How Compensation Works in Florida Eminent Domain Cases

Episode Summary: In this episode, Anthony Policastro explains why initial government offers in eminent domain cases are almost always low, how property owners can challenge them, and who pays for the experts needed to win. He details the team approach—engineers, appraisers, land planners, CPAs—and reveals creative non-monetary wins like reopened driveways, wider access, and median cuts that save businesses. Anthony stresses that full compensation covers land, improvements, severance damages, business losses, and relocation—and that Florida law ensures owners pay nothing out of pocket for counsel or experts.   Key Timestamps: 00:01 - Show Introduction 00:30 - Why Owners See Offers as Low (Intimate Property Knowledge) 01:30 - Owners Usually Accurate on Market Value 02:30 - Process to Contest: Hire Eminent Domain Counsel 03:00 - Assemble Team: Engineer + Appraiser 04:00 - Counteroffers to Acquisition Agent → Mediation 05:00 - Owners Accepting Low Without Experts 06:30 - Critical Experts: Engineer (Drainage, Circulation, Grade) 08:00 - Appraiser (Before/After Values, Severance, Cost-to-Cure) 09:30 - Land Planner (Highest & Best Use, Codes, Buffers) 10:30 - CPA for Business Damages (5+ Years) 11:00 - Compensation Scope: Land, Improvements, Severance, Business, Relocation 12:00 - Creative Wins: Reopened Driveways, Median Cuts, Wider Access 14:00 - Overlooked: Attorney/Expert Fees Paid by Government 15:00 - Closing & Call to Action   About the Show: "Florida Is Our Domain" delivers straightforward guidance for Florida property and business owners facing eminent domain. Anthony Policastro brings over 30 years of experience fighting condemning authorities to ensure clients receive full compensation and protect what they’ve built.