$ 950-1250 per hour
Gary Steven Gaffney
also known as "Professor Gaffney", Board Certified in Florida Real Estate Law 30 years (since 1997)
About Gary
Biography
* 37 Years experience practicing real estate law in Florida (and in New Jersey); 27 years Board Certified in Florida Real Estate Law (1997-2027); 40 Years a Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (since 1985); Member, Florida Real Property Law Certification Committee 2006-08; almost four decades experience in complex real estate and contract law issues; originally admitted to the Florida Bar in 1988 both in Florida and New Jersey, and numerous Federal Courts as well
* University Professor (Law and Ethics) for over 17 years (Florida Atlantic University * School of Accounting; and Nova University * College of Arts and Sciences), with Exemplary Student Evaluations in more than 100 Course Sections taught during that time (thousands of students); in 2012, Named #14 on list of - "Best University Professors in the United States" published annually by the "Rate My Professors" Website
* Editor-in-Chief of the Nova Law Review of Sheppard Broad Law Center, Nova Southeastern University (1987-88); Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Florida Bar Journal and News (2002); Appellate Case Editor for the Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Reviews (1987-89)
* Published author of numerous legal articles, covering a wide range of legal topics (with a primary focus on issues related to real estate law): See GoogleScholar
Author and/or Editor of hundreds of legal memoranda and Appellate Briefs (submitted to all Five Florida DCAs, the Florida Supreme Court, all of Florida's U.S District Courts, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
* Not one client complaint (of any kind) in 37 years of practicing law - thousands of cases and clients
* Acknowledged Florida Expert and consultant for complex real estate title and contract issues, including those at transactional, trial, and/or appellate levels.
* Experienced in all judicial and quasi-judicial forums, from County to Supreme Court, administrative and municipal hearings, and ADR - via mediation, arbitration and other non-traditional venues.
* Substantial experience in all types of civil appeals, practicing in all five of Florida's District Courts of Appeal, the Florida Supreme Court, and the Federal 11th Circuit Court of Appeals; with more than 40 cases resulting in PUBLISHED appellate opinions on Florida law.
NOTE: THIS AVVO MEMBER IS NOT CURRENTLY SEEKING, NOR ACCEPTING, ANY NEW CLIENTS; NOR OFFERING TO PROVIDE SPECIFIC REPRESENTATION, ADVICE OR REFERRALS TO OTHER LAWYERS HERE ON AVVO.
I ONLY VOLUNTEER HERE TO HELP ANSWER SOME OF THE QUESTIONS POSTED IN ORDER TO START TO "GIVE BACK" A LITTLE AFTER A LONG CAREER (AND, OK, OK, MY WIFE MAKES ME!), AND PERHAPS FOR A BIT OF 'KARMA' AS WELL - BUT I AIN'T HERE FOR 'CLIENTS,' SORRY (have quite enough, thank you).
SO PLEASE, IF YOU WOULD, DO NOT CONTACT ME DIRECTLY FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION OR A REFERENCE - ESPECIALLY BY PHONE. IF YOU DO, YOUR CALL WILL NOT BE RETURNED. IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION; SIMPLY POST IT HERE ON LINE - AND I WILL DO MY BEST TO ANSWER (ON LINE).
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
GSG
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Real Estate
90%
37 years | 1,100 cases
Appeals
10%
37 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 37 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1988
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Gary Steven Gaffney
924 Allamanda Drive, Delray Beach, FL, 334835319
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Gary Steven Gaffney's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 30 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Landlord and their unreasonable demands in Jacksonville
Thank you, Gary! Your information and advice were extremely helpful to me and in such short notice! Thank your wife too for making you help people in need of legal advice. Warmly, Havi
Posted by Susan | May 22, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
STRAIGHT FORWARD!
Mr. Gaffney hit the nail on the head in very few words! He is very knowledgeable and frank in his responses and helped us tremendously! I will keep his contact info in the event I need to hire a GOOD attorney!
Posted by Gissy | August 7, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
VERY EXPERIENCED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE
I wished there were more stars to give this amazing human. He gave me more advise than he had too. Very thoughtful and as a said knowledgeable. He advised me and I did everything to the T. Thank you Gary, wish you could be my lawyer
Posted by anonymous | April 2, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Provided advice for thought.
Professor Gaffney provided an opinion on our matter regarding the distribution / release of escrow by a NJ title company when neither buyer nor seller agrees to a settlement.
Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Helpful
Mr. Gaffney provided honest information regarding my roommate situation that was helpful to me in determining realistic next steps within my means. I appreciate the time, energy and understanding taken to patiently and thoroughly respond to my situation.
