Michael Willson

Michael Willson focuses his practice on Government Affairs, Administrative & Regulatory Law, and Land Development & Environmental.

Before entering private practice, for 15 years Michael held several key roles in Florida state government. He served in the Florida House of Representatives as Deputy Staff Director & General Counsel for the Appropriations Committee and as Staff Attorney to both the Economic Affairs and Commerce Committees. He also worked in the Executive Office of the Governor as the Policy Chief for environmental issues, and held positions relating to permitting, regulatory compliance, and procurement matters at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).

These roles provided Michael with a comprehensive understanding of governmental processes, including the legislative and appropriations cycle, regulatory frameworks, and agency operations. His experience included regular engagement with legislative staff, elected officials at both the state and local levels, executive branch leadership, and lobbyists, giving him a unique and practical perspective for clients navigating complex governmental systems.

Areas of Concentration

Government Affairs

• Legislative Branch Lobbying
• Executive Branch Lobbying Before the Governor, Cabinet and State Agencies
• State Budget Appropriations
• Legislative Bill Drafting and Monitoring
• Legislative Issue Management

Administrative & Regulatory

• Government Investigations and Audits
• Administrative Litigation before the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) and handling Appeals of final orders before the District Court of Appeals
• Government Contracts, Bid Protests and Procurement
• Non-Profit and Trade Association Formation, Compliance and Management
• Regulatory Compliance, including professional licenses and regulated entities
• Rulemaking and Rule Challenges
• State and Local Taxation
• Sunshine Law and Open Government Laws Litigation

Land Development & Environmental

• Environmental and Natural Resources
• Growth Management
• Land Use
• Wildlife Regulation
• Consumer Services
• Energy Policy