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Joseph Cameron Bodiford

Criminal defense Attorney at Tallahassee, FL

4.9   59 reviews

also known as Joe Bodiford, Joseph Bodiford

Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Joseph

Learn Joseph’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    40%
    I have handled thousands of criminal cases, as a prosecutor (1996 - 1999) and as a defense attorney. I have tried over 100 JURY TRIALS, in State and Federal court, all over Florida. I have tried hundreds of non-jury (or "bench") trials. I have litigated hundreds and hundreds of motions to suppress, dismiss, and the like. No one has the experience and credentials that Joe Bodiford does - he and his team can help you!

    27 years, 5,000 cases

  2. Appeals
    25%
    Criminal appeals in State and Federal court. Also post-conviction motions, habeas corpus petitions, and motions to correct or modify sentences. No one has the experience and credentials that Joe Bodiford does - he and his team can help you!

    27 years, 100 cases

  3. DUI and DWI
    20%
    I have been published in 3 books about DUI defense, and have lectured other attorney on defending DUI cases. My firm has successfully handled 100s of DUI cases. No one has the experience and credentials that Joe Bodiford does - he and his team can help you!

    27 years, 500 cases

  4. Federal crime
    15%
    Very experienced in Federal criminal cases. Federal jury trials, suppression hearings, and extremely knowledgable about the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. No one has the experience and credentials that Joe Bodiford does - he and his team can help you!

    24 years, 50 cases

STATE AND NATIONALLY BOARD CERTIFIED CRIMINAL TRIAL LAW EXPERT. OUR TEAM IS HERE TO HELP YOU!

Small town boy, big city lawyer

I was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida.  I'm a sixth-generation Floridian and the great-great-great-grandson of a Florida pioneer (as recognized by the Florida State Genealogical Society).  I love this State and its people.  I have dedicated my practice to representing people charged with crimes, or appealing a conviction.

 

Tallahassee criminal defense attorney

I am Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar, Board Certified in Criminal Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, AVVO rated "10", AV*-rated by Martindale-Hubbel.  I hold an LL.M. (Master's of Law) in Advocacy.

 

I am a former  prosecutor.  I am an adjunct professor of law at the Florida State Univeristy Collge of Law (where I teach trial skills and am co-director of the school's trial team).  I am formerly an adjunct professor of law at Stetson Law, where I taught Trial Advocacy, Florida Criminal Procedure, Survey of Florida Law (Criminal Procedure, Premises Liability), and Legal Drafting.

 

Criminal defense lawyer in Tallahassee

 

I have over 19 years of experience, and have been a criminal defense attorney since 1999.  I have tried over 120 jury trials, and am accomplished trial advocate.  Being Board Certified allows me to say that I am an EXPERT in criminal trial law.  I am looking forward to speaking with you, and discussing how I can help you with your Tallahassee criminal defense case.

 

Please visit  for more information.

 

If you need a Tallahassee or Leon County criminal attorney, Tallahassee criminal lawyer, Leon County defense attorney, Tallahassee defense lawyer, please give me a call.  Consultations are always complimentary, and at no charge!

Photos and videos

Bodiford Law - Tallahassee Criminal Defense
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Contact Joseph