Gary Steven Gaffney's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Gaffney has demonstrated his commitment to providing pro bono answers on Avvo that are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse and recommend Mr. Gaffney."
"Whenever I respond to a legal question that even remotely touches on real estate or property law, I watch for Mr. Gaggney's response because he usually blows my mind. I thoroughly enjoy following his advice in the Avvo forums and it is clear Mr. Gaffney is a knowledgeable attorney who cares about helping those in need of legal services. It is my pleasure to endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've been reading Gary's responses to queries for months. I think that Gary takes the time to give thoughtful and intelligent responses to the questions presented. I fully endorse this fellow AVVO attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gaffney's responses to inquiries on Avvo are not only indicative of his expansive knowledge of real property law, but he also goes that extra step to provide additional knowledge, which shows he truly cares."
"Having read numerous of his thoughtful and accurate answers here on Avvo, I am comfortable endorsing this lawyer."
"Mr. Gaffney is highly rated on AVVO and provides thoughtful answers in a variety of areas. He also sports an impressive moustache."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Gary Steven works hard for his clients, and gets great results. He really cares for his clients, and it shows in the passionate way that he advocates for them. If he is your lawyer, you are certainly in good hands."
"I whole-heartedly endorse this lawyer. He has the respect of his peers and clients. He has unique experience from various mediums as a professor, real estate broker and lawyer. That is tremendous insight."
"Mr. Gaffney is a highly skilled, diligent and knowledgeable attorney who is well-known in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism. He was able to obtain satisfactory results even for clients whose cases were incredibly difficult by dedicating his time and effort to achieve the best results. I certainly endorse this lawyer and have no doubt he will be of great help to anyone seeking legal advice or representation within his main areas of practice."
"I have worked on several cases with Gary Gaffney over the past 20 years. Mr. Gaffney is a Florida Board Certified Real Estate Attorney as well as someone who has extensive knowledge in the areas of contracts and complex business litigation. I never hesitate to utilize his services as co-counsel whenever a situation arises that requires his level of expertise. In addition to Mr. Gaffney's qualifications to handle all real estate, business and complex litigation matters, I would highly recommend him to any prospective client or other legal counsel who may need an attorney in these areas. Additionally, Mr. Gaffney is highly ethical and very fair when it comes to the cost of an attorney. Finally, in the interest of disclosure, I have utilized Mr. Gaffney as Of counsel to my firm since its inception in 1994. I would be happy to speak with any prospective client or other legal counsel who may be interested in utilizing Mr. Gaffney's services in order to answer any further quest"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Gaffney is highly knowledgeable of his areas of practice, and his quality contributions to the Avvo forums make his passion for his work and his worth as an attorney readily apparent. I endorse this lawyer."
"Professor Gaffney is a highly experienced attorney, whom has made exceptional contributions to the practice of law. Attorney Gaffney has made a highly substantial contribution to this important forum, and a client would likely be well-served by his counsel."
"It is apparent Mr. Gaffney is very knowledgeable about the law and does a superlative job analyzing legal issues."
"I endorse this lawyer. This attorney is a law professor who freely helps members of the bar and general public with his knowledge and advice."
"I endorse this lawyer. The Professor knows real estate inside out. I've read many of his responses on Avvo and his throughness and complete answers take me back to law school. I recently needed an answer for a client to a real estate contract issue and Gary had the answer at his fingertips. Nice guy too."
"I endorse this lawyer. His thorough and accurate responses in the AVVO forum are indicative of his legal expertise."
Andrew Epstein
Real estate lawyer
Gail Barsky
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Reginald Stambaugh
Real estate lawyer
Carl Cascio
Real estate lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
"Expert" in Florida Real Estate Law, The Boca Raton Observer
2014
Named #14 "Best University Professor" in the US (Law/Ethics), Rate My Professor.com
2006
Exemplary Service -Certifcation Committee Real Property Law, The Florida Bar
2003
Exemplary Service - Appelate Rules Committee, The Florida Bar
2002
Exemplary Service - Florida Bar Journal Editorial Board, The Florida Bar
2001
Chair, Florida Bar Journal and News Editorial Board, The Florida Bar
2000
Vice-Chair, Florida Bar Journal and News Editorial Board, The Florida Bar
1998
Exemplary Service - Florida Bar Journal, The Florida Bar
1997
Board Certified in Florida Real Estate Law (1997), The Florida Supreme Court and The Florida Bar
1996
Marzi Doates Award (News Legal Writing Contest), The Florida Bar News
1990
Homestead Law Constitutional Revision Committee, Florida Supreme Court
1988
Leo Goodwin Scholar, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1988
West Book Award - Labor Law, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1987
Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1987
Leo Goodwin Scholar, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1987
Reseach Assistant to the Dean, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1987
West Book Award - First Amendment Law, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1986
West Book Award - Real Property Law, Sheppard Broad Law Center
1985
West Book Award - Contract Law, Sheppard Broad Law Center
Work Experience
1998 - 2015
Professor of Law and Ethics, Florida Atlantic University
1997 - 1998
Professor of U.S. Constitutional Law and History, Nova Southeastern University
1989 - 2016
President/Attorney, The Law Offices of Gary S. Gaffney
1988 - 1991
Partner, Mager and Gaffney, P.A.
