Dennis D. Mele

Overview

Dennis D. Mele is a partner and Chair of the Land Use & Zoning practice group. He is widely recognized for his work in land use, zoning, environmental and governmental law. Having experience as a land planner and a city manager, Mr. Mele has a unique understanding of the myriad issues developers, property owners and local governments face; and, is able to advise clients on a wide range of complex matters.

Mr. Mele represents clients before federal, state, regional and local government agencies. He has extensive experience in land use, construction and budgeting issues pertaining to real estate development projects. In addition, he represents developers in obtaining approvals for Developments of Regional Impact (DRI’s), land use plan amendments, dredge and fill/environmental resource permitting and other development projects. Mr. Mele also has experience in representing clients with regard to wetlands jurisdictional determinations.

Utilizing his extensive experience with local government, Mr. Mele represents clients in the annexation of large land areas into municipalities, including the preparation of annexation agreements and special acts to protect property owners’ rights. He also represents local government, developers and property owners seeking development entitlements and works closely with real estate attorneys on land use and environmental issues affecting real estate transactions.

Mr. Mele frequently lectures on land use issues including environmental permitting and comprehensive planning.

Bar Admissions

Florida

Education

J.D., University of Miami School of Law, summa cum laude, 1988
M.U.P., University of Michigan, 1979
A.M., University of Michigan, 1978
A.B., University of Michigan, 1976

Experience

Professional and Community Involvement

City of Coconut Creek, City Manager
South Florida Regional Planning Council, Broward County and City of Coconut Creek, Land Planner
American Institute of Certified Planners, Member
American Planning Association, Member

Speaking Engagements

Speaker, “Special Issues for Allocating Use of Property in Public/Private Partnerships,” Law Seminars International: Development Agreements, Easements and CCRs, June 24, 2008

Awards

Recognitions

U.S. News & World Report, Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year,” Land Use & Zoning Law, 2010, 2018, 2020, 2024
U.S. News & World Report, “Best Lawyers in America,” Land Use & Zoning, 2007-2024
U.S. News & World Report, “Best Lawyers in America,” Environmental Law, 1997-2024
Chambers USA, “Top Ranked Lawyer – Florida: Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use,” 2004-2023
Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyers” 2021 & 2022
Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV Preeminent®
Super Lawyers magazine, “Florida Super Lawyers,” Land Use/Zoning, 2007-2019
South Florida Legal Guide, “Top Lawyers,” Land Use and Zoning, 2006-2016
South Florida Business & Wealth magazine, “Attorney of the Year, Leaders in Law,” Environmental Law, 2015
The American Lawyer magazine, “Top Rated Lawyers,” 2012
The Legal 500, U.S. Edition, Land Use & Zoning – Real Estate and Construction, 2009