Bodiford Law
2019 Centre Pointe Blvd
Suite 102
Tallahassee, FL, 32308

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  59 customer reviews
Posted by Mrs. Dukes | January 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer in town
I knew Mr. Bodiford was the lawyer I needed on my side from the moment I met him for a consultation. He is easy to talk to and very honest about what can happen. His prices are the best in town. He truly cares about his clients. I've never seen a lawyer call you after 5, on the weekends or even near a holiday but Joe will. As soon as he knows something about your case, you will know. My charge carried a sentence of up to 15 years and Joe got me zero! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing everything you said you would. If you need a criminal defense attorney, look no further!
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Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knows the system
Joe is a first class professional. His years of experience as a prosecutor and a trial attorney are evident in the way he can fluidly navigate the judicial system. He has extensive contacts in the Tallahassee criminal justice system and at FSU. I retained Joe's services when my child was arrested while attending FSU. I connected immediately with Joe who maintained contact communication with us as the case progressed through the criminal justice system. I hope that I never need the services of a criminal attorney in the future, but if I do, Joe's the man.
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Posted by Trav Madd | December 11, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Defense Attorney hands down!
Very professional, experienced, honest attorney in the Area. I would highly recommend him for your attorney needs.
Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best!
Simply the best! I am so happy that I chose Mr. Bodiford, and Mr. Coens to help me with my incident. They were easy to talk to, and I was always kept up to date on what was happening. I would often call late in the day, and they were there to help me. I would definitely recommend them.
Posted by David | July 24, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wish I had hired Joe and Gannon first!
Joe and Gannon handled my appeal of a wrongful conviction, on a very minor charge, motivated by political grudges and mired in civil rights violations. They were there to help me when I was at the end of my rope and our interactions were professional, positive, clear/concise, on-task and reassuring. As to their work, it was OUTSTANDING! Of course, I won the appeal. My case was not clear-cut, but their brief made it so, prompting the appeal judge to rule (without a hearing!) that I should never have been tried to begin with. Now THAT is a result. It was so strong, it may have prompted the judge who ruled against me to resign... right after she was re-elected! I can't thank Joe and Gannon enough for their commitment to justice, fairness and serving me as the client. My only regret is that they don't handle civil cases - so those who acted to illegally arrest and charge me would be made to face the consequences of their actions. I can hardly wait to get arrested again! Kidding, but if I do, I'll go to Joe and Gannon first.
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Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Job
Joe and Gannon helped us through a very difficult family situation. They gave us peace at the outset through their empathy and that they understood the process and what was ahead of us. They are entrenched in the Tallahassee law community and their network of contacts were invaluable. They kept us informed of the cases progress and in the end were successful at getting all the charges dropped. I would highly recommend their law practice.
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Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gannon Coen
Gannon was very responsive during a particularly stressful event for the family. My son was able to meet with Gannon almost immediately and learned the available options for his case. Gannon presented the options in a reassuring way in terms that a non-lawyer could understand. His careful research resulted in a strong supportive case that resulted in a great outcome for us. We are very thankful and appreciative for his work and we highly recommend him.
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Posted by Suzanne | June 26, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks Gannon!
My husband and I were very satisfied with Gannon’s handling of my case. He was so nice and understanding, he was always quick to respond to all of my questions. He kept me apprised of all progress of my case, so I didn’t have to sit back and wonder. The stressful time I was going through was made so much easier with Gannon guiding me through the process, and I will definitely recommend your firm to anyone. Gannon handled everything with dignity and compassion, just what people need in stressful situations.
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney in Tallahassee!
I honestly couldn't be any happier with my choice in Joe Bodiford for my criminal case. His price is fair, he's a straight shooter, and he really cares about his clients. When I got my DUI, I thought my life was over... until I met with Joe. He told me to focus on straightening up my life, to focus on school and stay out of trouble, and to let him worry about the case. And he sure as hell came through. Not only did I never have to set foot in court, but Joe set it up so that my charge was reduced to a Reckless Driving, and I am now in the process of getting my record sealed. If I ever have any issues in the future, Joe is going to be my first call. Thank you for everything!
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best decision I ever made!
After exploring the options for criminal defense attorneys in Tallahassee, I decided to hire Joe to handle my case, and it was the best decision I ever made. Right off the bat in the free consultation you could tell that Joe was very knowledgeable and experienced in Florida criminal law. Most importantly, he was always honest and upfront with me about the facts of my case and what I was looking at. He was also very reasonable with his price, and you can tell he really wants to help you! In the end he came through for me tenfold. Less than a year after hiring Joe, my record has now been expunged and this whole mess is behind me. I could not be more grateful for his help, and everything he has done for me. If you want an attorney to go to bat for you, this is your guy!
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Posted by anonymous | March 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not guilty!
Hire Bodiford - I went to trial with him and was found not guilty. He and Ganon are the best.
Posted by David hall | January 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
