Dan Abbott focuses on governmental and commercial litigation. A persuasive litigator and a seasoned appellate attorney, he represents clients in cases involving land use/zoning, employment discrimination, civil rights, constitution law, police liability and products liability in state and federal courts. Dan has appeared before the Florida Supreme Court, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and Florida’s District Courts of Appeal.
Dan also has extensive experience in governmental law. He served as City Attorney for the cities of Hollywood and North Bay Village, and also served as the Town Attorney for the Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.
Awards & Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, 2025
Press Mentions
- Fla. Firm Wins $1M Lien After Client Reneges On Settlement, Law360, October 1, 2021
- City Faces $137M Claim From Crocker Partners on Stalled Midtown Boca, Daily Business Review, September 18, 2018
- Fla. Developer Can’t Fight Zoning Law Without Asking To Build, Law360, May 4, 2018
- Unguarded Beaches in Florida Pose Risk to Swimmers, Cities, Sun-Sentinel, July 23, 2012
Presentations
- Constitutional Law Disputes with Local Governments, National Business Institute, Inc., December 16, 2003
Representative Experience
- Successfully defended a municipal ban of “conversion therapy” against a variety of constitutional challenges. Otto v. City of Boca Raton, 353 F.Supp.3d 1237 (S.D. Fla. 2019).
- Successfully defended a municipal ordinance that substantially decreased the allowable height of buildings against Bert J. Harris and due process challenges. GSK Hollywood Development Group, LLC v. City of Hollywood, 246 So. 3d 501 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018).
- Successfully defended a municipality against allegations that city police officers violated the civil rights of an arrestee. Manners v. Cannella, 891 F.3d 959 (11th 2018).
- Successfully defended the constitutionality of Florida’s homestead exemption law. Navellier v. State of Florida, 672 Fed. Appx. 925 (11th 2016).
- Successfully defended a municipality against allegations that city police officers violated the civil rights of two men whom they shot and killed. H. ex rel Moore v. City of Miramar, 111 F.Supp.3d 1307 (S.D. Fla. 2015).
- Successfully defended refusals of municipalities to schedule referendum votes on a land use initiative. Archstone Palmetto Park, LLC v. Kennedy, 132 So.3d 347 (Fla. 4th DCA 2014); City of Lake Worth v. Save Our Neighborhood, Inc., 995 So.2d 1002 (Fla. 4th DCA 2008).
- Successfully defended a municipality in a public records dispute regarding emails sent by a mayor. Butler v. City of Hallandale Beach, 68 So.3d 278 (Fla. 4th DCA 2011).
- Successfully challenged an amendment to a county’s comprehensive plan that would have increased commercial competition against retail owners. Flagler Retail Associates, Ltd. Et al v. Department of Community Affairs and Miami-Dade County, 2010 WL 2948165 (Fla. Div. of Admin. Hearings, 2010).
- Successfully defended a municipality from potential tort exposure in connection with a car accident involving a city employee on his way to work. Garcia v. City of Hollywood, 966 So.2d 5 (Fla. 4th DCA 2007).
- Successfully defended the constitutionality of a municipal ordinance authorizing the impoundment of cars used in the commission of certain misdemeanor crimes. City of Hollywood v. Mulligan, 934 So.2d 1238 (Fla. 2006).
- Successfully defended the constitutionality of a Florida statute that prohibits commercial solicitation in roadways. Sun Sentinel Co. v. City of Hollywood, 274 F.Supp.2d 1323 (S.D. Fla. 2003).
- Successfully defended a municipality’s decision to prohibit certain commercial advertising on municipal benches against constitutional challenge. Uptown Pawn & Jewelry, Inc. v. City of Hollywood, 337 F.3d 1275 (11th 2003).
- Successfully defended a municipality in a breach of employment contract claim brought by an individual who quit his job in reliance on an employment offer later withdrawn by the municipality. Leonardi v. City of Hollywood, 715 So.2d 1007 (Fla. 4th DCA 1998).
- Successfully defended a civil rights action brought by a property owner who alleged an unconstitutional enforcement of the fire safety code for ulterior motives. Wohl v. City of Hollywood, 915 F.Supp. 339 (S.D. Fla. 1995).
