Legal Advisors

Mr. Poliakoff is a Shareholder in the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. and heads the Firm's local government practice. He is AV rated (the highest level attainable) by Martindale Hubbell. He has substantial knowledge and experience in issues unique to Florida governmental entities including issues such as Land Use, Zoning, Annexation, Municipal Liability, RLUIPA, Bert Harris Act, Conflict Resolution, the Public Records Act, Government in Sunshine and laws pertaining to Ethics and Elections. He has worked on virtually all matters effecting a municipal government including the creation of Comprehensive Plans, developing zoning codes, code enforcement, drafting Ordinances and Resolutions, and he has presided over countless meetings and quasi-judicial matters. Further, Mr. Poliakoff has defended the Town in numerous litigation matters including a law suit challenging the municipality's incorporation and one that challenged the Town's Staff's qualified immunity. Mr. Poliakoff has counseled numerous elected officials on all aspects of ethics laws, election laws, disclosure requirements and conflicts of interest, and has taught classes and has authored opinions on these subject matters as well.

In addition to his representation of municipalities, Mr. Poliakoff represents private property owners on issues relating to their property rights, land use and zoning, and has substantial experience in obtaining entitlements. He works closely with local public officials and provides guidance to his many business clients on the complex governmental processes including public sector procurements, affordable housing, developer agreements, and legislative initiatives. In 2000 Mr. Poliakoff developed an annexation bill, which still serves as the model for annexation bills throughout the state. He also has considerable experience with Community Redevelopment Agencies, Community Development Districts, and Special Recreation Districts, and has been involved in numerous development efforts throughout the state.

In 2005 Mr. Poliakoff was appointed to the Broward County Land Preservation Board by the Broward County Commission. This Board is responsible for reviewing all land acquisitions in Broward County, specifically overseeing the $400 million bond issue which was approved to preserve and reclaim over 1,400 acres of open space in Broward County and repair and enhance the County's recreational parks.

Activities & Memberships
Mr. Poliakoff participates in many charitable organizations and community events. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Poliakoff was awarded an Alexander Fellowship where he clerked for 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Maryanne Trump Barry. Mr. Poliakoff also gained valuable experience as a freelance producer for NBC News and as an assistant producer at CNN in New York.

Honors
2002 Leadership Hollywood 26
2006 Florida Trends Legal Elite
2008 Florida Trends Legal Elite
2009 South Florida's Best Lawyers
2009, 2010, 2011 Best Lawyers in America (Government Relations Law)

Bar Admissions
Florida
New York Bar

Education
J.D. Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (Order of the Coif - top 10%, cum laude)
B.S., Syracuse University, magna cum laude

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Gary Poliakoff, J.D.,
Town Attorney Emeritus
Contact:
Town Staff & Council may
contact the Town Attorney at
the Law Offices of Becker &
Poliakoff, P.A. as needed.

 
Mr. Poliakoff was born and raised in South Carolina, with a short stint in between in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law. For over twenty-five years, he has been a resident of Sunshine Ranches, where he and his wife Sherri raised their sons, Ryan and Keith, along with horses, dogs, cats, newts, turtles and fish.

He is a founding shareholder of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., a Firm consisting of over 100 attorneys with offices throughout Florida and Prague, Czech Republic and Beijing, China.