Overview

Katie Cole’s work can be seen in the skyline of Tampa Bay as she skillfully helps clients navigate all phases of land development and the approval process.

Katie currently serves on the firm's Management Committee. Her practice primarily involves representing property owners in the development of commercial projects and residential subdivisions in Pinellas and Pasco counties. 

She works with clients beginning with the acquisition of the land, determining opportunities for development, refining processes for approvals, and seeing the project though the final approvals of entitlements to construction with the goal of helping her clients open for business with all the licenses and permits they need to do so.

Katie works closely with government staff members and elected officials throughout Pinellas County negotiating agreements, code amendments, and plans to allow her clients’ projects reach the construction stage.

In 2017, Katie was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees and twice reappointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. She served for two years as chairperson of the Board.

Outside the office, you’ll find Katie and her husband, Clint, cheering for their daughters at gymnastics competitions and volleyball tournaments across the state.

Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2021-2024)
  • TAMPA Magazine's Top Lawyers (2023)
    • Land Use & Zoning Law

Credentials & Experience

Education

University of Tennessee, B.S., 1995

Stetson University College of Law, J.D., 2007, cum laude

  • Stetson Law Review: Managing Editor
  • Stetson Moot Court Honor Board

Bar Admissions

American Bar Association

The Florida Bar

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Clearwater Bar Association

Experience

Recent representative engagements include:

  • Negotiation of and eventual approval of one of the first mixed use developments in 20 years in Madeira Beach, despite neighbor objections and lawsuit requiring more than seven public hearings
  • Approval of a 42 unit residential infill subdivision in Tarpon Springs over significant neighbor objections while navigating the multi-layered regulatory scheme for land use and annexations in Pinellas County
  • Approval of more than eight new Clearwater Beach projects with over 1800 hotel rooms
  • Serves as legal counsel for property owners seeking to maximize use of industrial land despite current regulatory prohibitions

Professional & Civic

Community & Professional

  • St. Petersburg College
    • Board of Trustees (2017-present)
    • Vice-Chair (2018)
    • Chair (2019-2021)
  • Morton Plant Mease Hospital: Board of Directors (2017-present)
  • BayCare: Board of Directors (2020-present) 
  • UPARC’s Omelette Party Committee (2009-present)
  • City of Clearwater: Past Member, Business Task Force; Charter Review Committee
  • Amplify Clearwater (formerly known as Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce)
    • Chair (2018) 
    • Executive Committee (2015-2019)
  • Pinellas County: Member, Development Customer Advisory Group (DCAG); Past Member, Charter Review Committee
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County; Former President

Newsroom

News & Insights

Articles & Publications

  • 2013 Florida Bar ELULS conference speaker regarding mitigation banking and clearing title encumbrances within the mitigation banking area.
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