Jacqueline Bozzuto

I genuinely care about my clients and their success. As their "legal coach," I focus  on understanding their business, goals and challenges so I can put together the best possible plan and structures for accomplishing their objectives efficiently and effectively.

Jackie Bozzuto works with hospitality, restaurant, and real estate clients throughout Florida and across the United States. With more than three decades of experience, Jackie has closed more than $100 million in multi-site restaurant transactions and negotiated leases for hundreds of commercial locations nationwide. Over the past 12 years, she has also handled the acquisition, sale, and leasing of industrial warehouse properties for developers and investors.

Jackie is known for understanding what drives her clients' businesses and structuring deals that make operational sense. She helps clients align legal structures with business goals to drive growth, operational efficiency, and long-term success. Her work includes advising foreign investors on optimal tax structures for U.S. property ownership, negotiating multi-site and multi-state deals, and guiding national brands through leasing programs and franchise opportunities. Her clients include nationally recognized brands like Outback Steakhouse, Applebee's, Bonefish Grill, Burger King, and Wendy's.

Clients value Jackie's attention to detail, respect for budgets, and ability to connect people and ideas. Her deep ties to the Central Florida community include board service with the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, where she was named PAC/PC Board Member of the Year in 2024, and leadership roles with CREW Orlando, where she served as president in 2011 and received the Distinguished Leader Award in 2022. She's a frequent speaker at hospitality and commercial real estate events and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and CREW Orlando as a leader in hospitality and real estate law.

Born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Jackie grew up around her family's commercial real estate and restaurant businesses in south Florida. That early exposure taught her how businesses actually run—not just the legal mechanics, but the operational realities that make or break a deal.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys cooking, traveling, collecting wine and art, and race car driving.

Experience

Notable Transactions

• $55 million sale of 72 Burger King restaurant sites
• $50 million sale of 15 Wendy's restaurants with real estate to equity capital group
• 25 years implementing Bloomin Brands' purchasing and leasing programs
• Hundred-million-dollar portfolio acquisitions from bankruptcy estates
• 12 years handling industrial warehouse transactions, including purchases, sales, and lease negotiations

Representative Clients

Jackie has worked with many repeat clients, including:

• Applebee's
• Bonefish Grill
• Brass Tap
• Burger King
• Carrabba's Italian Grill
• Fleming's Prime Steak House & Wine Bar
• IHOP
• Jeremiah's Italian Ice
• Megastron Development
• Outback Steakhouse
• Roy's
• Seymour International
• Wendy's
• Wing Stop

News

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Recognition

• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
• CFHLA PAC/PC Board Member of the Year 2024
• CREW Orlando CREW Catalyst
• The Best Lawyers in America guide, Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2016-2026; Real Estate Law, 2008-2025; Corporate Law, 2025-2026
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2007-2009, 2012-2015
• Guide to the World's Leading Women in Business Law: Real Estate, 2013, 2014
• Concept Purveyor of the Year by Outback Steakhouse, Inc., 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2005-2008, 2010
• Orlando Woman of Influence Award, CREW Orlando, 2017
• Distinguished Leader Award, CREW Orlando, 2022
• Recognized by the Lisa Merlin House for 10 Years as a Board Member

Community Activities

• Easter Seals A Pair to Remember, Planning Committee, 2024, 2025
• Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Board of Directors, 2024-Present
  • Governmental Affairs Committee
  • Scholarship Committee
  • Allied Relations Council, Treasurer, 2024
  • Allied Relations Council, Member, 2018-2020, 2024
  • PAC/PC, 2018-Present
• Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
  • Government Affairs Chair, 1994-2010
  • Delegate to State Board, 2009-2010
  • Member, 1994-present
• Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Orlando
  • Member, 2005-present
  • Board Member, 2008
  • Secretary, 2009
  • National Delegate, 2009-2010
  • President-Elect, 2010
  • President, 2011
  • Past Presidents Council, 2011-present
• United Way of Central Florida Alexis De Tocqueville Society, Committee Member; Fund Distribution Panel
• Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc., past Board Member
• Valencia Community College, Hospitality Management Advisory Committee, past member
• United Way Chef’s Gala, Co-host
• Women United

Professional Certifications & Memberships

• Orange County Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• The Florida Bar