John M. Dart joined Adams and Reese in 2010 following the firm's expansion into Sarasota. John has been practicing law since 1972.
John focuses on all phases of real property law including negotiation and drafting of commercial leases, option contracts, and purchase and sale agreements, the purchase and sale of going businesses, and representation of clients within the hospitality industry.
He has significant experience in representing financial institutions in both asset-based and real estate commercial loan transactions, including working with both the client and the borrowers and their counsel to formulate situation specific approaches to structuring the loan relationship between the client and the borrower to meet needs of both parties. His activities in the real estate area include dealing with governmental agencies on land use matters, including appearing before city and county commission and planning and zoning boards in connection with zoning and building matters.
His significant contributions include:
· Board Certified in Real Estate Law by the Florida Bar since 1987.
· Experience in representing private country clubs, golf course owners and golf course resort owners and developers. In the course of this work, he has been engaged in substantial negotiations with the PGA Tour related to its tournament facilities.
· Received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Sarasota County Bar Association and the Chairmen's Cup Award from the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
In the Sarasota community, John has participated in a large and ongoing number of volunteer efforts, including commerce and economic development, human service agencies, governmental advisory committees, and professional organizations, while also maintaining a full law practice. This opportunity has afforded him a great appreciation for how the law dramatically affects people every day and how it can be harnessed to help others, and John's ability to be engaged in the community is, next to family and job, the most important thing to him.
John is the past Chairman and a current board member of the Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence, Inc. (SCOPE). This organization brings together residents, business owners, government officials, and organizations to listen, learn and discuss issues that impact the quality of life in Sarasota. SCOPE is a resource for providing a fact-based picture of the Sarasota community through data reports and convening data-related community summits that promote discussion among diverse groups within the community, which lead to thoughtful community action.
He previously served as Chairman of Sarasota County COMPASS, guiding more than 300 volunteers in a county wide human services needs and resources assessment. This effort resulted in the formation of the Human Services Planning Association of Sarasota County for which he served as a founding Board member until its recent merger with SCOPE.
John received his J.D. from the University of Florida in 1972, and earned his B.A. from the University of Florida in 1969.
Professional Memberships / Affiliations
Community Housing Trust, Audit Committee
Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Past Chairman
Sarasota County Bar Association, Past President
Sarasota County Openly Plans For Excellence (SCOPE), Board of Directors, Past President
United Way of Sarasota County, Board of Directors, Past Chairman
Van Wezel Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors, Past Chairman
Other Distinctions
AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Events
The Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner
Announcements
Adams and Reese Expands to Florida: Firm Continues Regional Growth, 12/2/2009
Adams and Reese Welcomes its Florida Attorneys, 1/2/2010
John Dart Named Partner in Charge of Adams and Reese Sarasota Office, 1/6/2010