Overview
Chris Benvenuto joined Gunster in 2003 and focuses his practice on resolving complex business, real estate, and property rights issues. Chris frequently represents clients in obtaining and defending land use and development approvals, real estate litigation matters, commercial landlord/tenant disputes, property tax challenges, eminent domain issues, and general property rights matters.
Chris is also an experienced commercial litigator who has successfully handled a wide variety of business disputes in state and federal courts. Chris has represented Fortune 100 companies, residential and commercial developers, wireless telecommunication companies, financial institutions, manufacturers, and other diverse businesses in matters involving breach of contract, business torts, employment disputes, intellectual property issues, and general real estate and property rights matters. Chris has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and has been recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2022 and 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for Land Use & Zoning Litigation in West Palm Beach.
Chris was born and raised in West Palm Beach and has served on the boards of numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout Palm Beach County. He received his undergraduate degree in finance, his master’s degree in real estate, and his law degree all from the University of Florida.
Chris currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens with his wife and two sons.
Experience
- Lead counsel representing developer of master planned community and obtained summary judgment against county for violations of Florida’s public records laws and recovered attorneys’ fees from county
- Lead counsel representing developer of luxury condominium project and obtained dismissal of petition for writ of certiorari and final summary judgment against plaintiffs in comprehensive plan consistency challenge (affirmed on appeal)
- Lead counsel representing global wireless cell tower company and won final summary judgment and recovered attorneys’ fees from plaintiff in challenge to restrictive covenant (affirmed on appeal)
- Lead counsel representing developer in defense of comprehensive plan consistency challenge and won final summary judgment against plaintiffs
- Lead counsel representing developer of wireless cell tower and obtained writ of certiorari quashing development order that was improperly obtained by business competitor
- Lead counsel representing luxury yacht manufacturer in trademark infringement and ownership dispute and won final summary judgment against plaintiff
- Lead counsel representing global wireless cell tower company and won final summary judgment and recovery of attorneys’ fees from plaintiff in wrongful commercial eviction
- Lead counsel representing developer of beachfront condominium tower and obtained dismissal with prejudice of plaintiff’s lawsuit challenging client’s development approval
- Represented hedge fund and won $26 million final summary judgment in real estate litigation matter (affirmed on appeal)
- Represented owner of commercial property in eminent domain matter and obtained seven-figure jury verdict against condemning authority
Honors
- AV Rated as independently determined by Martindale-Hubbell
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Land Use & Zoning Litigation "Lawyer of the Year" in West Palm Beach, 2022, 2024
- Land Use & Zoning Law, 2020-25
- Land Use & Zoning Litigation, 2020-25
- Boca Raton Observer, "Top Lawyers," 2022
- Florida Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2009-12
- Palm Beach Illustrated, "Top Lawyers," Land Use and Zoning Law, 2021-24
- Jupiter Magazine, Land Use and Zoning Law, 2021, 2023
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Florida Bar
- Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section
- Environmental and Land Use Law Section
- Palm Beach County Bar Association
Civic & Community Service
- Leadership Florida, Connect Florida, Class VII, 2016-17
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Board of Trustees, 2014-18
- Honda Classic Ambassador’s Club, 2013-present
- Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Board of Directors, 2011-13
- Leadership Palm Beach County, Class of 2012
Practices
Education
- University of Florida, J.D., 2003
- University of Florida, M.S., 2003
- University of Florida, B.S.B.A., with honors, 2000
Admissions
- Florida, 2003
- United States District Court
- Southern District of Florida
- Middle District of Florida
- Northern District of Florida
