Español
Expand All

Overview

Glenn represents clients in complex civil and government-related matters throughout Florida and across the country. He is experienced in class actions, governmental investigations and litigation, land use and development litigation, election and political activity law, and administrative proceedings. While much of his practice involves representing corporations against the government, Glenn often represents government agencies and officials. He also consults on drafting proposed legislation and ballot initiatives, conducts internal investigations, and handles appeals in various federal and state jurisdictions.

Representative Experience

Complex Commercial & Class Action Litigation

  • Lead trial counsel for major cannabis company in defense of a class action under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
  • Lead trial counsel for Department of Defense contractor in an action alleging breach of $90 million teaming agreement, misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of global petroleum marketer in defense of an action challenging resolution of underground storage tank claims; defended case through final appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court, which affirmed the judgment below.
  • Lead counsel for global retailer in federal class action challenging the marketing and pricing of generic headache and migraine relief products. Secured dismissal of claims for deceptive and unfair trade practices, violation of the Florida Drug and Cosmetic Act, and unjust enrichment.
  • Lead trial counsel for Florida state agency in federal class action alleging due process violations relating to the agency’s benefit reduction notices.
  • Obtained summary judgment on issue of first impression construing insurance coverage of actual charges for protective and supportive cancer treatments; defended case through final appeal to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which affirmed the judgment below.
  • Defended insurers in nationwide class action litigation seeking coverage of billed versus actual charges for medical treatments.
  • Defended global integrated energy corporation in multiple class actions for property damages arising from alleged exposure to contaminated groundwater.
  • Represented County Clerk of Court in putative class action involving imposition of case re-opening fees; action dismissed prior to class certification and affirmed on appeal.
  • Represented internet-based gold and jewelry buyer in defense of nationwide class action alleging deceptive and unfair trade practices; class certification was denied.
  • Secured dismissal of putative class action alleging discriminatory and predatory consumer lending practices against a leading financial institution under the Fair Housing Act and Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), and defeated the appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of international law firm in action alleging fraudulent inducement and third-party action for indemnification with respect to distribution of $42.5 million settlement.

Administrative Law, Governmental Litigation & Investigations

  • Representing Florida’s largest County-created expressway authority in opposing actions to abolish the authority and transfer all of its $4 billion in assets to a legislatively created agency, including a quiet title action. Obtained summary judgment at the trial level and defeated a Petition for Writ of Prohibition at the appellate level. The matter is under appeal.
  • Lead trial counsel for Florida beachfront County in a matter of first impression seeking a declaratory judgment on the public’s right of customary use over more than 1,000 privately owned beachfront properties.
  • Regulatory compliance; administrative litigation relating to medical marijuana rules/regulations; preparation of licensing applications; legislative and public referenda strategy; and statutory and constitutional analysis of enacted and proposed cannabis related statutes, rules/regulations and Florida constitutional amendments.
  • National counsel for global integrated energy corporation in multiple state investigations and litigation arising from alleged underground petroleum storage tank liabilities.
  • Defended major Florida health system in $30 million claims bill proceedings arising out of action for medical negligence (infant brain injury and permanent disabilities).
  • Lead outside counsel to Florida state agency responsible for managing docket of nearly 2,000 administrative law matters involving Medicaid fair hearings,includingoversightofstatewide hearing team of 20 attorneys.
    • Developed and implemented: case management and tracking database; witness training program for agency’s personnel; training program for hearing attorneys; standardized pleadings, discovery documents, evidentiary submissions, and hearing procedures.
  • Represented Native American Indian Tribe regarding the validity of a gaming compact between the Tribe and Florida's Governor, including a Quo Warranto proceeding in the Florida Supreme Court.
  • Represented County Sherriff’s office in $31 million claims bill proceedings arising out of action for vehicular negligence (brain injury and permanent disabilities).
  • Governmental investigation representations include: energy companies, major group of car rental companies; for-profit colleges and career educational institutions, national furniture manufacturer and retailer; direct mail and digital marketers; retailers; and annuities brokerage firm.

