Overview
I genuinely care about my clients and their success. As their "legal quarterback," I focus on understanding their business, goals and challenges so I can put together the best possible game plan for accomplishing their objectives efficiently and effectively.
Goal-oriented, organized, gifted relationship-builder and connector of people. These skills, along with decades of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry, have earned Jackie Bozzuto the reputation of “trusted advisor” to clients.
Jackie’s experience mapping out strategies for real estate development and finance, commercial leasing and business sales, extends beyond the hospitality industry. She has also represented clients acquiring hundred-million-dollar portfolios out of bankruptcy estates, as well as other multi-site and multi-state purchases and sales.
In addition, she assists foreign entities and individuals with setting up optimal tax structures for ownership of residential and commercial property in the U.S.
Born and raised around her family’s commercial real estate, investment and management business in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and later in south Florida, Jackie was exposed early on to running businesses smoothly. Her family operated restaurants for a number of years as well, and she transferred her love of all things culinary to advising clients on the operational side of the business. She helps clients, both locally and nationally, streamline their processes, develop acquisition programs and expand their portfolios.
Clients appreciate Jackie’s attention to detail, respect for their budgets, and commitment to getting the job done. They are also impressed by her ability to bring people together who will benefit from networking with each other. She is well connected in the Central Florida community, currently serving on the Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs PAC/PC Committees, and Allied Relations Counsel of CFHLA (Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association).
A frequent speaker at high-profile hospitality and commercial real estate industry events, she is a past president of CREW-Orlando (Commercial Real Estate Women) and serves on numerous other boards and committees as well.
Beyond her service to clients and community, Jackie enjoys cooking, traveling, collecting wine and art, and race car driving.
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
Experience
- $50 million sale of 15 Wendy’s restaurants with real estate to equity capital group, with financing.
- $55 million sale of 72 Burger King restaurant sites.
- Assisted with implementing Bloomin Brands Purchasing and Leasing Program.
- Negotiated new leases for numerous landlord and tenant brands.
News & Insights
News
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Recognition
Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2016-2025; Real Estate Law, 2008-2025, Corporate Law (2025)
- 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 & Civic
Community Activities
- Easter Seals A Pair to Remember, Planning Committee, 2024
- Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
- Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs Committee, 2011-Present
- 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
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Florida
Education
- University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., 1988
- University of Florida, B.S., 1985; Criminal Justice; Dean's List