Frank Florio, Attorney, Gunster

May 2026 — Invest: sat down with Frank Florio, attorney at Gunster, to discuss how South Florida’s continued influx of businesses and high-net-worth individuals is reshaping legal demand and raising the stakes for long-term, relationship-driven counsel. “We spend time learning our clients’ businesses and goals, often by being in their environment and understanding the context around what they are trying to accomplish,” Florio said.

What legal trends are you seeing emerge in South Florida that are most impacting the business community today?

The biggest driver is still the influx of businesses and high-net-worth individuals moving to Florida, and specifically South Florida. That trend is continuing, and it creates a wide range of legal needs.

Some of it is straightforward: contract disputes, employment issues, real estate conflicts, and commercial litigation. But as companies relocate or expand here, the work quickly becomes more complex. We see demand around regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and cross-state legal strategy.

Many businesses are moving headquarters or a major hub to South Florida while still operating nationally or internationally. That creates multijurisdictional issues that require coordination across states and, in some cases, across borders. For a full-service firm like Gunster, clients often start with one immediate need, then additional issues surface as they establish themselves and grow here.

The short version is that the volume of people and companies coming in creates a ballooning effect. Legal needs expand with the scale and sophistication of what is entering the market.

Which industries or sectors are driving the most legal activity right now, and what does that say about broader business and investment patterns in the region?

Finance has been a major driver. We are seeing financial services firms relocating to or expanding in South Florida, and that signals confidence in the region as a place to invest and grow. Florida’s regulatory environment is generally business-friendly, particularly compared to states where conditions have tightened.

Real estate is another major source of activity. Our real estate work continues to grow because people are investing in land, mixed-use projects, and redevelopment across South Florida. As more businesses and residents move in, there is also an increasing need for infrastructure investment and redevelopment to support that growth.

Taken together, those trends reflect a region that businesses view as a long-term growth market, not simply a temporary relocation destination.

How is technology reshaping the practice of law, and what does that mean for clients?

At Gunster, we want to be a leader in using technology to improve productivity and deliver more efficient service for clients, but it has to be used the right way.

Artificial intelligence and related tools can help identify complex legal issues, streamline research, and improve document review and contract analysis. When used properly, it removes noise and helps lawyers focus on what really matters: strategy, problem-solving, and judgment.

However, it does not replace human analysis and strategy. In litigation especially, you are not going to replace the quality of a seasoned advocate and problem solver. Clients need lawyers who understand how their business operates, where it is headed, and what matters most to the decision-makers.

We spend time learning our clients’ businesses and goals, often by being in their environment and understanding the context around what they are trying to accomplish. Technology can analyze what is in front of it, but it cannot fully replicate the big picture. Sometimes the issue at hand can almost be like a drop in a pond, and the ripples will go out all the way to the other side. If you do not know what is on the other side because you have not been paying attention to the client’s broader goals, you can solve the immediate issue but create a long-term problem.

What role do young attorneys play in shaping the future of legal service delivery at Gunster?

Gunster has a strong commitment to the community and to developing well-rounded attorneys. One of the most effective ways we do that is by growing our lawyers alongside our clients.

As young lawyers, we build relationships with emerging business leaders and growing companies. Early on, the needs may be smaller: a contract issue, employment guidance, or a corporate question tied to expansion. As the business grows, the needs become more complex, and we can bring in the right teams across the firm while maintaining continuity.

That approach strengthens relationships and improves service because you develop a deeper understanding of the client’s long-term goals. The legal profession is a service profession. Clients come to you with a problem and ask for help, and your responsibility is to serve them well. Serving them well starts with knowing who you are serving.

How does Gunster’s collaborative culture and emphasis on servant leadership show up in your daily work?

Gunster believes attorneys should be well-rounded, not only as lawyers but as people. When you serve others and give your time outside the practice of law, it makes you a better person, and it ultimately makes you a better professional.

During the firm’s 100-year anniversary in 2025, Gunster committed to completing 1,925 community service hours statewide, a nod to Gunster’s founding year of 1925. Personally, I use some of my free time to serve on the Board of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Broward County, which serves underserved women and families and supports healthy birth outcomes.

Gunster did not just encourage involvement. The firm supported me taking on a leadership role by serving on the board. That experience does not necessarily make the firm richer financially, but it strengthens the firm culturally and reinforces a service mindset. We also have a pro bono committee, and I serve on it, reviewing matters and helping organize teams to provide legal services in the community.

What are the biggest opportunities and risks ahead for Florida businesses from a legal standpoint?

The opportunity is the continued investment in people, businesses, and land across South Florida. Significant capital is coming into the region, and South Florida’s connectivity through airports, seaports, and trade infrastructure strengthens its appeal.

The risks are largely manageable if businesses stay informed. Companies entering a new state need to understand Florida’s regulatory structure and keep up with policy changes. At Gunster, we monitor developments closely and maintain a presence in Tallahassee to stay ahead of legislative and regulatory shifts that could impact our clients.

Staying ahead of the information curve helps businesses avoid unnecessary exposure and make better decisions as they expand.

What are your top priorities over the next few years, both personally and for the firm?

At the firm level, Gunster’s priority is to continue serving as Florida’s law firm for leadership. That means supporting new businesses coming into the state, protecting long-established Florida companies, and helping both groups grow in a way that strengthens the broader economy. As Florida grows, we expect Gunster to continue growing with it.

For me, the priority is similar. I am a trial attorney and a business litigator, but my practice is rooted in problem-solving. A lot of the best outcomes happen before litigation ever starts. My goal is to help clients resolve disputes early when possible and avoid court when that is in their best interests.

If litigation becomes necessary, we will be prepared to advocate aggressively. But the long-term focus is on helping clients solve problems, grow, and make decisions that support where they want to go next.