Vivian Arenas-Battles practices in the areas of administrative, eminent domain, environmental and land use law. Prior to joining de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A., Vivian served as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Florida Department of Transportation in eminent domain matters. While there, she was lead counsel in several complex jury trials involving both residential and commercial properties. Vivian has also served as an Assistant General Counsel for the Southwest Florida Water Management District and as counsel to Sumter and Collier counties. During her career, Vivian has served as lead counsel in several jury and non-jury trials. Since 1991, Vivian has also been trial counsel in 5 complex administrative hearings involving phosphate mining permits. She regularly advises public and private clients on state and local environmental regulations and Florida’s Government in the Sunshine and Public Records’ laws. Vivian has been selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for 2013 in the area of eminent domain. She has also previously been listed in Florida Trend Magazine's Florida Legal Elite (2009, 2011 and 2012) and has been named as a Florida Super Lawyer (2010, 2011 and 2012). Vivian has received the highest rating, "AV," from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and is a Certified Circuit Civil Mediator. A Tampa native, Vivian is actively involved in her community and is a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church and a proud alumnus of the Academy of the Holy Names. She enjoys golf, tennis, and spending time with her family.
Administrative
Eminent Domain
Environmental
Civil Litigation
Mediation
Land Use
Education:
Florida State University, J.D., 1986
University of South Florida, B.A. in Political Science, 1981
Languages:
Spanish
The Florida Bar - 1986
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida - 1987
U.S. Supreme Court - 2005
Representative community involvement:
Board of Directors, Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. 2003, 2004
Member, Hispanic Professional Women's Association
Alumnus, Tampa Connection Class of 2001 - 2002
Representative professional affiliations:
The Florida Bar
- Immediate Past Chair, Eminent Domain Committee
- Member, Administrative Law Section, Environmental and Land Use Section, City, County and Local Government Law Section, and Trial Lawyers’ Section
- Chair, Eminent Domain Section 2001 - 2002
- Member, Eminent Domain Section
- Member, Environmental and Land Use Section
- Secretary, 2007-2008
- Board of Directors, 2008-2009
Publications:
"The Florida Land Use And Environmental Dispute Resolution Act," The Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer (May 2012)
"In The Race For Full Compensation, Don't Disregard The Ethical Rules," (Co-Author), The Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer (February 2011)
"Is it a Valid Appraisal?" The Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer (December 2001)
"What to Expect When You Request Extended Possession," The Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer (November, 2000)
"Taxation of Costs in Light of Skidmore," The Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer (June 1999)
