Atty. Bert J. Harris III

Atty. Bert J. Harris III

Bert J. Harris, III, a partner at Swaine & Harris P.A., based in the Lake Placid Office, brings over three decades of experience in commercial and real property transactions, litigation, administrative, and government law.

Lake Placid Lake Placid 47 yrs experience 47 year
Call (448) 233-5547 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Bert J. Harris III at a glance

Bert J. Harris III is a Partner based in Lake Placid, Florida, practicing at Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A.. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, real estate, zoning, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Florida (1979), U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (1981), U.S District Court, Middle District of Florida (1982), and U.S. Supreme Court (1996). Educated at Florida State University College of Law (J.D., 1979) and University of Florida (B.S. University, 1975). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Circuit Representative, Executive Council, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, 1999-2003, Highlands County and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar. Serands clients in Lake Placid, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Bert J. Harris, III, a partner at Swaine & Harris P.A., based in the Lake Placid Office, brings over three decades of experience in commercial and real property transactions, litigation, administrative, and government law
  • A native of Lake Placid, Bert's family roots in the area span about 80 years
  • Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Florida in 1975 and a Masters of Agricultural Management and Resource Development in 1976, Bert was actively involved in campus life, serving as secretary of Florida Blue Key and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity
  • Bert earned his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law in 1979 and began his legal career in Tallahassee, specializing in administrative law
  • He returned to Lake Placid in 1981, joining Robert P. Dunty, Jr.'s practice
  • In 1990, Bert merged practices with Mike Swaine to form Swaine & Harris, P.A
  • Currently serving as Town Attorney for the Town of Lake Placid and attorney for the Highlands County Hospital District, Bert is also a founding director of Heartland National Bank, N.A
  • In his leisure time, Bert tends to his family citrus grove and enjoys quality time with his wife, Lisa, and their daughter, Katherine
  • Bert holds licenses to practice in front of the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, and all Florida state courts

Practice Areas Explained

Bert J. Harris III's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bert J. Harris III handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Bert J. Harris III is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Florida →

Probate

Bert J. Harris III is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Florida →

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Bert J. Harris III is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Florida →

Land Use & Zoning

Bert J. Harris III is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Florida →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Bert J. Harris III is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Lake Placid are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Lake Placid or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Bert J. Harris III

Where is Bert J. Harris III's law office located?
Bert J. Harris III's law practice is located in Lake Placid, Florida. The firm is Swaine, Harris & Wohl, P.A.. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Bert J. Harris III handle?
Bert J. Harris III focuses on trusts, probate, real estate, zoning, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
How long has Bert J. Harris III practiced law?
Bert J. Harris III has 47+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1979.
Where did Bert J. Harris III go to law school?
Bert J. Harris III earned their education at (J.D., 1979); (B.S. University, 1975).
How can I contact Bert J. Harris III for a consultation?
You can contact Bert J. Harris III directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Bert J. Harris III received?
Bert J. Harris III's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
Florida State University College of Law
- 1979
B.S. University
University of Florida
- 1975

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Florida
Admitted: 1979
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Admitted: 1981
U.S District Court, Middle District of Florida
Admitted: 1982
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1996

Reviews

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