Associations
1990 - 1992
Fort Lauderdale Board of RealtorsMember, Legal Protection Committee
1989 - 1991
Fort Lauderdale Board of RealtorsChair, Ethics Committee
1988 - 2000
American Bar AssociationMember, Publications Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
Avila v. TRD and Biscayne 21 Condominium
Won at 3rd DCA; this case is currently before the Florida Supreme Court
Green v Polukoff and Allstate Ins. Co., 377 So.3d 1175 (4th DCA 2024)
Won
Massey v. Thomas, 42 So. 3d (2022)
Won; reversed and remanded.
BROWARD OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CENTER, LLC, et al FENSTERSHEIB LAW GROUP, 45 Fla. L Weekly D2642 (Fla. 4th DCA November 25, 2020).
Affirmed in Part/ Reversed in Part
Doe v. Nur'Ul Islam Academy, 217 So.3d 85 (4th DCA 2017)
Won, reversed.
Hastie v Ekholm, Hastie v. Ekholm, 199 So. 3d 461 (Fla. 4th DCA 2016)
Affirmed.
Seligson v. Kenneth Smith, Luis Ulloa & Pronet Grp., Inc., 177 So.3d 621, (4th DCA 2015)
PCA, Affirmed
Beverly Enterprises v. Knowles, 898 So.2d 1 (2005)
Won
Woods v. Hialeah Hotel and Ramada Inn, Inc, 884 So. 2d 517 (3rd DCA 2004)
Reversed, sanctions imposed.
Integrated Health Care Serv., Inc. v. Redway, 840 So.2d 974 (2002)
Affirmed
Alterra Health Care Corp. v. Estate of Shelly, 827 So.2d 936 (2002)
Affirmed
Publix v. Borino, 825 So.2d 424 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002)
Judgement for Plaintiff Affirmed
Ecuador v. Dupont
Negotiated settlement
Ecuador v. Dupont
Negotiated settlement
Buto v. Sirrus Ins. Co., 807 So. 2d 674 (3rd DCA 2001)
Lamz v.Gieco, 803 So.2d 593 (Fla. 2001)
Won
In Re: Florida Bar Revisions to Simplified Residential Lease Form Rule 10-21(a), 774 So. 2d 611 (Fla. 2000)
Approved
State Farm v. Deni, 711 So. 2d 1135 (Fla. 1998)
Reversed
STARCO VENTURES, INC., BACK BAY PRESERVE, v. RICK RICHARDS, INC., 2D2024-0028 (2d DCA 2025)
Affirmed in Lienor's Favor
STARCO VENTURES, INC., BACK BAY PRESERVE, v. RICK RICHARDS, INC., 2D2024-0028 (2d DCA 2025)
Affirmed in Lienor's Favor
Baldoria v. Security Realty, Inc., 581 So. 2d 189 (3d DCA 1991)
Cert. Denied
In re: The Matter of T.A.C.P., 609 So. 2d 588 (Fla. 1992)
Jallali v. Nova Southeastern Univ,.992 So.2d 338 (4th DCA 2008)
Reversed
BROWARD OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CENTER, LLC, et al FENSTERSHEIB LAW GROUP, No. 4D19-3404 [4th DCA November 25, 2020]
Affirmed in Part/ Reversed in Part
BROWARD OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CENTER, LLC, et al FENSTERSHEIB LAW GROUP, No. 4D19-3404 [4th DCA November 25, 2020]
Affirmed in Part/ Reversed in Part
Jallali v. Christina Trust, D14-2369 (4th DCA June 16, 2016)
Reversed and remanded for involuntary dismissal in favor of mortgagor.
