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Office

215 North Eola Drive
Orlando, Florida 32801
Direct: 407-418-6300
Office: 407-843-4600
Fax: 407-843-4444


James M. Spoonhour

Partner

Long time partner with the firm Jim Spoonhour, concentrates on property taxes, eminent domain/condemnation and appellate law. Jim has been representing property owners in eminent domain (condemnation) cases where a governmental entity (Department of Transportation, county, city, or other state agency) or private utility with condemnation powers sought to take land from private property owners since 1976. Jim represents only property owners, who generally do not pay for consultants or legal fees in Florida condemnation cases. He has represented hundreds of property owners in condemnation cases.

Jim also represents property owners in appealing their ad valorem property tax assessments. His property tax work has extended to nearly every county in the state, although the bulk of this practice is in Central Florida. Jim's property tax work includes review of assessments, direct negotiations with county property appraisers, administrative appeals to the Value Adjustment Board, and tax appeal suits. He has represented virtually every kind of property: hotels, shopping centers, condominium and apartment projects, retail buildings, residential uses, and agricultural uses, as well as tangible personal property.

Jim is a highly ranked tournament croquet player. The U.S. Croquet Association has awarded him a minus 1.0 handicap. He won the national Seniors Tournament in 2006, and he has won multiple regional tournaments. Jim is married and has four grown children and one grandson.
 

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Education

  • University of Nebraska, B.A., 1968
  • University of Nebraska, M.A. , 1970
  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1974

Admitted

  • The Florida Bar -1974
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Recognition

  • Martindale-Hubbell Rating: AV
  • Georgetown Law Journal Assistant Editor, Law Fellow, Georgetown University Law Center, 1972-1974
  • Selected for inclusion in 2006, 2010-2011 Florida Super Lawyers
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2007-2012
  • "Florida Legal Elite" 2008, 2009, 2011 Florida Trend Magazine
  • Orlando's Best Lawyers 2006-2011 Orlando Magazine
  • "Who's Who in American Law" since 1990

Professional Certifications, Memberships and Activities

  • Association of Eminent Domain Professionals
  • American Bar Association
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar, Eminent Domain Committee
  • Florida Council of Property Tax Lawyers, Founding Director

Community Activities

  • Winter Park Croquet Club, former President
  • U.S. Croquet Association
  • Pinehurst Croquet Club