Tony Recio’s practice focuses primarily on the representation of private developers in land use and zoning matters. He represents owners, developers, investors and private lenders in land use and zoning matters throughout various South Florida jurisdictions at the municipal, county and state levels. His clients include numerous market-rate and affordable housing residential developers and other parties seeking to facilitate office, retail and industrial development, such as lenders and investors. Tony’s land use practice includes obtaining approvals, negotiating agreements and advising owners and operators of large convention, entertainment and sporting facilities such as the American Airlines Arena, Homestead Motor Speedway, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. He also has ample experience with specialized uses, such as outdoor advertising, wireless communications towers and sites, educational and religious facilities, and alcoholic beverage establishments.

Whether approached by a potential buyer seeking to evaluate a property’s development potential or to draft legislation to accommodate a particular client’s need, Tony’s ingenuity, knowledge of the law and politics and his ability to navigate the often-cumbersome governmental processes lead to proven, cost-effective results. Tony also advises companies in their relationships with government, including procurement, audits of professional services and franchisee agreements, coordinating outreach and negotiation of complex settlements or code amendments to improve clients’ competitive ability or profitability. He is well-versed in administrative law matters involving critical public services provided by private contractors.

Tony also has substantial public-side experience. He currently serves as City Attorney for South Miami and as Deputy Village Attorney in North Bay Village, after previously holding the same post with the Town of Surfside. Additionally, he serves as Special Counsel on specific projects for other municipalities. Tony has drafted and implemented legislation and development agreements in connection with code rewrites, special districts, transit-oriented districts, special uses such as affordable housing and signage and multi-acre, high-profile urban mixed-use projects. He has also advised many municipalities over the years on other aspects of administrative law, public services and contracts. Leveraging this experience, Tony is well-versed in joint public-private partnerships working hand-in-hand with private parties and governmental agencies to reach mutually beneficial goals. In this regard, Tony’s creativity, philosophy, and personality allow for win-win outcomes in negotiations and ongoing relationships.