S. Brendan Lynch

A Virginia native originally with aspirations to become a journalist, Brendan Lynch fell in love with Florida and has made it his home since 2005. He represents both commercial and residential property land owners, as well as tenant business owners, in issues of property tax valuation and eminent domain/condemnation.

Brendan assists property owners throughout Florida with their property tax appeals, including assessment reviews, direct negotiations with county property appraisers, appeals to the Value Adjustment Board, and trial and appellate court proceedings. His clients include apartment projects, big box stores, national retail chains, condominiums, commercial strip centers, hotels, affordable housing, residences, student housing, vacant land, senior housing and all other commercial buildings.

With broad experience handling many different types of exemption applications, Brendan often assists clients from the application stage through challenges, to denial of any exemption, through trial and appellate court proceedings. These exemption applications include agricultural, conservation easements, educational, healthcare, homestead, military housing, non-profit, religious, and senior living.

Typically, the eminent domain cases involve a governmental entity (Florida Department of Transportation, county, city, expressway authority, or other state agency) or private utility with condemnation powers seeking to take land from the property owners. Interestingly, Brendan has also represented condemning authorities on special projects – bringing a perspective from both sides of the table.

Brendan’s love for his adopted hometown of Orlando is reflected in his commitment to the community and its cultural diversity. A long-time advocate for the arts and past chair of the United Arts of Central Florida’s Board of Directors, Brendan currently serves as a trustee for the Orlando Science Center and as chair of the Opera Orlando Endowment Fund. He has also served in leadership roles for the Adult Literacy League, the Orange County Teen Court, and the Heart of Florida United Way.

Experience

• Achieved property tax assessment reduction for internationally-known hotel from $421 million to $259 million, resulting in millions of dollars of savings.
• Represented a national building contractor in its application for military housing exemptions, resulting in a change in Florida law and a savings of $17 million dollars for the client.

News

Speaking Engagements

Publications

Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America guide, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2024-2025, Tax Law, 2025
• Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend, 2017, 2020 
• Florida Super Lawyers, 2019-2024
• Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers, 2012-2017
• Legal Elite Up & Comer, Florida Trend, 2009, 2014, 2016
• Who's Who Among Executive and Professionals Honors Edition, 2008-2009
• Ninth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Merit Award
• Editor-in-Chief, Federal Circuit Bar Journal, 2004-2005

Community Activities

• Orlando Science Center, Board of Trustees, 2023-present

• Opera Orlando Endowment Fund Inc, Board of Trustees, Board Chair

• United Arts of Central Florida, Board of Directors, Former Chair
• Orange County Teen Court Advisory Board, Former President
• Heart of Florida United Way, Education Cabinet, Former Member
• Adult Literacy League, Former President of Board of Directors
• Legal Aid Society, Guardian ad Litem
• Central Florida Partnership, Young Professionals Advisory Council, 2009-2011
• Leadership Orlando Class 96

Professional Certifications & Memberships

• Orange County Bar Association
• The Florida Bar, Eminent Domain Committee
• The Virginia Bar
• National Association of Property Tax Attorneys (NAPTA)
• Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT)
• Association of Eminent Domain Professionals (AEDP)
• International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)