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Overview
If you’re a business owner, you understand the hard work and dedication it takes to build and maintain a successful enterprise. Carlos knows this, which is why he is a staunch advocate for his clients’ business and real estate interests, especially when they need to be protected in court, arbitration, or any other tribunal. He is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
With decades of litigation experience, Carlos represents business clients in partner/shareholder disputes, fraud and intentional interference claims, and various contract-based claims. He also represents clients in eminent domain, inverse condemnation, Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act claims, purchase and sale disputes, real estate broker/agent defense, and commercial landlord/tenant claims.
Carlos has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer” in business litigation, eminent domain, and condemnation law by Naples Illustrated (2018-2024); named to Florida Super Lawyers® magazine’s list (2021-2024); and, on a national scale, recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for his work in commercial litigation (2025).
Carlos is a highly sought-after speaker on various aspects of eminent domain, including best practices for preparing an appraiser witness for condemnation cases. He has presented for The Florida Bar’s Eminent Domain Committee, The Florida Bar’s City, County & Local Government Section, the Florida Association of County Engineers & Road Superintendents, Half Moon Education, Inc., and the West Coast Florida Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.
Carlos also frequently writes on these issues and has been published by the American Bar Association and The Florida Bar Journal. One of his articles has been cited by The Supreme Court of Florida and the Cardozo Law Review. Carlos is also an author for the firm’s Legal Scoop on Southwest Florida Real Estate blog and Southwest Florida Business and IP Blog.
Carlos has been a valued member of Henderson Franklin since 1997 and currently serves on the Marketing Committee. A former chair of the Business Litigation Department, he also led the firm’s Summer Associate Program and remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers. When he’s not practicing law, Carlos enjoys physical training, cheering for the ‘Noles on the gridiron, and watching black and white detective movies from the 1940s and ‘50s.
Professional and Civic Affiliations
Carlos is deeply involved in the community, serving on SalusCare, Inc.’s Finance Committee and previously as Board Chair of The IMAG History & Science Center. He co-founded P.E.A.K., a business roundtable of professionals from various industries.
Carlos also served six years on the Board of Governors for the Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar, and locally on Grievance Committee “D,” where he was vice-chair. He has held several roles with the Lee County Bar Association, including Chair of the General Civil and Business Litigation Practice Section.
Representative Matters
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a real estate agent sued in state court on tortious interference claim. Judge’s ruling cited key undisputed facts established through depositions of plaintiff and non-parties.
- Defended a real estate brokerage and real estate agent sued in state court on claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment of alleged defects in residential real property. The plaintiffs sought $700,000 in damages, plus punitive damages, along with attorneys’ fees and costs. Carlos obtained summary judgment against plaintiffs on their two claims against the brokerage and the agent. Judge’s ruling cited key undisputed facts established through depositions of plaintiffs and cited case law identified in motion for summary judgment.
- Tried a breach of contract case as co-counsel with my law partner, Douglas Szabo, in which the judge awarded damages against opposing party of $6,267,901 immediately upon conclusion of two-day bench trial. Defendant had breached a long-term contract, forcing the client to seek replacement long-term contract with a third party at a significant price increase. Delivered the opening argument and cross-examined defendant’s site manager. The judge’s findings included certain specific key words and concepts used in cross-examination of defendant’s site manager.
- Represented condemning authority in acquiring approximately 4.5 acres of fee simple and easement interests in state court. Tried case as lead counsel in six-day jury trial in which owner’s two appraisers had prepared reports claiming damages of $5,073,600 and $6,331,700, respectively. After five days of trial, culminating in cross-examination of owner’s second/final appraiser witness, owner’s counsel requested a settlement conference. Despite condemning authority also having potential exposure to owner’s attorneys’ fees of at least $1,061,000 and costs of $210,000 (for a total potential exposure of over $6.5 million in damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs), case settled for $2.4 million, which included all of owner’s attorneys’ fees and costs. Especially noteworthy, as part of settlement, owner conveyed the fee simple interest for the remaining approximately 15.7 acres to the condemning authority.
- Represented real estate brokerage and agent in defending lawsuit alleging a variety of claims, including negligence. Obtained favorable testimony from a non-party deponent, causing the opposing parties to request a settlement conference. Opposing parties ultimately accepted less than 3.5% of their claimed damages to dismiss and settle all claims with prejudice.
- Represented condemning authorities in acquiring parcels for electric transmission facilities, electric substation, and road construction.
- Represented business owner in defending against proposed road widening. Condemning authority changed plans to minimize impact to client property.
- Represented property owner in negotiating a settlement of the taking of property for a governmental facility. Negotiated sale price to condemning authority that was $600,000 (or 50%) more than condemning authority’s highest appraisal.
- Represented owner of agricultural property in defending against proposed taking for drainage facilities. Condemning authority decided not to seek client property and did not file condemnation action.
- Represented owner of income property in defending against proposed taking to widen road. Condemning authority decided to alter plans to avoid taking client property.
- Represented (as co-counsel) local government in successfully defending against a claim under the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act and a claim for a regulatory taking. Plaintiff sought $10,900,000.00. Local government obtained summary judgment, which was upheld on appeal.
- Represented (as co-counsel) owners of trade secrets against former colleagues who claimed no trade secrets existed. Obtained favorable settlement after favorable rulings on client’s motion to amend to seek punitive damages.
- Represented business and its owner sued by a plaintiff who claimed an ownership interest in the entity. Raised various formation defenses and ultimately obtained favorable settlement.
- Represented business owners in dispute with co-owner over multi-million dollar commercial property; obtain settlement retaining ownership of property for clients and ousting co-owner.
- Represented buyer of a business. Before any payment was due, negotiated favorable settlement resulting in satisfaction of promissory note given by the buyer to seller in purchasing the business.