Publications

In the News

Mentioned, “Tamarac Residents Had Very Little Say About Self-Storage Facility in Public Meeting,” Tamarac Talk, September 11, 2018
Mentioned, “Woodspring Suites Plans New Hotel in Broward,” South Florida Business Journal, May 8, 2018
Mentioned, “Broward to Consider 3 Major Projects, Including Toll Brothers Homes on Golf Course,” South Florida Business Journal, April 16, 2018
Quoted, “Plan To Build Hundreds of Homes On Miramar Wetlands Scaled Back,” Sun Sentinel, November 3, 2017
Quoted, “New Real Estate Rent? Plaza May Replace Some Stores with Apartments,” Sun Sentinel, October 27, 2017
Quoted, “Deerfield Oks Plan to Rebuild Hundreds of Homes on Golf Course,” Sun Sentinel, October 3, 2017
Mentioned, “Broward to Consider Significant Residential, Industrial Projects,” South Florida Business Journal, September 12, 2017
Mentioned, “Dania Beach Approves Plan for New Apartment Complex,” Sun Sentinel, May 23, 2017
Mentioned, “Lennar Seeking Approval for 385 Homes in Broward,” South Florida Business Journal, May 10, 2017
Mentioned, “Broward Commission To Consider Three Big Developments, Including Homes On Golf Course,” South Florida Business Journal, April 21, 2017
Quoted, “WCI Takes Steps to Fix Mold Issues,” Sun Sentinel, February 28, 2017
Mentioned, “Best Lawyers in South Florida 2017,” Best Lawyers, October 19, 2016
Mentioned, “Developer Plans Offer Insight into Housing Recovery,” Sun Sentinel, September 28, 2016
Quoted, “Pembroke Pines Re-Configures Plans for City Hall,” The Real Deal, August 15, 2016
Quoted, “Developer Proposes Mixed-Use Project on Site of Closed Church,” South Florida Business Journal, August 12, 2016
Quoted, “Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes Discuss Development on City Line,” Sun Sentinel, August 10, 2015
Quoted, “Davie Approves Three Housing Projects Waylaid by the Recession,” Sun Sentinel, August 20, 2014
Mentioned, “Broward’s Political, Lobbying Establishment Gets Behind Jim Waldman’s Senate Campaign,” Sun Sentinel, November 5, 2013
Mentioned, “Has the County Met Its Match?,” Sun Sentinel, January 30, 2014
Mentioned, “Alumni @ Taubman College – Dennis D. Mele,” Taubman College, January 27, 2014
Quoted, “Deerfield Country Club to Become Industrial Park,” Sun Sentinel, December 17, 2013
Quoted, “Commission Considers Rezoning Deerfield CC,” Club & Resort Business, July 1, 2013
Mentioned, “South Florida Ready to Boom?,” Bisnow, November 1, 2012
Mentioned, “Greenspoon Marder Named Among the 2013 ‘Best Law Firms’,” The Business Development Board, November 1, 2012
Quoted, “Hotel Near Everglades Too Close for Comfort,” NBC Miami, May 12, 2010
Mentioned, “South Florida Alumni on ‘Best Lawyers’ List,” University of Miami School of Law Barrister V. LIV, Spring 2001
Quoted, “Tallahassee Report,” Florida Trend, August 1, 1996

Sep 29, 2020 Day One Recap: Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit

News & Videos

News

Nov 13, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Expands Land Use and Zoning Practice Group with Addition of Partner Matthew Scott
Aug 17, 2023 Three Greenspoon Marder Partners Are Recipients of The Best Lawyers in America© “Lawyers of the Year” Awards 2024
Jun 5, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA 2023 Guide
Jun 2, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Ranked in Chambers and Partners USA 2023 Guide
Oct 1, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyers” by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated for 2022
Jun 1, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked In Chambers and Partners USA For 2022
Oct 5, 2021 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyers” by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated for 2021
May 20, 2021 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked In Chambers and Partners USA For 2021
Oct 5, 2020 Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit Webinar Recordings
Sep 29, 2020 Day One Recap: Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit
Sep 13, 2019 Greenspoon Marder Supports The American Planning Association’s 2019 Florida Annual Conference
Aug 16, 2019 Greenspoon Marder Partner Dennis Mele Selected As A “Lawyer of the Year” By Best Lawyers® For 2020
Nov 14, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Receive 2018 AV Preeminent Rating By Martindale-Hubbell
Nov 3, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Receive 2017 AV Preeminent Rating By Martindale-Hubbell
Oct 6, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Shareholder Dennis D. Mele Wins City Commission Approval For Hoyer Homes
Sep 9, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Supports the American Planning Association’s Florida Conference
May 31, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Announces Rankings In Chambers And Partners USA 2017
Jun 23, 2016 Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Attorneys at Greenspoon Marder
Jan 16, 2014 Twenty One Attorneys Ranked as “Top Lawyers” and Greenspoon Marder Listed as a “Top Law Firm” in the 2014 South Florida Legal Guide
Dec 17, 2013 Industrial park gets OK
Dec 5, 2011 Greenspoon Marder Named as Top Law Firm 2012

Videos

Webinar: Government Permitting and Inspections in the Era of COVID-19