Hirsch v. Weitz, 701 So.2d 893 (4th DCA 2009)
Airport Rent-a-Car v. Lewis, 701 So.2d 893 (4th DCA 1997)
Extendicare, Inc. v. Aymie, 821 So. 2d 1178 (3rd DCA 2002)
Guardian Trust Realty v. Byrne, Case No. 92-1886 (3rd DCA 1993)
Jackson v. Hartford Ins. Co., 765 So. 2d 110 (3rd DCA 2002)
Margiotta v. State Farm Ins. Co., 622 So. 2d 135 (4th DCA 1993)
Mann v. Bauer, ___ So. 2d ___, 11th Cir. Case No. 93-977 (Fla. 3d DCA 1993)
Gunther Motor Co. v. Register, ___ So. 2d. ___, Case No. 98-2672 (4th DCA 1999)
Carrol v. Carrol, 565 So. 2d 894 (4th DCA 1990)
Otis Elev. Co. v. Youngerman, 636 So. 2d 166 (4th DCA 1994)
Margiotta v. State Farm, 622 So. 2d 135 (4th DCA 1993)
Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet v. Savage, 570 So. 2d 306 (4th DCA 1990)
Krilich v. Lange, 683 So. 2d 656 (4th DCA 1996)
Jones v. Williams Pawn, 800 So.2d 267 (4th DCA 2001)
Dept. of HRS v. Ledford, 621 So. 2d 682 (4th DCA 1993)
Edwards v. Edwards, 559 So. 2d 281 (4th DCA 1990)
Doe v. Feathered Pipe, Inc., _ So. 2d. _ (4th DCA Case No. 4D01-4731 2002)
Education
1988
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
J.D. - Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review; Dean's RA
1985
Florida International University
Bacheleor of Arts in US History (With High Honors)
Speaking Engagements
2002
The Florida Bar Annual Convention
Tales From the "Cleaner" - Editing Appellate Briefs for a Living
2000
The Florida Bar Annual Meeting
Modern Legal Research and Writing; 4-Member Panel w/ Justice Fred Lewis of the Florida Supreme Court, Judge Richard Lazzara of the Middle District of Florida, and Judge Larry Klein (4th DCA).
1998
Florida Bar Annual Meeting, Orlando
Seminar Panelist on Professionalism in Legal Research and Writing Member of a 4-Member Panel along with Chief Justice Harry Anstead (Florida Supreme Court), Judge William Hatchet of the Federal 11th Circuit of Appeals; Judge Winifred Sharpe of 5th DCA
1995
Florida Bar Annual Meeting, Orlando, June 1995
Seminar Panelist Seminar on Modern Legal Research and Writing on 3-Member Panel with Justice Harry Anstead of the Florida Supreme Court and Federal District Court Judge Elizabeth Jenkins of the Middle District of Florida
1993
Hollywood Board of Realtors Seminar
Real Estate Broker Liability in Florda
1991
A.T.L.A. lecture Series
How to Draft Effective Motions and Memoranda
Publications
2025
Nova Law Review
Where did All the Dry Sand Go?" A Primer on Ocean Access in Florida, 49 Nova L. Rev. 161 (2025)
2019
Florida Bar Journal 93 Fla. Bar J. 56
It's Only an Opinion: An Appraiser in Court (Book Review)
2018
The Florida Bar Journal 92 Fla. Bar J. 8
Gorsuch: The Judge Who speaks for Himself (Book Review)
2016
90 Fla. Bar J. 67
150 Years of Obamacare by D. Dawes (Book Review)
2003
11 U. MIAMI BUS. LAW REV. 1 (2003)
A Primer on Florida Trade Secret Law: Unlocking the "Secrets” to "Trade Secret" Litigation
2002
75 Fla. Bar J. 43 (April 2002)
Section 57.105’s New Look: the Florida Legislature Encourages Courts to Sanction Unsupported Claims and Dilatory Actions
2002
75 FLA. BAR J. 85 (October 2002)
Elements of Florida Causes of Action and Defenses (2d Ed. 2001) by Arthur Berger (book review)
1996
20 NOVA L. REV. 831
Recent Developments in Florida Real Property Condemnation Law
1993
17 NOVA L. REV. 1133 (1993)
The Doctrine of Equitable Conversion: The Effect of a Hurricane on Pending Real Estate Contracts
1993
67 FLA. BAR J. 43 (October 1993).
How to Draft an Effective Appellate Brief
1987
11 NOVA L. REV. 825 (1987)
Real Estate Broker Liability in Florida: Is Mandatory Housing Inspection in Florida’s Future?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
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I need a demand letter written regarding constructive interference / quiet enjoyment please help?
15 Mar 2026
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What do I do if the property is not responding to my emails.
06 Mar 2026
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