The extent at which the government can utilize eminent domain to seize property is quite extensive.  There really are no limits in terms of what type of property the government can go after.  It could be a piece of land, a house, an office building, or an automobile.  It could even extend to intangible property such as a patent, a brand, a logo, or something else.  The only two requirements that the government has to adhere to when it comes to eminent domain is that they have to prove that the property is needed for public use and they have to pay fair market value or just compensation for that property.  If they can meet those two requirements then the government can proceed to take your property from you.

So what are you to do as a property owner if you are faced with such a claim from the government?  Going against the government on your own can be a very scary proposition.  You are likely not all that knowledgeable about the law and what your rights are.  You may not have a good idea as to how these types of cases play out, nor have you likely been through an eminent domain claim in the past either.  The majority of property owners will only have to deal with eminent domain once in their life, if at all.  One of the best routes that you can take when faced with an eminent domain claim is to reach out to an attorney that is an expert in the field.  Let’s take a look at what to seek out in terms of a quality Florida eminent domain attorney.

Knowledge of the Eminent Domain Law Specific to Your State

There are a lot of nuances to eminent domain from state to state.  The state of Florida has its own little things that make the power of the government pertaining to eminent domain quite unique.  You want to seek out an eminent domain attorney that is going to be knowledgeable about your state and its specific laws and powers for eminent domain.

When seeking out an eminent domain attorney, it is best to start local.  If you are living in the Jacksonville, FL area, it is best to start by looking for an eminent domain attorney that is right around the corner from you.  This is going to not only make them accessible to you when you need them most, but it is also going to give you some assurance that they have handled several Florida eminent domain cases in the past as well.

Experience in Dealing With Cases of Similar Magnitude

Having a great deal of experience is powerful asset for an eminent domain attorney.  Seek out a Jacksonville, FL eminent domain attorney that has handled cases such as yours in the past.  Set up some time with attorneys in your area, ask some friends and colleagues.  The more that you know about your attorney the more confident that you are going to be that they will handle your case with effectiveness and efficiency.

Not all eminent domain cases are going to be exactly the same.  WIth that said, knowledge and experience pertaining to how courts have ruled in a state such as Florida in eminent domain cases can help an attorney pave the way for a successful case in your eyes.

The Ability to Communicate With You and Be There To Help

The ability for your eminent domain attorney to be able to communicate with you and be there for you is an invaluable asset.  You may have the best attorney in the world, but if they cannot make any time for your case or cannot explain to you in a personable way that comforts you what they are doing, it is going to do you no good.  You want to seek out an eminent domain attorney in Jacksonville, FL that will be able to give you and your case a personal touch.  If you have questions, they should be available and be there to provide you with some sound advice.  This is the type of advice you can gain confidence from, helping you understand that they truly are doing all they can to get you the best result possible.

No one wants to give up property to the government willingly.  Having an eminent domain attorney there to help you can go a long way to making your case as successful as possible.  Looking for attorneys with experience, time to talk to you, and extensive knowledge of the Florida state laws can help your eminent domain case immensely.