Dan R. Stengle

Dan Stengle's professional journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a wealth of experience. He embarked on his academic path at the University of South Dakota, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and even shared his knowledge as a graduate teaching assistant for Freshman English Literature and Composition.

His legal journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he achieved a position on the Dean's List and secured the American Jurisprudence Book Awards for top-class grades in Torts Law, Contracts Law, and Criminal Law during his first year.

Dan's legal education continued at Florida State University, where he demonstrated his dedication by serving as a Legislative Analyst Intern through a joint program with FSU and The Florida Senate. His journey took him to the Criminal Appeals Division of the Office of the Florida Attorney General as a Certified Legal Intern, where he excelled in briefing and arguing cases for the State of Florida in both the First District Court of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. In his senior year, Dan was entrusted with teaching Legal Writing and Oral Argumentation to freshman law students. His academic prowess at FSU was evident through his inclusion on the Dean's List and his receipt of the American Jurisprudence Book Award for Conflict of Laws, earning him the distinction of graduating from law school with High Honors.

Before embarking on his legal studies, Dan had a stint as an energy analyst with the Florida Governor's Energy Office. Later, he served as a legislative analyst with the Commerce Committee of The Florida Senate.

Following law school, Dan's career took him to the law firm of Akerman, Senterfitt, and Eidson, where he honed his skills in administrative law, civil trials, and appeals as an Associate Attorney. His dedication and expertise then led him to become Senior Attorney and subsequently General Counsel for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. In this role, he specialized in rulemaking and enforcing laws related to fish and wildlife, securing victories in landmark cases involving endangered species and Native American Tribes, as well as regulation of state lands.

Dan's public service continued with a return to The Florida Senate, where he assumed the role of Staff Director to the Senate Governmental Operations Committee. In this capacity, he oversaw legislative oversight of executive branch agencies, the Office of the Governor, the Administrative Procedure Act, and Florida's Sunshine Laws. He also conducted investigations and proposed legislation for the committee and the Senate.

He was appointed as General Counsel to the Florida Department of Community Affairs, where he directed legal aspects of the state's comprehensive land development plans, coastal management, emergency management, and housing finance. Additionally, he served as Special Counsel to the Florida Governor and Cabinet on matters concerning Areas of Critical State Concern, including the Florida Keys.

Dan's remarkable journey continued as he assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Florida Governor Lawton Chiles. In this pivotal position, he provided legal counsel on constitutional and legal matters, including emergency powers, executive suspensions, special elections, capital punishments, and reassignments of state attorney duties. He also represented the Governor in state and federal courts, contributed to crafting state water policies, and advised on judicial appointments, including those to the Florida Supreme Court. His commitment to public service was further evident during the transition between administrations when he served as General Counsel to the Governor's Transition Team

Additional accolades include serving as co-chair of the Tort Litigation Section of the Lee County Bar Association, and member of the Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee and the Statewide Advertising and Solicitation Grievance Committee.

After his distinguished public service, Dan transitioned into private legal practice, representing clients in land use, regulatory permitting, utility regulation, and various aspects of litigation and appeals. His notable clients included the City of Tallahassee, the Florida Realtors Association, Florida Governor, Florida League of Cities, and Florida Association of Counties. Dan achieved significant successes, including successfully challenging proposed constitutional amendments related to sales tax on services and addressing misleading ballot measures.

Dan's personal journey reflects his Midwestern roots and his love for the outdoors. Raised in South Dakota, he later settled in Florida with his wife, Jennifer Miles, where they own a farm. They cherish their time observing wildlife on the farm's restored historic tall grass prairie and exploring the fields and woods with their black Labrador Retrievers. Dan's hobbies include hunting and fishing, both in Florida and South Dakota.

Dan financed his own college and law school education, taking on various employment opportunities during breaks and summers. These included roles as a South Dakota state park ranger, custom farm worker, electrical lineman, and inside electrical wireman, among others. His dedication to community service was evident during his college years when he initiated programs like the "Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Program" and the "Adopt-a-Grandparent Program" while serving in the University of South Dakota Student Senate and the University's Program Council.

Beyond his illustrious career, Dan chaired the Administrative Law Section of The Florida Bar, served on the Executive Council of the Government Lawyer Section, and held leadership roles in various organizations, including Voices for Florida's Children, Capital Area Community Action Agency, and Leadership Florida. As an instructor and coach, he imparted his legal expertise to Moot Court Competition Teams at Florida State University College of Law. His influence extended to legislative drafting, public meetings and records, ethics for public officials and employees, and more.

Dan's professional accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. He holds an AV Preeminent peer review rating in the Martindale-Hubbell® attorney registry, a testament to his unwavering commitment to ethical and competency standards in the legal profession. He has also been consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in Florida, and Florida Super Lawyers, particularly in the areas of appellate law, environmental law, and land use and zoning law.