Election and Political Activity Law

  • General Counsel to Florida gubernatorial campaign.
  • General Counsel and Chair of political committee sponsor of the All Voters Vote Amendment (2020). Drafted the proposed amendment and ballot language. Successfully defended the ballot language at the Florida Supreme Court. Oversaw multi-million dollar effort that obtained more than 5.8 million votes (57%).
  • Counsels federal and state office holders and candidates, political committees, corporations, foundations, lobbyists, and high net-worth individuals with respect to election law, campaign finance compliance, and lobbying activities.
  • Represented Florida Governor and Secretary of State in mandamus and quo warranto proceedings before Florida Supreme Court challenging gubernatorial appointments to fill judicial vacancies.
  • Policy development, strategic consulting, and drafting of proposed legislation and ballot initiatives, as well as in challenging legislation and ballot proposals.
  • Represented a national membership organization and other advocacy groups in a voters' rights challenge to Florida's "no match, no vote" law.
  • Represented congressional candidate in election contests arising from the alleged malfunction of touch-screen voting machines.
    • Served as lead trial counsel in concurrent election contests brought under the Federal Contested Election Act in the United States House of Representatives and under Florida law in state court.
    • Coordinated a multi-county recount effort and interfaced with county and state elections officials concerning post-election parallel testing and software auditing.
  • Lead trial counsel for the Florida Department of Health and Board of Dentistry in an action challenging the constitutionality of a Florida statute regulating dental specialty advertising.
  • Lead trial counsel for a Florida House candidate in an action under Florida’s "resign-to-run" statute.
  • Trial counsel for citizens’ group sponsor of proposed Hillsborough County charter amendment providing for an elected county mayor.
  • Coordinated canvassing board monitoring teams for opponent of citizens’ initiative petition.
  • Litigation and counseling with respect to Florida’s Public Records Act and Sunshine Laws.

Land Use Litigation

  • Lead trial counsel representing developer in a matter of first impression defending a development order issued by Collier County approving development of a 1,000 acres mixed-use “rural village” development within the “Rural Land Stewardship Area” (“RLSA”). The RLSA is an innovative voluntary land management and conservation program consisting of approximately 200,000 acres in eastern Collier County, Florida. Under the program, property owners agree to restrict their development rights on environmentally sensitive land in exchange for credits to develop other less-sensitive parcels such as agricultural land. The developer’s proposed rural village was the first to be approved and established precedent for subsequent development in the RLSA. The matter involved two dozen depositions, more than a dozen hearings, arbitration, a five-day bench trial resulting in a final judgment and nearly $3 million fee and cost award in developer's favor. After an appeal, which affirmed the final judgment and remanded on a partial summary judgment, the matter resulted in a settlement that created a conservation easement to preserve critical habit over more than 600 acres.
  • Lead trial counsel for Florida beachfront County in a matter of first impression seeking a declaratory judgment on the public’s right of customary use over more than 1,000 privately owned beachfront properties.
  • Lead appellate counsel for developer of an affordable housing project in the Florida Keys; defending against the appeal of the County Planning Commission’s resolution granting a major conditional use permit.
  • Lead counsel in numerous other statutory based and certiorari proceedings involving development entitlements, development orders, and other land use matters.

Toxic Tort & Products Liability

  • Represented global integrated energy corporation in defense and settlement of an environmental class action and companion medical monitoring suit.
  • Defended global integrated energy corporation in toxic tort action for personal and emotional injuries arising from the alleged exposure to contaminated groundwater.

