Michelle Diffenderfer, Shareholder, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

In an interview with Invest:, Michelle Diffenderfer, shareholder of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., discussed the firm’s recent growth, its expertise in environmental and land use law, trends in housing and real estate, and the ongoing focus on Everglades restoration and resiliency projects.

Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the most significant for the firm?
Over the past few years, we have seen remarkable growth, especially with the expansion of our team of attorneys. This includes hiring at the junior level and welcoming new partners, which has been exciting for us.
As a first-generation law firm that recently celebrated 30 years, we are proud of this continued growth and attribute it to the strong and dedicated team members and their commitment to the firm. In our industry, surviving and thriving for three decades is no small feat, especially as our founders begin to retire. Over the past few years — and continuing into the next couple of years — my role, along with the executive committee, has been to bring in the next generation of lawyers. We’ve focused on seamlessly integrating them into our institutional client matters while providing them with training to uphold the firm’s standards.
This year, we’ve made key hires, including making Amy Petrick and Richard Green partners, which were exciting milestones. We also brought in a lateral attorney to our Tallahassee office — Jason Winn – a solo practitioner and lobbyist who joined our legislative team and brought in a significant group of clients.
We’re a small firm with about 35 attorneys, with offices in West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. It’s been a rewarding year, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.

What sets your firm apart in environmental, land use, and governmental law?
The environmental, land use and governmental legal landscape is very specialized and core to our firm’s founding. Many of our founding partners were former General Counsel at state agencies like water management districts and the Department of Environmental Protection. Over the years, we’ve also added attorneys with county and municipal law backgrounds.
This expertise lets us approach issues from the government’s perspective while advocating for private and public clients. Whether securing permits for an airport, a road project, or a housing community, we navigate Florida’s state and federal environmental permitting systems. Our work often involves collaborating with wetland biologists, land use planners, and other development team members to bring projects to completion.
I started my career here as a law clerk and later as a first-year attorney, learning directly from our founders. Today, we’re proud to have five generations of lawyers in the firm. Over the last five years, we’ve prioritized replenishing our ranks as the baby boomer generation retires, ensuring our expertise continues into the future.

How would you describe your firm’s collaborative approach?
Collaboration is a cornerstone of everything we do. Our firm doesn’t operate as a collection of sole practitioners. Instead, we work in teams across offices and practice groups, especially for statewide clients needing representation in multiple regions.
This approach fosters a dynamic environment. It’s not just about lawyers working together — we ensure all employees enjoy being part of the firm. Our tagline, “See things differently,” reflects this. Over the last five years, we’ve emphasized generational diversity, bringing in more first- through fourth-year attorneys. This has infused our offices with fresh energy, curiosity, and purpose.
For those of us here for decades, mentoring and training newer attorneys has been revitalizing. Answering questions and leading workshops reminds us of the dedication it took to develop our skills. It’s rewarding to see the next generation embrace these challenges and carry our legacy forward.

Are there any trends or shifts in land use regulations and environmental law that you’re watching closely?
Florida’s continued growth brings both opportunities and challenges. One major issue, especially in Southeast and Southwest Florida, is the rising cost of housing. In areas like Palm Beach and Miami, housing prices have more than doubled since 2019.
Our firm works with land developers to navigate complex approval processes at the local, state, and federal levels. However, bringing enough affordable housing to market remains difficult. South Florida’s wetlands and endangered species make it one of the country’s most environmentally sensitive areas, requiring a careful balance between housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
There’s also a push for redevelopment in city centers to provide housing closer to jobs. Recent legislation allows more areas within cities and counties to be zoned for housing, but local governments and developers are still adjusting. This is vital as much of Florida’s housing growth has historically occurred in agricultural areas outside cities, where infrastructure like roads and transit must also expand.
Another key focus is Everglades restoration. State and federal governments are investing billions to improve the ecosystem from Lake Okeechobee to Everglades National Park. These projects aim to balance restoration with flood protection, water supply, and other needs. For example, Lake Okeechobee remains central to South Florida’s water supply. Recent studies have updated its management to address harmful algae blooms, water quality, and aquifer replenishment, impacting urban and agricultural communities alike.

Do you think environmental projects will continue to grow as discussions around resiliency increase?
Absolutely. In early January 2025, Gov. DeSantis announced additional funding for Everglades and other environmental restoration projects. These efforts enjoy bipartisan support at both state and federal levels.
Hurricane recovery and resiliency projects often rely on separate funding sources, like FEMA or coastal-focused programs. After storms like Ian, which devastated Naples and other areas, there’s been increased attention on restoring affected communities. The state is pushing for more funds in the current legislative session to address both environmental and community recovery needs.

How has the current economic climate, with inflation and high interest rates, impacted Florida’s real estate sector and your work with clients?
Economic pressures have created a complex situation. Rising home prices make Florida attractive for developers, as housing demand remains high. But for employers like us, the cost of living is making it harder to attract talent. Housing affordability in places like downtown West Palm Beach is a significant challenge.
Many staff members live far from work in areas like Port St. Lucie or Fort Lauderdale because they can’t afford housing closer. Employers are increasing salaries to stay competitive, but recruiting out-of-state talent has become harder as relocation costs climb.
For developers, rising land and construction costs further complicate projects. Recent legislation encouraging infill development and workforce housing in urban areas is promising but takes time to implement. Meanwhile, high housing demand benefits sellers and boosts tax revenues for cities and counties.
Ultimately, developers find opportunities, but affordability and infrastructure remain key challenges for the community.

How do you see housing trends evolving, particularly for younger buyers or renters?
Younger people are staying with their parents longer, which can help them transition into housing of their own. I’ve also noticed innovative trends, like in Texas, where smaller, clever home designs are gaining traction. Lennar, for example, is building compact, functional homes, more like studios or small one-bedrooms, offering an affordable entry point for those early in their careers.
I’ve read about experimental options like Amazon’s ready-to-assemble tiny homes. While Florida has traditionally leaned toward larger, ranch-style houses, I think smaller, efficient housing could do well here.
In West Palm Beach, condo growth over the last decade has been significant. Initially, there were questions about whether people would move into them, but now they’re thriving. Of course, growth brings challenges like increased traffic, but overall, I see it as positive.
As a West Palm Beach resident, I find the city’s growth exciting. While some neighbors resist change, I believe it’s necessary and ultimately good for our economy and community. It reflects progress and opportunity.