Akin Addresses Strategies for Land Use Appeals at Florida Bar CLE

Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. is pleased to announce that stockholder Richard Akin served as a presenter at the Florida Bar’s continuing legal education program, “Appeals of Development Projects – ‘Dealing with the Multiverse’”. The program is sponsored by The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee and the City, County & Local Government Law Section.

Akin’s presentation provided a practical framework for navigating appeals of land use decisions, focusing on how the proper avenue for appeal is determined by the nature of the underlying government action. Drawing on case law and real-world experience, he will address standards of review, procedural considerations, and strategic approaches for handling these complex matters.

“Land use appeals are often decided long before they reach the courtroom,” said Akin. “Understanding the type of action at issue and building the right record at the local level can make all the difference.”

Akin brings a broad range of experience to his practice, representing businesses and individuals in administrative litigation, land use and zoning matters, and licensing and permitting issues. He also has an extensive background in civil litigation, including representing businesses and real estate professionals in contractual, employment, and tort claims. He serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and Recruiting & Retention Committee.

In addition to his legal work, Akin is an active community leader, serving as chair of the Bylaws Committee of the Horizon Council and on the Lee County Charter Review Commission. Throughout his career, Akin has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers (2025) in Land Use & Zoning, Civil Litigation, and Administrative Law, and has been named a “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated (2020–2025) in administrative and regulatory law and land use and zoning law.

Akin began his career working in the Florida House of Representatives while attending Florida State University College of Law. After graduating magna cum laude, he spent three years with a Tallahassee law firm before returning to his hometown of Fort Myers to join Henderson Franklin in 2012. Akin may be reached at richard.akin@henlaw.com.