition
Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Real Estate Law, 2013-2025; Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2024-2025
- Florida Super Lawyers, 2009
Community & Civic
Community Activities
- The Geneva School, Board of Governors, 2017-2023
- Maitland Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Conductor
- Bravo Chamber Orchestra, Assistant Conductor
- Northland, A Church Distributed, Governing Elder, 2012-2018; Member of Worship Team, 2000-2023
- City of Maitland, Board of Zoning Adjustment, 1991-1996; Alternate Member, 1992; Chairman, 1993-1997; Planning and Zoning Commission, 1997-1999
- Florida Young Artists Orchestra, Board of Directors, past President
- The Oaks Homeowners Association, past President
Professional Certifications & Memberships
- Board Certified: Real Estate Law, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, 1992-present
- Orange County Bar Association
- The Florida Bar
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Florida
Education
- Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1981
- Florida State University, B.M.E., 1976; Music Education