Florida Government Solutions

Foley’s Florida Government & Public Policy Practice has the experience and connections necessary to provide you with creative and responsive counsel on local, state, and federal government matters. Our government solutions professionals have years of experience in high-level government positions and years of experience supporting clients that are regulated by government or doing business with government. The Foley resources providing government solutions include experienced government consultants, directors, advisors and specialty government lawyers that have industry and government experience and are able to bring that perspective and insight to help you reach your goals.

The Florida Government Solutions Team has access and connections across the state of Florida. Based in the state capital, Tallahassee, we also have a strong office presence in Florida’s four largest cities: Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. We aim to be advantageously situated wherever your clients need us to be.

Through our team, we provide the full spectrum of public affairs services, combining comprehensive counsel with legislative tracking, lobbying, procurement and development of strategic business opportunities to support your Florida-related policy goals and business needs.

Our Approach

Partnering with Foley & Lardner offers unique advantages in Florida. Our Government Solutions Team serves clients with a wide range of interests, from Fortune 100 companies to local nonprofits. Our comprehensive and integrated approach protects and promotes your interests in the halls of the Legislature, the meeting rooms of regulatory agencies, and with the Governor and the agencies in which the office oversees.

You will benefit from our diverse and accomplished team’s wide array of experience and relationships as we apply that full range of assets to your business interests within Florida. We have established and maintained longstanding relationships of trust with appointed officials and elected officials from both political parties, and we can pursue bipartisan approaches to solving problems and achieving your goals. We have the knowledge, the experience and the commitment to plan for success and achieve your objectives.

Florida Government Solutions Accolades

Our efficacy is a result of our state-wide reach and knowledge, and our recognition as a state and national leader reflects our impact:

Significant presence in Florida – Recognized by Florida Trend as one of the top government relations practices in Florida
Recognized by Southern Political Report as Florida’s #1 Government Affairs “Large” Firm
One of the top 10 best-branded law firms and a “Best of the Best” client service strategist by BTI Brand Elite
27 Tier 1 rankings and 120 metropolitan Tier 1 rankings on the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list
One of only a few law firms in the nation on the elite BTI Client Service 30 for the past 13 years
17 practices recognized in The Legal 500 guide, and 3 attorneys ranked on the elite “Leading Lawyers” list
Foley’s Government Procurement attorneys — nationally-recognized by Chambers USA in the area of government contracts — provide legal solutions on every area of government procurement law, with particular focus on contract formation and structure; special performance issues; and compliance and training

Florida Lobbying Services

We are not just a “hired gun” to speak with executive and/or legislative leadership. We seek to raise your profile and advocate or your behalf in a manner upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

Strategic counseling on which legislative, executive, regulatory and procurement issues to tackle, the best approach to lobbying, and maintaining positive relations with the legislative and executive branches of government
Advice and tactics for overcoming bureaucratic hurdles
Advocacy strategies for legislators, the governor’s office, and regulators regarding legislation, rules, or other regulatory or policy matters
Assistance in drafting language for legislation, amendments, and testimony for legislative or regulatory hearings
Assistance in identifying strategic business opportunities

Florida Legislative Policy and Budget

We help you spot the issues that may promote or threaten your interests. Our team first studies your goals and concerns, and then reports on known proposals and, more important, on developing issues that have not surfaced publicly.

Tracking all legislative and administrative proposals of interest, including bills, amendments, and rules that are introduced in the state legislature, by the governor, or regulatory agencies
Monitoring or attending relevant meetings of state legislative committees and administrative bodies
Gathering intelligence on pending proposals from state legislators and administration officials
Budget development and language monitoring.
Scheduling meetings with the Governor, legislators, staff, or agency officials
Local government lobbying: In Florida, and several other jurisdictions where we can assist with procurement and advocacy to elected officials

Florida Procurement Services

Procurement counseling on strategic business opportunities with the state and other public agencies can help open the right doors in an effort to maximize opportunities related to government contracts.

Monitoring public agencies for government needs and competitive bid opportunities
Bid preparation assistance, guidance and counseling
Negotiation of contracts advising regarding risks and strategies related to government contract terms and conditions
Contract award preservation
Bid protests and strategies
Gathering intelligence on pending proposals from state legislators and administration officials
Reviewing and analyzing budget, appropriations and agency appropriations requests.

Election, Ethics Law, and Political Involvement

Development of a political contribution strategy and plan
Management of Political Action Committee and conduit transactions
Compliance with federal and state ethics filings
Counsel on tax implications of political activity for 501(c) groups
To help further your goals, we fund an active Florida political action committee (PAC) which supports statewide elected officials and legislators as part of the electoral process. We are also closely involved with the political contributions made by various PAC’s affiliated with our clients.