David hall
Was very happy with the job they did. If you every get into trouble you just call Joe. He's better than most cause he really understands your situations and does a awesome job at defending your rights. Never had a problem getting a hold of them, like some attorneys. So if you need help you found the right office. Good luck Joe and hope I won't need you again but you never know.
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Posted by Darlene Hall | December 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Awesome lawyer took care of everything got my case thrown out, thank you Joe. Also thanks to Gannon he does a awesome job. Would highly recommend this law firm, was very understanding about how these judges are, and did his job. That's what's up...
Posted by Adam | November 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joe made my life easier
I regrettably got myself in some trouble and thought my life was over. Once I found Joe he explained what was going to happen to me and what my options were. Thanks to him, I am in a better situation now and have moved on with my life.
Posted by Reviewer1 | October 13, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service
For anyone out there who does not know where to turn, I would reccomend hiring Joe Bodiford. I am a 20 year old student who was facing a DUI charge without any prior encounters with law enforcement. Going through the process for the first time, I did not know what to do and was scared out of my mind. Considering the circumstances of my arrest, I thought for sure that I would be convicted and was considered entering a guilty plea at my arraignment. Thankfully, I decided to research my options before making a terrible mistake. After hours of reading online, I decided that it would be in my best interest to hire an attorney. With limited knowledge of how to go about consulting with/hiring an attorney, I continued my research, this time searching for the best attorney I could afford. I narrowed down my options to the five attorneys that I felt suited me best and met with each of them. Despite the fact that all of the attorneys that I met with seemed competent and respectable, it became clear to me that my best course of action would be to retain Mr. Bodiford. Among the things that made me decide to move forward with hiring Joe were his numerous years of trial experience both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, and his knowledge of DUI specific laws. But, what set him apart from the others was his approach to my situation. He was practical, calming, compassionate, detail-oriented, persistent and friendly. I could immediately tell that Mr. Bodiford cares about each and every one of his clients, individually. At the consultation, we discussed my end goal in hiring an attorney, which was to not have a DUI on my record. Though he never guaranteed that he could make that happen, I could tell he was going to do his absolute best for me. 6 months down the road, Joe managed to get my DUI plead down to a reckless driving, adjudication withheld. Never once, did I have to set foot in court. I cannot say enough about Joe and his legal clerk Gannon who kept me informed throughout each step of the process, answering any and all questions I had professionally, and without hesitation. Now much wiser, and more knowledgable about the legal process, I would recommend that anyone facing a criminal charge hire Joe Bodiford. He and his team simply provide everything someone should expect out of their attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best
Retaining Joe ended up being an excellent and smart decision. He is very reliable and was reachable well after office hours. The best and most important part of having him working on your behalf is that he is experienced and extremely skilled at what he does. Going through legal matters is never a fun experience, but having Joe on your side can help you feel much better, because you know you have a great lawyer working with you. Would recommend him in a heartbeat. Thanks Joe!
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Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Responsible, Knowledgable, and Affordable
Receiving a phone call at 1am from your straight “A” student who is miles away and has crossed paths with law enforcement can be quite unnerving. Frantically searching for solutions in the wee hours of the morning was exhausting and disheartening. Joe Bodiford was the first person who responded to my frantic emails and was also the first person to put my mind at ease, reassuring me that “all would be well”. After talking with Joe, I also had the opportunity to speak with other lawyers in the area who shared the exact same information as Joe, but these lawyers also tripled their cost for the same work. Most reassuring was my brother who is also a lawyer, who told me to go with Joe based on his knowledge and reasonably priced services. I highly recommend Joe if you’re looking for an experienced lawyer who responsible, knowledgeable, and affordable!
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Posted by Chris | September 11, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joe was awesome
Joe did a great job resolving the issues of my case both quickly and efficiently for me. I lived out of town and he worked all the details out and saved me the added expenses of traveling to and from. I was very satisfied with the results. I would strongly recommend him to any of my family or friends.
Posted by Mike McCarron | September 10, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
DUI Case
Joe was simply fantastic. He was passionate about our defense, responsive throughout a long drawn out process, cared deeply about the outcome and its impact on my son, and he was patient with us as we asked hundreds of questions. It was a privilege to work with him and I would strongly recommend him to anyone looking for counsel in the Tallahassee area.
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Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2015
The Best Attorney
Mr. Bodiford is the best choice. As a first time offender, I was literally shattered when I found myself facing with a criminal charge. I am so very thankful for Mr. Bodiford's representation. I trust Mr. Bodiford enormously and will forever be grateful for his help. I am very glad that I hired him and would STRONGLY recommend his services to all of those in need. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney to represent me in such a traumatized situation.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
  • Pro bono 5 %
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Adjunct Professor
  • Stetson University College of Law
  • 2009 - Present
  • Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer
  • Bodiford Law, P.A.
  • 1999 - Present
  • Adjunct Professor and Trial Team Co-director
  • Florida State University College Of Law
  • 2015 - 2017

