My Credentials
Florida State University, Bachelor of Applied Science, cum laude
Florida State University, Juris Doctor, cum laude;
Environmental, Energy, and Land Use Law Certificate
Book Award, Climate Change Upper-Level Writing Seminar
Florida Bar- City & Government Section, Top Local Government Scholar
Hi, I'm Simone S. Brown.
I bring an understanding of the intersection between private development and municipal governance to our Tampa office. Specializing in land use and real estate law, I represent clients before local and state government bodies and in complex litigation. My practice is dedicated to helping developers and property owners navigate the intricacies of the built environment. I offer strategic counsel on matters involving variances, rezonings, permitting, licensing, and comprehensive plan amendments.
What sets me apart is my "inside-out" perspective gained during my tenure with the City of Tampa Attorney’s Office. During this time, I served as a legal advisor to the Neighborhood Enhancement, Natural Resources, Construction Services, and Tampa Fire Rescue divisions, and acted as the dedicated attorney for the Variance Review Board. My experience in representing the city in code enforcement and municipal prosecution proceedings, along with my involvement in the Mayor’s Sustainability and Resiliency Initiative, allows me to be proactive with regulatory roadblocks and provide my clients with insight into the city's long-term developmental goals.
Prior to joining the firm, I practiced as a Land Use and Real Estate Associate at a prominent large-scale firm in Tampa. In addition to my legal advocacy, I am committed to the growth of the legal community, having served as the director and coordinator of the City Attorney Intern Program and Manager of the Law Clerk program at my prior law firm. I now leverage this background in both the public and private sectors to provide my clients with the entitlements and approvals necessary to bring their projects to life.
Bar Admissions, Certifications, & Licenses
Licensed by Florida Bar
Publications & Speeches
A Taxing Endeavor: Local Government Protection of Our Nation’s Coasts in the ‘Wake’ of Climate Change,” 31 Florida State Journal of Land Use & Environmental Law, Fall 2016
“Hillsborough County and City of Tampa Land Use and Environmental Hot Topics — City of Tampa’s Alcoholic Beverage Suspension Hearings,” Hillsborough County Bar Association Environmental & Land Use Luncheon/CLE, October, 13, 2021
Notable Professional Experience
Public Sector Experience as Assistant City Attorney with the City of Tampa
Alcoholic Beverage Sales Enforcement - Prosecuted the suspension and/or revocation of alcoholic beverage sales permits against property owners and agents for cause in accordance with Section 27-318(c) of the City of Tampa Code of Ordinances before the City of Tampa City Council
Noise Ordinance Drafting and Enforcement - Drafted revisions, prosecuted and enforced Chapter 14, Article III, Noise provisions of the City of Tampa Code of Ordinances and weighed in on their intersection with various zoning and land use commercial projects’ proposed conditions of approval
Executive Order Enforcement - Prosecuted and enforced COVID-19 executive order provisions including mask and social distancing requirements against various bars and establishments located throughout downtown Tampa and Ybor City
Vehicular Homicide License Suspension - Prosecuted the temporary license suspension of defendants responsible for vehicular homicide traffic violations (a civil infraction) within the City of Tampa
FLUEDRA Public Nuisance Enforcement - Mediated and settled FLUEDRA proceeding involving an enforcement action for public nuisance against a thrift store headquarters operation located within a residential neighborhood
Tree Removal Statutory Exemption - Interpreted and enforced Section 163.045, Florida Statutes pertaining to Florida’s tree removal statutory exemption for the City of Tampa Natural Resources Department; successfully prosecuted violators who did not qualify for the exemption and removed healthy, protected trees without a permit
Private Sector Experience as Land Use Counsel
Appeal and Reversal of Code Enforcement Final Order Finding City Code Unconstitutionally Vague - Appealed and reversed City of Tampa code enforcement final order finding property owner in violation for maintaining shrubs at specific height obstructing drivers in right of way; Circuit Court Judge found City Code unconstitutionally vague
Live Local Act - Obtained fast-tracked permit approval for 408-unit project in the City of Tampa for Live Local Act developer ranked as fifth largest development and sixth largest builder
Subdivision Preliminary Plan to Final Plat Approval - Assisted with subdivision preliminary plan to final plat approval for largest multi-family development in Northern Pasco County including but not limited to neighborhood meetings, approval of landscaping plan, parks plan and compliance with land development regulations and subdivision standards
Dismissal of Short-Term Rental Code Enforcement Matter - Obtained dismissal in Pinellas County Court for Indian Rocks Beach short-term rental civil citation
Sign Variances - Prepared and obtained signage variances for commercial establishments in Hillsborough County
Community Involvement & Board Service
Hillsborough County Bar Association, 2019 - Present
The Florida Bar City, County, and Local Government Law Section, Member
City of Tampa Variance Review Board, Attorney Board Member 2024 - Present
Tampa Bay Inn of Court, Associate Member 2015 - 2024
Junior League of Tampa, 2012 - 2019
Palma Ceia Country Club, Member
Life Outside the Law
As a former New Yorker, my family relocated to Tampa when I was in high school. We have settled here with no intent on moving because we love the area so much! My family and I are South Tampa residents along with our 2 young daughters and our French bulldog, Hazel. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and being the family’s chauffer whether it’s to school, swimming, or dance!