J. Matthew Belcastro

Overview

As Chair of the Tort and Insurance Litigation Department and a Florida Bar Board Certified specialist in Construction Law, Matthew handles construction disputes, contract and business litigation, real estate matters, and appeals. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He also serves on the legislative subcommittee for Florida Construction Lawyers, reviewing and recommending revisions to proposed legislation.

Throughout his career, Matthew has received wide recognition from both state and national publications. Naples Illustrated has named him a “Top Lawyer” multiple times (2018, 2020–2025), while Florida Trend honored him as an “Up and Comer” (2009) and included him in its Legal Elite (2010–2011, 2016–2017). He has been listed in Florida Super Lawyers® every year since 2014 and was most recently recognized in Best Lawyers in America® (2025–2026).

• The Construction Warranty: It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over! When Is It Over?
• Construction Contracts: Property Insurance and Waiver of Subrogation Provisions
• Indemnification Provisions and the “Vouching In” Rule – The Most Dangerous Contractual Provision You Probably Don’t Know About

Professional And Civic Affiliations

Matt is a founding officer of the Lee County A.C.E Mentoring Program and is a member of the Lee County Building Industry Association (Lee BIA). He previously served on the Chamber of Southwest Florida Board of Directors and is a former member of the City of Fort Myers Imaginarium and Code Enforcement Board.

Published Opinions

• Ziegler v. Martin County School Dist., 831 F.3d 1309 (11th Cir. 2016)
• 5F, LLC v. Dresing, 142 So.3d 946 (Fla. 2d DCA 2014)
• Liebherr-America, Inc. v. McCollum, 43 So.3d 65 (Fla. 3d DCA 2010)
• Smith v. City of Fort Myers, 944 So.2d 1092 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006)
• Estate of Stisser, 932 So.2d 400 (Fla. 2d DCA 2006)