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2014
  • Stetson University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1995
  • Florida State University
  • M.M. - Masters in Trumpet Performance
  • 1993
  • Florida State University
  • B.A., Music
  • 1991
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Jones v. State
  • REVERSED
  • Ziegler v. State
  • REVERSED
  • State v. Lefever
  • NOT GUILTY
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Tallahassee Bar Association
  • Director
  • 2014 - Present
  • William H. Stafford American Inn of Court
  • Master
  • 2014 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Director
  • 2001 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 1999 - Present
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 1999 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers
  • Tampa Bay Magazine
  • 2010
  • SuperLawyer 2009
  • SuperLawyer
  • 2009
  • SuperLawyer 2008
  • SuperLawyer
  • 2008
  • Meritorious Public Service Certificate
  • The Florida Bar
  • 2008
  • Re-certification in Criminal Trial Law
  • Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
  • 2008
  • Board Certification, Criminal Trial Law
  • Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education
  • 2003
View all awards

Publications

  • Business Litigation in Florida, Sixth Ed.
  • Chapter 22: "White Collar Crimes"
  • 2010
  • The Defender (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)
  • "Beware of the BLAWG"
  • 2009
  • The Defender (Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers)
  • "The 3:32am sleep lawyer's guide to answering the 24/7 line"
  • 2009
  • Business Litigation in Florida, Fifth Ed.
  • Chapter 22: "White-collar Crimes" (renamed)
  • 2005
  • Traffic and DUI Manual
  • (Editor)
  • 2002
  • Business Litigation in Florida, Fourth Ed.
  • Chapter 22: "Business Crimes"
  • 2001
  • Florida Evidence Courtroom Manual (Eleazer)
  • (Research assistant)
  • 1995
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Public Defender Training Seminar
  • Ethics in Handling Criminal Cases
  • 2011
  • "If Your Client Gets Arrested . . . "
  • Criminal law
  • 2010
  • "If your client is arrested . . . "
  • Intro to criminal law for civil attorneys
  • 2010
  • "Drinking, Drving, and Your Career"
  • DUI and law students
  • 2010
  • Basic Criminal Law
  • DUI Defense; The Basics of Criminal Defense
  • 2009
  • Basic Criminal Law
  • The Basics of Criminal Defense
  • 2008
  • Criminal Practice
  • Criminal Appeals
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (27)
Given (13)
Endorse Joseph
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe Bodiford is the kind of criminal defense attorney I would hire for myself, God forbid I ever needed one! He is ethical and extremely caring. He goes the extra mile to prepare his cases. He is creative and is not afraid to run ideas by others and listen to what we have to say so that he may assess whether there is room for improvement to any given strategy. For Joe Bodiford, the client definitely comes first and the best representation is the only service offered."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Joe since 1998 when he was a prosecutor with the State Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor, he was a tenacious opponent. As a defense attorney, he is an outstanding litigator who cares about his clients and fights hard for their rights. He has also been heavily involved in various organizations in the legal community. I am proud to know Joe and he is on a very short list of attorneys who I consult with and can confidently refer clients to."
Appeals Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe is extremely intelligent and knows how to present a compelling argument in the best possible manner. Plus he's a great guy. Heartily endorse him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Over the last dozen or so years, I've had ample opportunity to witness Mr. Bodiford in action. He is always well prepared and a great advocate."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is an outstanding attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone I know that needs his services."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe is one of the most knowledgeable and well respected attorneys in the area. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is in need of representation for a criminal case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Joe for many years. He and I served on the Criminal Law Board Certification Committee for The Florida Bar and are fellow criminal defense attorneys in the Tampa Bay area. Joe is very innovative and forward-thinking in his defense strategies and does a terrific job for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Joe in the courtroom numerous times, both when we had cases against each other when I was a prosecutor and while looking from the sideline as a criminal defense attorney. He is very- very good- I would consider him for a family member or friend if they needed a criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Bodiford is a highly skilled and passionate criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a very competent attorney who fights hard for his client's. Any prosecutor knows they need to bring their best game when up against Joe."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I first met Attorney Bodiford when I was serving as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa. Attorney Bodiford represented several defendants whom I was prosecuting. I was immediately impressed by Attorney Bodiford's encyclopedic knowledge of the law and the dedication he showed to his clients. Joe Bodiford is one of the most respected attorneys in the Tampa Bay Area. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. As a prosecutor, I had the privilege of trying a very complex drug trafficking case against Joe and was so impressed with his level of professionalism and depth of knowledge about the law. He was truly a pleasure to work with and I would absolutely recommend Joe to anyone seeking an intelligent, articulate, and personable attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. It's hard to believe that I have known Joe for almost 15 years! I knew him at Stetson, as he was finishing his work while I was an adjunct professor. He was a hard worker who was dedicated to his craft. I then knew him when we prosecuted cases together. He was an excellent prosecutor and has carried his work into the private sector as a well respected and competent criminal defense lawyer. He's a good man to have on your side."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe is scary good. I've known Joe for several years and not only has he earned an excellent reputation in the community, but he is always willing to share tips and tools of the profession, to include occasional "war stories." We recently spoke at a DUI seminar together and he could not have been more cordial or gracious with his time and materials. I am proud to be a fellow member of the Bar with individuals of his caliber."
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Tallahassee Criminal defense Lawyer Joseph Cameron Bodiford
Joseph Cameron Bodiford
Criminal defense Attorney
Tallahassee, FL
Licensed for 27 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available