Professional & Community Involvement

  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee, Inc., 2011-2019
    • Chairman of the Board of Directors, 2017-2018
  • Florida Bar Association, Code and Rules of Evidence Committee, 2006-2013
  • New York State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • Meritas, Firm Representative
    • Global Cannabis Group, Steering Committee

Recognition

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, 2010-Present

Publications & Presentations

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Crème de law Admin | Summer 2022
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2022

Publications: Cannabis Dispensaries Take Another Hit With Antitrust Lawsuit
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|October 2021

In the Media, Publications: Column: Open primaries amendment deserves support
The Florida Times-Union|November 2020

In the Media, Publications: Let all voters take part in the primaries | Column
Tampa Bay Times|October 2020

Land Development News Update, Publications: What's Developing | Fall 2020
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|October 2020

Publications: Alternate history article got the result wrong | Opinion
Tallahassee Democrat|October 2020

Publications: Chapter 6 - The Structure of Primaries
A Divided Union: Structural Challenges to Bipartisanship in America | Routledge|October 2020

In the Media, Publications: Guest opinion: Should every registered voter be allowed to vote?
The News-Press|September 2020

In the Media, Publications: Should every registered voter be allowed to vote?
The Gainesville Sun|September 2020

Publications: Another View: Don’t force voters into parties
The Ledger|February 2020

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Election season is here, and these are the dates you need to know ...
Election & Political Law Report |February 2020

Publications: Burhans: Proposal lets all voters vote
Sarasota Herald-Tribune|October 2019

Events: Cannabis in the Capital City
Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Conference |August 2019

Events: Dark Money and Florida Political Committees
Masters Program of Applied American Politics and Policy, Florida State University |April 2019

Events: Open Primaries What Would It Mean For Florida?
Tampa Tiger Bay Club|October 2018

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Upcoming Vote on Amendment 10 Ensures Florida's County Constitutional Officers Are Elected Locally
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |October 2018

Events: Future of Marijuana Regulation in Florida
Florida Beer Wholesalers Association Annual Meeting|September 2018

Ad Valorem Tax News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Land Development News Update, Publications: Upcoming Vote on Amendment Two Has Significant Tax Implications for Non-Homestead Property Owners
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2018

Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Recent Supreme Court Decision Overrules
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|July 2018

Events: Dark Money and Florida Political Committees
Florida State University | Masters Program of Applied American Politics and Policy|April 2018

Events: Crossing Party Lines
Spectrum News|February 2018

Publications: Statement of Glenn Burhans to the Ethics & Elections Committee
Florida Constitution Review Commission|January 2018

Events: The Crisis of Political Intransigence
Tallahassee Exchange Club|December 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: This Is Not My Beautiful House ... How Did I Get Here?
Election & Political Law Report |August 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: Is That Legal? Paying Expenses With Campaign Funds
Election & Political Law Report |July 2017

Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications: 2017 Legislative Round-Up: What's New in Election & Political Law?
Election & Political Law Report |June 2017

Events: Election Law: Rules, rules and more rules
Institute for Civic Leadership|June 2017

Events: Perspectives on Medical Marijuana
Bio Florida |April 2017

Publications: Sometimes Government Works Right
Tallahassee Democrat|March 2017

Land Development News Update, Publications: Residential Developers May Now Be Liable for Unfunded Reserves
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |February 2017

Events: The Florida Constitution Review Commission: Three Election Law Reforms
Tallahassee Exchange Club |December 2016

Events: Talk Show Appearance
The Usual Suspects |October 2016

Publications: Florida Campaign Contribution Guidelines for Private Employers
BeLabor the Point Blog |April 2016

Land Development News Update, Publications: Florida Campaign Contribution Guidelines
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|March 2016

Publications: Voters Should Not Have to Join a Party
Tallahassee Democrat|February 2016

Publications: Florida Voters Deserve Say in Meaningful Elections
Sun Sentinel|February 2016

Publications: O Civility, Where Art Thou?
Context Florida|July 2015

Events: Talk Show Appearance
The Usual Suspects|July 2015

Events: The Accidental Lobbyist: Florida Lobbyist Registration Requirements and Applicable Public Records Act Provisions
February 2015

Publications: Chapter 5 Witnesses, Evidence in Florida
Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education|January 2011

View More View Less

Newsroom

In the Media: Fla. Justices Split On Legal Pot Measure's Wording
Law360|November 2023

