Atty. James W. Holton
James W. “Jim” Holton is Of Counsel at Hall Booth Smith in Tampa, Florida, where his practice focuses on government advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, particularly in transportation, insurance, land use permitting, and disaster recovery. Jim also brings valuable gaming industry experience from his previous role at a Washington, D.C. firm, where he represented a variety of tribal, gaming, and other organizations.
Profile Summary
About James W. Holton at a glance
James W. Holton is an Of Counsel based in St. Petersburg, Florida, practicing at Hall Booth Smith, P.C.. They have 44+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1982. Their practice focuses on business, real estate, product liability, and insurance. Admitted to practice in Florida (1982). Educated at Boston University School of Law LL.M. Boston University School of Law J.D. (—) and Stanford University B.A. (—). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Memberships •Drug Free America Foundation, Chairman of the Board •Florida State Bar •Pinellas County Economic Development Council •Pinellas County's Police Athletic League, Board Member. Serands clients in St. Petersburg, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- James W. “Jim” Holton is Of Counsel at Hall Booth Smith in Tampa, Florida, where his practice focuses on government advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, particularly in transportation, insurance, land use permitting, and disaster recovery
- Jim also brings valuable gaming industry experience from his previous role at a Washington, D.C. firm, where he represented a variety of tribal, gaming, and other organizations
- In addition to his legal career, Jim is the President and Owner of Holton Companies, a real estate development and investment firm with projects throughout Florida
- He is also actively involved in fundraising and supporting numerous public causes
- Jim earned a Master of Laws from Boston University, from which he also holds a Juris Doctor
- He also completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Stanford University
- He has served on the board of the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research, Pinellas County’s Police Athletic League, and the Pinellas County Economic Development Council
- Nationally, he is the long term past Chairman of the Board for the Drug Free America Foundation, and he serves on several local civic and charitable boards
- Jim was formerly the Chairman of the Florida Transportation Commission from 2005 to 2007, a position for which he was appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush and confirmed by the Florida Senate
- During his tenure, he was praised by the governor for his leadership in addressing some of the state’s most pressing transportation needs and for maintaining public accountability for the Florida Department of Transportation
- Earlier in his career, former House Speaker Allan Bense appointed Jim as a Director of Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) from 2005 to 2009
- EFI is a public-private partnership between Florida business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the Sunshine State
- Jim worked with the Florida Congressional Delegation, other members of Congress, and numerous state and business leaders to address issues and take steps toward improving the business environment for companies in the infrastructure, defense, banking, and finance industries
- Jim was also appointed by former Governor Rick Scott to serve on the Board of Governors of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, which is the state-backed wind and property insurance company of last resort for many Florida homeowners and businesses
- He was re-appointed and served through 2020
- In addition to those duties, Jim was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to TBARTA and reappointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
- He served as the initial Chairman
- Governor DeSantis also appointed Jim to the Southwest Florida Water Management District in February 2023, and his term runs through March 2026
Practice Areas Explained
James W. Holton's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James W. Holton 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.
James W. Holton 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.
James W. Holton is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in Florida →
James W. Holton is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Florida →
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
James W. Holton is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg or all attorneys in Florida.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about James W. Holton
Where is James W. Holton's law office located?
What practice areas does James W. Holton handle?
How long has James W. Holton practiced law?
Where did James W. Holton go to law school?
How can I contact James W. Holton for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has James W. Holton received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.