Robert S. Fine, Esq., A.I.A.

Experience: Representative Matters: Provided defense counsel, litigation support, expert witness and other related consulting services to clients in more than 500 Title II and III of the ADA lawsuits including hospitals, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, shopping centers, office buildings, pari-mutuels and municipalities.; Consulted on ADA, FHA and other accessibility code related matters in more than 1000 facilities and businesses.; Consulted in more than 100 multi-family residential projects, time shares and condo-hotels on Fair Housing Act Accessibility.; Provided defense counsel or defense expert witness services in ADA lawsuits brought against more than 75 hospitals nationwide.; Achieved client-favorable class settlements in two nationwide Title III ADA class action lawsuits brought against retail store chains alleging insufficient aisle width (2200 stores and 296 stores).; Appointed special master by U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Title III ADA national class action lawsuit regarding health care facilities. Case Number 8:01-cv-00787-EAJ (M.D.FL.).; City of Miami Beach, Florida's, first Americans with Disabilities Act/Rehabilitation Act Coordinator.; Defended arenas and stadiums, theaters, amphitheaters and other performing arts venues from claims they violate Title III of the ADA and similar state and local laws in judicial and administrative forums.; Attained a 'Letter of Understanding' finding no violation of the ADA for a Broadway theater in U.S. Attorney investigation.; Defended clients from ADA compliance reviews and investigations brought by the Department of Justice (D.C.) and by US Attorney's Offices in S.D.FL., S.D.NY., E.D.LA., N.D.GA., E.D.VA.; Defended multifamily housing developers and owners from numerous administrative complaints before HUD (in several regions), Florida Commission on Human Relations, Illinois Human Rights Commission, and New York City Human Rights Commission.; Defended large investment banks, major department stores and numerous other retailers, health care providers, fashion designers, watch manufactures, multifamily housing providers, real estate developers and sellers, and others against claims brought against them alleging violations of Title III of the ADA for the alleged inaccessibility of their websites and mobile apps.; Petitioned the Florida Building Commission for, and was granted a declaratory statement holding that multi-family residential developments not receiving government funding are not subject to the 2012 Florida Accessibility Code resolving in statewide confusion on this issue.; Petitioned the Florida Building Commission for, and was granted a declaratory statement establishing a binding interpretation of the state building code that restored the ability of developers to construct usable space (retail, dining areas, bars, etc.) seaward of the coastal construction control line and below the 100-year storm wavecrest elevation to facilitate beachfront development.; Petitioned the Florida Building Commission and was granted a declaratory statement holding 'All Aboard Florida,' the nation's first privately funded railroad in over 50 years, is exempt from the Florida Building Code.; Assisted numerous clients in attaining Florida state Accessibility Code waivers.; Challenged local technical amendments and statewide technical amendments to the Florida Building Code.; Lobbied and challenged code provisions of and amendments to the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code.;; Certifications and Licenses: Board Certified, The Florida Bar, Construction Law, Board of Legal Specialization and Education; APAC-BE (Certification-Built Environment), Accessibility Professionals Organization; Nationally Certified Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner, International Code Council; Accredited Professional (LEED AP), U.S. Green Building Council LEED; Certified, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB 39308); Registered Architect, Florida (AR 13045); Registered Florida Real Estate Broker