In the Media: Legalization Activists Urge Fla. High Court To OK Pot Measure
July 2023

In the Media: Curtis Calabrese ends campaign for Congress after report reveals party affiliation violation
June 2022

In the Media: Lawmakers Chipping Away at Ballot Initiative Process
Daily Business Review|March 2022

In the Media: Lawmakers chipping away at ballot initiative process
Citrus County Chronicle|March 2022

In the Media: TLH Briefcase: Aug. 29, 2021
Tallahassee Democrat|August 2021

In the Media: Florida Citizens Decide Issues, Then Lawmakers Ignore Them
Bloomberg Government|July 2021

In the Media: Conservancy loses legal fight against rural village Rivergrass
Naples Daily News|May 2021

In the Media: Right to Farm
Sunrise: A Florida Politics Podcast |April 2021

In the Media, Publications: Column: Open primaries amendment deserves support
The Florida Times-Union|November 2020

In the Media, Publications: Let all voters take part in the primaries | Column
Tampa Bay Times|October 2020

In the Media: On the Ballot – 2020 Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3
The Florida Channel|October 2020

In the Media, Publications: Guest opinion: Should every registered voter be allowed to vote?
The News-Press|September 2020

In the Media, Publications: Should every registered voter be allowed to vote?
The Gainesville Sun|September 2020

In the Media: Special Session?
Sunrise Podcast|April 2020

In the Media: Amendment would change Florida politics | Cotterell
Tallahassee Democrat|March 2020

In the Media: Florida voters get to decide on who votes in primaries
Tampa Bay Times|March 2020

In the Media: Florida primary election overhaul set for November ballot
Daytona Beach News - Journal|March 2020

In the Media: Our View: Voting sans party
The Ledger|February 2020

In the Media: Florida Supreme Court weighs opening state’s closed primaries
Tampa Bay Times|December 2019

In the Media: Facing Facts
Sunrise: A Florida Politics Podcast|October 2019

In the Media: Ashley Moody closed to open primaries proposal
Florida Politics|October 2019

In the Media: Florida GOP balks at open primaries proposal
Florida Politics|October 2019

In the Media: Florida economists, open primary supporters clash over projected costs
Tallahassee Democrat|September 2019

In the Media: Mystery money boosts campaign to limit Florida ballot measures
Tampa Bay Times|August 2019

In the Media: Ballot measure would temper both parties | Bill Cotterell
Pensacola News Journal|August 2019

In the Media: Another $704K backs primary election proposal
Florida Politics|August 2019

In the Media: Ballot measure would temper both parties
Tallahassee Democrat|August 2019

In the Media: Tryon: Open-primary initiatives reflect voting trends
Herald Tribune|July 2019

In the Media: 3 ballot proposals dominate signature gathering
FOX35|July 2019

In the Media: New restrictions begin for citizen initiatives
Politico|July 2019

In the Media: Ballot Initiative Pushes For Jungle Primaries In Florida
WFSU Public Media|July 2019

In the Media: Election, assault weapon proposals ready for court
News4Jax|June 2019

In the Media: Election, assault weapon proposals ready for court
Panama City News Herald|June 2019

In the Media: Another $2.25M raised in May for ‘All Voters Vote’ amendment
Florida Politics|June 2019

In the Media: Desantis signs controversial petition bill
Action News Jacksonville|June 2019

In the Media: Seven state ballot initiatives to watch in the coming months
Tallahassee Democrat|May 2019

In the Media: Lawmakers place barriers to ballot initiatives
The News-Press|May 2019

In the Media: More Medical Marijuana Licenses on the Horizon
Sunshine State News|April 2019

In the Media: News 13: Ybeth Bruzual hosts 'Town Hall: Crossing Party Lines'
Orlando Sentinel|February 2018

In the Media: Voters Go Indie
Florida Weekly|March 2016

In the Media: Democrat? Republican? Nope. Youngest voters reject the parties
The Florida Times Union|March 2016

In the Media: Group wants open voting
Tampa Bay Times|July 2015

View More View Less