Blake devotes his practice to the defense of employers and insurance carriers in claims and appeals arising under the Florida Workers’ Compensation Act as well as claims brought under the federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
Blake is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Workers’ Compensation, a designation he earned in 2013. He is experienced in workers’ compensation law dealing with the analysis and litigation of problems or controversies arising out of the Florida Workers’ Compensation Law.
In addition to his practice that extends throughout the state of Florida, Blake is also licensed to practice law in North Carolina. He represents many insurance carriers and third party administrators. Additionally, he lectures on various topics concerning state and federal workers’ compensation claims.
An active member of the Jacksonville Bar Association, Blake currently serves as the co-chair of the Social Security and Workers' Compensation Law Committee. He previously served as co-chair of the Workers’ Compensation Section. Blake also proudly served as Co-Chair for the Friends of 440 Scholarship Fund between 2010 and 2012 and helped coordinate numerous fundraising events for the purpose of raising scholarship funds for the organization.
When not working, Blake enjoys spending his time with his wife and daughter, cooking, reading and playing classical guitar.
Year joined
2024
Certifications
Board Certified Specialist, Workers' Compensation, The Florida Bar
Thought Leadership
Florida Court Strikes Proposed Workers’ Compensation Rules That Allow Physicians to Dispense Medications
Workers' Compensation
March 2, 2026
The First District Court of Appeal issued a blockbuster opinion on February 25, 2026, in the case of Publix Super Markets, Inc., et.al. v. Dept. of Financial Services, et. al., ---So.3d---(Fla. 1st DCA 2026).
Court of Appeal Affirms Ruling That Late-Asserted Major Contributing Cause Defenses Are Waived
Workers' Compensation
March 1, 2026
The First District Court of Appeal recently issued a per curiam affirmed (PCA) ruling concerning the perennial issue of major contributing cause and the right to deny treatment for pre-existing conditions.
First District Court of Appeals Holds that the Proper “Misconduct” Analysis Must Be Guided by the Amended Text of Florida’s Reemployment Assistance Law
Jacksonville
Workers' Compensation
February 4, 2026
The claimant was terminated for “misconduct,” and filed for temporary indemnity benefits, which the employer/carrier denied.
Florida Court Clarifies Misrepresentation Defense and Major Contributing Cause in Successive Workplace Injury Claims
Jacksonville
Workers' Compensation
January 1, 2026
The claimant initially injured her shoulder at work in 2021. During that claim, it was determined she made misrepresentations, which barred her from receiving further benefits under Florida Statute 440.105.
TOP 10 DEVELOPMENTS IN FLORIDA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN 2025
Jacksonville
Workers' Compensation
December 1, 2025
1. Treatment with an authorized provider tolls the statute of limitations, although treatment occurred without employer/carrier’s knowledge and billed to private health insurance
Classes/Seminars Taught
'One Time Changes” in Medical Providers Under Florida Statutes Section 440.13(2)(f), Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Section Webinar, June 11, 2025
Hot Topics for Attorneys, Workers’ Compensation Institute 77th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, Orlando, FL, August 2023
Repetitive Trauma, Exposure and Occupational Disease, The Florida Bar Workers’ Compensation Forum, 2015-2017
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respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
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