State laws on eminent domain vary widely throughout the country. In Florida, a condemning authority is only allowed to use their power of eminent domain, if the following conditions are met:
The condemning authority plans to use your taken property or land for public good.
The condemning authority fully compensates you for the property taken.
Unfortunately, the second condition often creates a problem for property owners. The government may try to offer compensation below fair market value, placing pressure on property owners to accept compensation that is less than what they deserve.
Not only is this unfair — it’s illegal. The compensation you receive for your condemned property should be determined by the “highest and best use” of the property, not the government or utility company’s desired offer.
Simply put, this means you should be paid the highest value for your property based on how the land is expected to be used and improved by the government, within the constraints of its location, legal permissibility, and other factors.
Our Florida eminent domain lawyers will work with experts to calculate the fair market value for your seized property and ensure that you’re justly compensated.