(954) 434–0008
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In Accordance with Section 3.08 of the Town’s Charter:
The Town Attorney or other attorney, designated and approved by the Council, shall, to the extent required by the Council:
• Attend all regular and special meetings of the Council.
• Act as the legal advisor to and counselor for the Town and its officers in the matters relating to their official duties.
• Approve all contracts, bonds and other instruments in which the Town is concerned and shall endorse on each his or her approval of the form and correctness thereof. No contract with the Town shall take effect until his or her approval is so endorsed thereon.
• When requested to do so by the Council, prosecute and defend on behalf of the Town all complaints, suits and controversies in which the Town is a party.
• When requested by the Mayor, Town Council, a member of the Town Council, the Town Administrator or such other person or entity authorized by Ordinance, [shall] provide legal council on matters pertaining to the powers and duties of the Mayor, Town Council, member of the Town Council or Town Administrator, or other matters relevant to the Town. The Town Council may, by Ordinance, establish the parameters under which advice from the Town Attorney may be sought.
• Perform such other professional duties as required of him or her by resolution of the Council or as prescribed for municipal attorneys in the general laws of the State which are not inconsistent with this Charter.
• In addition, the Town Attorney shall be granted the powers and duties as assigned by the Town Council.
Primary Assigned Attorney: Keith Poliakoff
Town Attorney
(954) 909 0590
Areas of Emphasis:
Municipal Law
Land Use & Zoning
Keith Poliakoff brings to clients substantial knowledge of representing local governments along with extensive experience in representing parties before local governments throughout Florida, including all aspects of developer representation relating to land use, zoning, development agreements, and all other entitlements. Keith has represented communities opposed to neighboring developments. His representation includes numerous community and homeowner associations, and he has been highly successful in fostering neighborhood compatibility. Furthermore, Keith serves as counsel to numerous banks, corporations, and even individuals seeking guidance relating to code enforcement violations and municipal liens.
As Town Attorney to the Town of Southwest Ranches, Keith has knowledge and experience in issues unique to Florida governmental entities, such as 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 all types of matters affecting 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, Keith has defended the town in numerous litigation matters, including a lawsuit challenging the municipality’s incorporation. He has counseled elected officials on ethics laws, election laws, disclosure requirements, and conflicts of interest, and he has authored a variety of opinions on these subject matters.
Mr. Poliakoff has a J.D. from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law of Yeshiva University, where he graduated cum laude, and a B.S. from Syracuse University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He is admitted to practice law in Florida and New York.
The town has contracted Legal Services from the firm of Government Law Group, PLLC.. They provide expertise in municipal law to Council & Staff as needed throughout the work week and at Town Council Meetings.
Residents who need to contact an Attorney regarding matters with their neighbors, homeowner’s associations or Town matters (already discussed with the Town Staff or Council) must contact their own, private attorney. The Town Attorneys only provide legal advice to the Town Council & Staff as per the Town Charter and their contract with the Town.
Please be advised that under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone at (954) 434-0008, or in writing to 13400 Griffin Road, Southwest Ranches, FL. 33330.
Professional Activities and Achievements
Mr. Poliakoff is AV rated (the highest level attainable) by Martindale-Hubbell®. He participates in many charitable organizations and community events. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Poliakoff was awarded an Alexander Fellowship where he clerked for Third 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. Additionally, he also serves on the Ambassadors Board of Nova Southeastern University.
Honors
- 2025 Florida Trend Legal Elite Notable Managing Partner
- 2025 Florida Trend Legal Elite Notable Real Estate/Land Use Attorney
- Best Lawyers in America (Government Relations Law)
- Boca Raton Observer’s Town Lawyers
- 2009 South Florida’s Best Lawyers
- 2008 Florida Trends Legal Elite
- 2006 Florida Trends Legal Elite
- 2002 Leadership Hollywood 26
Publications and Speaking Engagements
Mr. Poliakoff routinely speaks on all matters of municipal government including The Florida Bar accredited course on Government in the Sunshine, Ethics, Procurement, and Honest Services Fraud. Mr. Poliakoff most recently served as a guest lecturer to Florida Atlantic University.
Education
Benjamin Cardozo School of Law (J.D., cum laude, Order of the Coif)
Syracuse University (B.S., magna cum laude)
Bar Admissions
State of Florida
State of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Please be advised that under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone at (954) 434-0008, or in writing at 13400 Griffin Road, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330.