Joseph E. Adams

Overview

Joseph E. Adams has concentrated his entire legal practice in Condominium and Planned Development Law for over 35 years. He is widely recognized as a leading expert and thought leader in the field. During his career, Mr. Adams has provided legal counsel to over one thousand community associations, primarily in Southwest Florida. Mr. Adams is also one of only 190 attorneys statewide who is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law.

PROFESSIONAL / COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Co-Chair Emertius; Condominium and Planned Unit Development Committee of Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
• Former Member; Florida Bar’s Condominium Law and Policy Life Safety Task Force
• Chair Emeritus; Florida Bar Condominium and Planned Development Law Certification Committee
• Chair Emeritus; Florida Advisory Council on Condominiums
• Chair Emeritus; Community Associations Institute, Florida Legislative Alliance
• Former Member; Governor’s Task Force on Homeowners’ Association Legislation

PUBLICATIONS

Mr. Adams is a prolific writer, commentator and speaker regarding Florida Condominium and Planned Development Law. In addition to 3 published law review articles, Mr. Adams has published numerous articles, including “Defending My Our Castle (A Look at Gun Regulation by Community Associations),”The Florida Bar Journal (December 2016). His writings have been cited in Florida’s appellate courts and in the Florida Statutes Annotated as legal authority. He has also been the author of a weekly newspaper column involving community association law since 1996.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

• Mr. Adams has been highly engaged in the development of Florida’s statutes regarding condominium and homeowners’ association law.
• Mr. Adams has testified before various Committees of the Florida Legislature regarding condominium and homeowners’ association matters.
• Mr. Adams has been the primary draftsman of numerous parts of the Florida Condominium Act and the Florida Homeowners’ Association Act, including the “emergency powers” law which addresses association operations during a State of Emergency.

PERSONAL

• Mr. Adams enjoys family time with his wife of 41 years, Laurie, his two adult children (who are both practicing attorneys in Fort Myers, Florida), their spouses, and his 4 grandchildren.
• Mr. Adams is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping. He also enjoys music, playing guitar, hobby farming, history, politics, and travel.