Whether your home is on a quiet street in Ocala or along a rural road outside town, an eminent domain notice can feel overwhelming. One letter or knock at the door, and suddenly a government project is threatening the place you’ve invested your time, money, and memories.
You shouldn’t have to guess whether the offer is fair, whether you’ll have to move, or what happens next. Florida law gives you important rights in eminent domain cases — and you don’t have to stand up to the government alone.
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“Tell us what you received and where your property is in Marion County. An eminent domain team member will review your notice and contact you to explain your options — at no cost to you.”
Eminent domain is the legal power that allows the government — and some agencies — to take private property for a public purpose, such as road widening, new intersections, schools, utilities, or drainage projects.
In Florida, that power is limited by strong protections for property owners. Under the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes (including Chapters 73 and 74), your property cannot be taken unless:
These rules apply across the state — from Marion County to the coasts. As a homeowner, you have the right to:
Our role is to turn these legal protections into a clear, step‑by‑step plan for you and your family — and to stand between you and the agencies involved.
Losing Part vs. All of Your Home
Not every eminent domain case looks the same. In Marion County, some homeowners are told their entire property is needed. Others are told the project will only take a piece of pasture, a strip of yard, or a corner near the road.
In a full taking, the condemning authority acquires your entire property — house and land. The main questions become:
Our job is to make sure any offer reflects the real value of what you’re being forced to give up, not just a number that works best for the agency’s budget.
In a partial taking, only part of your property is taken. For Marion County homeowners, that can mean:
Even if your house stays where it is, a partial taking can:
Florida law recognizes that the property you keep — the remainder — can be worth less after a partial taking. You may be entitled to compensation for:
We work with experienced appraisers who understand both neighborhood homes and larger rural tracts, and how changes to access, frontage, and layout can affect value.
Some Florida agencies use a process often called quick‑take. Under this procedure, they may ask the court for the right to take title and possession of your property before the final dollar amount is decided at trial.
In simple terms, quick‑take usually looks like this:
This can make you feel like you’re on the project’s schedule, not your own. You may be worried about:
It’s important to know that:
Quick‑take can change the timing, but it doesn’t erase your right to seek full compensation.
Even after an Order of Taking, you may still:
Because quick‑take moves fast, getting legal help early can make a real difference. The sooner we see your documents, the more options we may have to protect your rights and your timeline.
That usually means:
Plain-language takeaway:
For homeowners on a fixed income or living off savings, that can be a huge relief. We’ll walk you through how fees and costs work in your specific situation during your free case review, so you can move forward with confidence.
When your home, pasture, or yard in Marion County is on the line, you need more than a name on a billboard. You need a law firm that listens, explains, and fights for you as if it were their own property at stake.
We know eminent domain can be emotional and disruptive. We take time to understand your situation, your family, and your concerns.
We explain the process, your options, and what to expect in straightforward language — no legal jargon, no confusion.
We know the statutes, the procedures, and how agencies approach these cases. We use that knowledge to protect homeowners, not projects.
Our goal is to pursue the best result the law allows and make sure your rights are fully protected at every stage.
You trusted us. We’re honored to fight for you.
What to Do Right Now if You Received an Eminent Domain Notice
If a notice, letter, or lawsuit has landed in your mailbox, it’s normal to feel anxious. Here’s a simple checklist to help you take control of the next steps:
Put it somewhere safe and read through it, even if it’s confusing. Look for any dates related to hearings, inspections, or deadlines.
Easements, right‑of‑entry forms, or early settlement offers can limit your rights. Let an attorney review any documents before you sign.
Collect closing documents, surveys, prior appraisals, tax assessments, and any letters or emails from the agency.
Document your yard, driveway, fences, barns, landscaping, and any areas that might be affected. Write down how you use your property and what you’re most worried about losing.
Before meeting with the government’s appraiser or negotiator, talk with a lawyer whose job is to protect you and your home, not the project.
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