Mixed-Use, Condominium, and Multifamily Development

In Florida’s fast-evolving real estate landscape, developers face a complex mix of legal, regulatory, and operational challenges, especially when it comes to mixed-use, condominium, and multifamily housing projects. At Lowndes, we understand that successful development requires more than legal knowledge; it demands strategic insight, deep market familiarity, and a collaborative approach.

Our attorneys have decades of experience guiding developers through the full lifecycle of these projects, from land acquisition and entitlement to financing, construction, governance, and long-term operations. Whether you're building a luxury high-rise, a master-planned community, or repositioning a distressed property, we help you navigate every step with confidence.

Navigating Every Phase of Development

We understand that successful development is both a legal and strategic endeavor. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with developers, investors, lenders, architects, and property managers to ensure seamless execution across all stages:

• Acquisition & Structuring
  We assist with contract negotiations, due diligence, entity formation, title insurance, and closings. For condominium conversions or reversions to rental, we provide guidance on termination strategies and successor developer liabilities.

• Land Use & Entitlements
  Our attorneys secure comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning approvals, site plans, plats, and development agreements. We help clients navigate impact fees, school board negotiations, and inclusionary housing requirements.

• Design & Construction
  We draft and negotiate contracts for design, construction, utilities, and telecommunications. Our team resolves construction lien issues, litigates performance and defect claims, and supports sustainable building initiatives, including LEED certification.

• Financing
  We facilitate acquisition, development, and permanent loans—including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae financing—while minimizing mortgage taxes and issuing lender title insurance and legal opinions.

• Operations & Compliance
  We prepare condominium documents, advise on governance and covenant enforcement, and assist with ADA compliance, tax appeals, leasing, and tenant matters. Our team also supports equity restructuring and operational strategy.

• Disposition & Tax Strategy
  We handle sales contracts, 1031 and reverse exchanges, and entity-level transfers to reduce tax exposure.

Condominium & Mixed-Use 

Condominium and mixed-use developments require a nuanced legal approach. Our attorneys are experienced in:

• Drafting mixed-use and master association declarations
• Structuring phased developments and amenity sharing agreements
• Utilizing land condominiums for flexible development and financing
• Ensuring compliance with the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act (ILSA)
• Managing turnover of association control and redevelopment of aging properties
• Leveraging the Distressed Condominium Relief Act (DCRA)
• Representing clients before Florida’s Division of Condominiums in filings, arbitrations, and terminations

Our team includes Florida Bar Board Certified attorneys in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

Multifamily Housing 

Multifamily developers face unique challenges, from site selection and construction risk to evolving tax laws and operational demands. We provide targeted legal support for:

• Acquisition, development, and disposition of multifamily assets
• Design and construction contracts, lien resolution, and defect litigation
• Financing with local, regional, and national lenders
• Leasing, eviction, and regulatory compliance
• Property tax appeals and operational restructuring

We also advise on the strategic conversion of condominiums to multifamily rental properties and vice versa.

Governmental Advocacy & Litigation

We regularly represent clients before:

• City and County Commissions
• Planning and Zoning Boards
• Boards of Zoning Adjustment
• Code Enforcement and Historic Preservation Boards
• Development and Technical Review Committees

Our litigation team handles disputes involving developers, associations, owners, and lenders, including construction claims, regulatory enforcement, and property tax challenges.

A Strategic Legal Partner for Florida Developers

Our team works closely with clients to understand their goals, anticipate challenges, and provide practical guidance every step of the way. Whether navigating entitlements, structuring deals, or resolving complex issues, we’re committed to helping developers build projects that are both successful and sustainable.