Overview
Florida’s ever-expanding population and economy are supported by its forward-thinking approach to energy policy and the advantages associated with a diverse energy portfolio. Our state’s energy industry is constantly evolving, and the legal and policy questions involved require professionals that understand not only the practical application of the law, but also the inherent commercial and operational challenges specific to the energy sector. Gunster is dedicated to being a “one stop shop” for legal services by offering the knowledge and industry understanding needed to help clients navigate challenges while seizing the right opportunities. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive solutions across the energy platform, while tailoring our services to meet specific client needs.
Gunster’s energy industry clientele is diverse. Our clients include electric utility, power generation, renewable energy and natural gas utility companies. Our team also advises numerous other industry participants, including
- vertically integrated and regulated electric companies
- natural gas pipeline companies
- compressed natural gas providers
- municipal utilities
- project developers
- cogeneration facilities
- venture capital firms
- institutional and private equity investors
The firm takes pride in cultivating professionals who have spent years working with Florida’s energy leaders. Our team includes a former chair of Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) and founder of Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum, as well as a former general counsel of Florida’s largest electric provider. Several of our attorneys have been recognized in Best Lawyers in the energy arena, including a Best Lawyers Tallahassee “Energy Lawyer of the Year.”
Gunster advises on a range of matters from initial site location at the local and state levels through the application submission process. Our energy lawyers focus on interacting productively with industry consulting partners, environmental engineers, and permitting and regulatory authorities. The scope of our experience and capabilities is broad, extending to
- project development and real estate
- financing
- legislative advocacy
- litigation
- environmental and land use
- tax
- mergers and acquisitions
- joint ventures
- property rights
- eminent domain
- restructurings/reorganizations
- contract development and regulatory proceedings
The firm is also involved in PSC proceedings – engineering procurement and construction contracts from the design phase of a plant through execution and completion of the project. Our energy attorneys seek to identify and address all legal aspects of building a new energy campus, and are called upon to resolve related issues pertaining to real estate and insurance.
Our team also has experience with the permitting and development of solar photovoltaic facilities, power plants, electrical transmission lines and natural gas pipelines. Our energy lawyers have been involved in various aspects of the siting process before the PSC and the Siting Board; the permitting processes before local, state and federal land use and environmental boards; as well as regarding property acquisition, whether through purchase or eminent domain proceedings.
Cost recovery is a critical component to the success of the utility industry and its ability to provide service to Florida’s consumers. As such, our lawyers also assist regulated electric and natural gas clients in all aspects of cost recovery, including tariff filings, annual cost recovery proceedings (fuel, environmental and purchased gas), limited proceedings, rate case filings (file and suspend, as well as proposed agency action) and acquisition adjustments.
The energy industry is highly regulated. Our lawyers focus on building relationships that have the potential to bridge the gap between energy initiatives and regulatory examination. Our team is involved in regulatory and administrative matters before the broad scope of state and federal agencies that monitor the energy industry, including the:
- Public Service Commission
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Department of Transportation
- Division of Administrative Hearings
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
- Federal Trade Commission
- U.S. Department of Energy
- U.S. Department of Interior
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Please also visit Florida's Women in Energy Leadership Forum, an annual conference for energy companies, regulators, policymakers, and other industry stakeholders.
