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Overview
Richard Akin brings a wealth of experience to his practice, representing businesses and individuals in administrative litigation, land use and zoning matters, and licensing and permitting issues. His extensive background in civil litigation, including representing businesses and real estate professionals in contractual, employment and tort claims, instills confidence in his clients.
Richard is a key member of our firm, serving on the Executive Committee and the Recruiting & Retention Committee. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, the United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Richard has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers magazine in 2025 for his work in Land Use & Zoning, Civil Litigation, Administrative Law. He was also named a “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated magazine in administrative and regulatory law, as well as in land use and zoning law (2020- 2024). This recognition is a testament to his competence and dedication to his field.
Richard’s professional journey began in the Florida House of Representatives while he was pursuing his law degree at Florida State University College of Law. After graduating magna cum laude, he honed his skills at a Tallahassee law firm for three years. A native of Fort Myers, Richard returned to Southwest Florida to join Henderson Franklin in 2012. When he’s not advocating for his clients, Richard enjoys the great outdoors and is an avid fly fisherman.
Articles
- Five Ways to Endanger Your Professional License
- Florida Second District Court of Appeals finds Lee Health Lien Unconstitutional
- Is Daubert Dead?
Professional and Civic Affiliations
Richard is active in the community, holding various leadership roles. He is a key member of the Horizon Council, where he actively contributes as chair of the Bylaws Committee. Additionally, Richard is a member of the Lee County Charter Review Commission. He also sits on the Board of Governors for the Real Estate Investment Society and serves on the board of the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Richard’s professional affiliations include being a member of both the Trial Lawyers Section and the Young Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar.
Representative Matters
Land Use & Environmental Law / Administrative Actions
- Regularly represent clients before all Florida regulatory administrative authorities, as well as in administrative challenges before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).
- Regularly represent clients before local regulatory and governmental authorities on zoning matters, planned developments, and comprehensive plan amendments.
- Represented several national rock mining companies in state and local permitting/zoning and associated litigation.
- Represented several large developers in land use related litigation, both judicial and administrative, including defense of land use plan amendments and developments of regional impact.
Litigation
- Act as lead counsel in numerous trials, arbitrations, and mediations in both federal and state court, as well as on appeal.
- Served as lead counsel in numerous litigation matters representing real estate agents and brokers concerning claims under Johnson v. Davis and fraudulent misrepresentation claims.
- Represented numerous businesses in matters involving contractual claims and disputes.
- Represent individuals and businesses in licensing and disciplinary matters before Florida state licensing agencies and before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.
Business
- Represent local businesses as general counsel in an array of matters pertaining to government regulation, employments issues, and everyday operations.
- Serve as general counsel to real estate brokerages in an array of matters pertaining to government regulation, employments issues, and everyday operations.