Photo of Derrill McAteer
  • PRACTICE FOCUS
  • EDUCATION+
    • University of Florida, Levin College of Law
      J.D., with honors, 2002
    • Wake Forest University
      B.A. in American Government and Politics, cum laude, 1999
  • ADMISSIONS+
    • Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • CLERKSHIP+
Derrill McAteer Counsel
Tampa
derrill.mcateer@phelps.com
813-472-7554  direct
derrill.mcateer@phelps.com
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Derrill McAteer excels at bringing complex real estate deals to successful conclusions. With more than 15 years legal experience and a lifelong background in agriculture and real estate, he relies on his familiarity with the industry to connect with clients and get deals done. His confidence with land deals gives his clients comfort that he will meet their objectives during the difficult and sometimes hostile process of these transactions.

Derrill’s experience in land use and real estate is broad, from pre-contract due diligence to closing. He represents clients in local government, land use, environmental, administrative and real estate related matters. He also assists clients with special exceptions, variances, rezonings and comprehensive plan amendments.

Experience Insights Memberships & Affiliations

Practice Focus

Experience

  • Served as counsel to planning and development commissions for Florida counties and cities.
  • Advised the Water Resources Department for the City of St. Petersburg regarding its compliance with a $326 million FDEP Consent Order.
  • Drafted an updated noise ordinance for the City of St. Petersburg.
  • Negotiated cell phone tower and other commercial leases for clients.
  • Obtained the applicable rezoning and special use permits for a large canine exercise and exhibition facility in southern Hernando County.
  • Participated as second chair counsel for the Volusia County in the defense of the Farmton Local Plan, a highly complex comprehensive plan amendment, in a challenge before the Division of Administrative Hearings. Represented Volusia County during implementation of the plan alongside the landowner and environmental advocacy groups.
  • Filed appeal and participated in oral argument before the Florida Second District Court of Appeal, successfully reversing a summary judgment.

Insights

Publications
  • “Non-Agricultural Zoning and Florida’s Agricultural Lands Ad Valorem Tax Classification: Can They Co-exist?" In the Field Magazine (June 2014) Author
Speaking Engagements
  • “An Introduction to Commercial Tenancies from the Tenant Perspective" Tampa Bay Start Up Week (October 2020) Speaker

Memberships & Affiliations

Professional

  • The Florida Bar
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • Hernando County Bar Association, President (2010), Member (2006-2011)

Civic

  • University Club of Tampa
  • Economic Club of Tampa

Education

  • University of Florida, Levin College of Law
    J.D., with honors, 2002
  • Wake Forest University
    B.A. in American Government and Politics, cum laude, 1999

Admissions

  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • Served as counsel to planning and development commissions for Florida counties and cities.
  • Advised the Water Resources Department for the City of St. Petersburg regarding its compliance with a $326 million FDEP Consent Order.
  • Drafted an updated noise ordinance for the City of St. Petersburg.
  • Negotiated cell phone tower and other commercial leases for clients.
  • Obtained the applicable rezoning and special use permits for a large canine exercise and exhibition facility in southern Hernando County.
  • Participated as second chair counsel for the Volusia County in the defense of the Farmton Local Plan, a highly complex comprehensive plan amendment, in a challenge before the Division of Administrative Hearings. Represented Volusia County during implementation of the plan alongside the landowner and environmental advocacy groups.
  • Filed appeal and participated in oral argument before the Florida Second District Court of Appeal, successfully reversing a summary judgment.
Publications
  • “Non-Agricultural Zoning and Florida’s Agricultural Lands Ad Valorem Tax Classification: Can They Co-exist?" In the Field Magazine (June 2014) Author
Speaking Engagements
  • “An Introduction to Commercial Tenancies from the Tenant Perspective" Tampa Bay Start Up Week (October 2020) Speaker

Professional

  • The Florida Bar
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • Hernando County Bar Association, President (2010), Member (2006-2011)

Civic

  • University Club of Tampa
  • Economic Club of Tampa