What Role Do Experts Play in an Eminent Domain Case?

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.