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Clifford B. Shepard is the founder of the Firm and has practiced law since 1985. He earned his undergraduate degree in journalism and his law degree from the University of Florida, where he was a member of the Trial Competition Team, Managing Editor of The Verdict, and a member of the law school’s student government.
Throughout his career, Cliff has concentrated his practice on local government law, land use and zoning, community redevelopment, real estate development, complex commercial and business litigation, construction law, insurance defense, and homeowner and condominium association representation. He has represented local governments and redevelopment agencies, and has also represented applicants, property owners, developers, and businesses in matters adverse to governmental entities.
Effective October 1, 2026, Cliff will step away from the day-to-day practice of law and will serve as Of Counsel to the Firm, devoting his experience to mediation and arbitration, with a primary focus on land use and local government disputes. He continues to serve as General Counsel of the Florida Redevelopment Association and has previously served as General Counsel to Community Redevelopment Agencies throughout the state. He accepts no other client representation. Conflicts are screened against the Firm’s full client database before any engagement is confirmed. To schedule a mediation or arbitration, or to raise a conflicts question before reserving a date, please visit ShepardMediation.com.
Credentials and Certifications
Cliff is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in City, County and Local Government Law, a distinction recognizing expertise and substantial experience in the field. He is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil and Appellate Mediator and is qualified to serve as a court-appointed arbitrator under the Florida Rules for Court-Appointed Arbitrators, having completed Florida Supreme Court-approved Court-Appointed Arbitrator Training.
In 1995, Cliff earned Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent® rating, its highest peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards, and is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®.
Professional Recognition
Cliff has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and Orlando’s Best Lawyers since 2018 for Administrative and Regulatory Law, most recently in the 33rd edition.
He has been repeatedly recognized by Florida Trend magazine as one of Florida’s Legal Elite in Governmental and Administrative Law and in Commercial Litigation, a listing based on balloting of Florida Bar members. Since 2006, he has been selected as a Florida Super Lawyer®, a listing based on peer nomination and independent research.
Professional Associations and Leadership
Cliff is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, admitted in 1985, and is also admitted to practice in the District of Columbia (1987) and Tennessee (2006). He is an active member of The Florida Bar’s City, County and Local Government Law Section and the Florida Municipal Attorneys’ Association.
His professional leadership includes:
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Past President of the Mid-Florida Chapter of the Community Associations Institute
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Past Chair of the Editorial Board of The Florida Bar Journal and The Florida Bar News
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Past Member of The Florida Bar’s Judicial Selection, Administration, and Tenure Committee
Speaking and Publications
A frequent lecturer and presenter, Cliff has spoken at numerous continuing legal education programs and professional seminars on land use, local government law, Sunshine Law, public records, governmental ethics, special districts, charter review, community redevelopment agencies, construction defense, real estate, and association law. He has authored numerous articles on these and related topics throughout his career.
Community Service
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of both Cliff’s personal and professional life. He has served on the Board of Directors of The Christ School, the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida, and the Land Planning Agency for the City of Oviedo.
Cliff also served as Chairman of the Board of Kids Beating Cancer, Inc., an award-winning charitable organization supporting children and families facing childhood cancer. He has served as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.
Personal
Cliff and his wife, Mary, are the proud parents of three children and grandparents to three grandchildren.