Atty. Bryan L. Putnal
Bryan is the chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate law, with a focus on transactional finance, sales and acquisitions, leasing and title insurance.
Profile Summary
About Bryan L. Putnal at a glance
Bryan L. Putnal is a business and real estate attorney based in Jacksonville, Florida, practicing at Smith Hulsey & Busey. Educated at University of Florida (J.D., 1985). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Serands clients in Jacksonville, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
Bryan is the chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. He has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate law, with a focus on transactional finance, sales and acquisitions, leasing and title insurance.
Bryan advises purchasers and sellers in all phases of contract negotiations and due diligence for property acquisition, development and sale. His work includes §1031 exchanges and large acreage agricultural properties. As an investor and owner of commercial properties, Bryan understands the issues faced by owners and he often assists clients in developing and implementing strategic plans for their businesses.
He is experienced in both Florida and multi-state transactions, working with clients to achieve their global objectives. He often serves as a title agent for transactions and is an issuing agent for five national title insurance companies.
Bryan also represents financial institutions and borrowers to implement credit facilities for a wide range of projects, including automobile dealerships, medical practices, shopping centers, office buildings, residential subdivisions, multi-family properties, office parks, private schools and universities, marinas, hotel and golf course facilities, agricultural properties and amusement parks.
His representation of financial institutions includes loan acquisitions, asset dispositions, loan workouts and restructures, and deeds in lieu of foreclosure structured to reduce transaction costs and subsequent lender liability.
Bryan has been recognized for his legal expertise by Best Lawyers in America and Chambers USA. Bryan is an avid outdoorsman and works with a number of conservation and trade groups to improve the environment, including the Coastal Conservation Alliance, Florida Forestry Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and Florida Farm Bureau. He is married with three children and enjoys much of his free time on his legacy family farm in Mayo, Florida.
Representative MattersRepresentation of a national bank in a series of rehabilitation and mini-permanent loans for Class B apartment complexes located in Florida and North Carolina exceeding $36 million.
Representation of national bank in series of loans to affiliated borrowers for the rehabilitation of apartment complexes, fractured condominiums and retail strip centers, exceeding $25 million.
Representation of national and community banks in foreclosing and restructuring real estate loans totaling in excess of $100 million, transactions include foreclosures, appointments of receiver, facilitating deeds in lieu of foreclosure and the sale of loans prior to, and during foreclosure.
Representation of automobile dealership holding company in the refinancing of its real estate loans for seven dealerships aggregating $44 million, floor plan lines of credit of $34 million, and construction financing of $8 million. Representation also included its automotive finance affiliate to restructure its $80 million revolving line of credit.
Representation of real estate developer and its affiliate to acquire 11,368 acres with a purchase price of $27.5 million, $13.5 million acquisition loan, with immediate sale of 1,800 acres for development as a solar farm for $18.5 million.
Practice Areas Explained
Bryan L. Putnal's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Bryan L. Putnal handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Bryan L. Putnal is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Florida →
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Bryan L. Putnal is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville or all attorneys in Florida.
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