Elizabeth J. Walters, Shareholder

Elizabeth J. Walters, Shareholder, represents clients in all areas of business and commercial, resort and residential real estate law from property acquisition, design, entitlement process, financing, construction and project operations, to redevelopment or sale of real property. She also represents clients in the areas of Land Use Law, Governmental Relations, Banking, Business and Commercial Law.

As an attorney representing small family businesses to large corporations, Ms. Walters works with her clients to develop the appropriate business organization and structure to facilitate success and to protect the assets of her clients.  In addition to business formation, her practice includes many types of business transactions, such as mergers, asset acquisitions, reorganizations, and termination of all types of business entities, as well as general contract matters.

Ms. Walters has extensive experience in real estate law, primarily in the area of resort and master planned community developments and condominiums.  Her clients include developers, builders and resort owners and owners’ associations throughout Northwest Florida.  She assists clients from planning to completion, with the development and ongoing operation of master planned residential communities, condominium and multi condominium developments, commercial and retail developments and mixed-use communities.  These developments range from single family homes to high-end resort developments with all inclusive on-site amenities to shopping centers.

Prior to joining Burke Blue in 1995, Ms. Walters gained insight and experience while serving in various senior staff positions with the Florida Cabinet and Legislature.  She also held positions with state wide political campaigns and successfully represented interests of clients as a governmental consultant at all levels of government.

Contact Elizabeth Walters at (850)236-4444 or ewalters@burkeblue.com.

Practice Areas

Other Experience

• Cabinet Aide to the Comptroller of the State of Florida
• Legislative Analyst and Joint Committee, Senate President
• Cabinet, Clemency and Administrative Aide, State Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 1995
• Alabama, 1996

Education

• J.D., with honors, The Florida State University College of Law, 1994
• M.A., Political Science, University of West Florida, 1987
• B.A., Political Science, University of West Florida, 1984

Professional Affiliations

• Florida Board of Bar Examiners, Vicechair
• Bay County Bar Association
• St. Andrews Bay American Inn of Court

Current Community Affiliations

• The Florida State University Foundation, Board of Trustees
• Bay Medical Center/Sacred Heart Health System, Board of Trustees, Chairman
• Summit Bank NA, Board of Directors
• Panama City Port Authority, Board of Directors, Vicechair
• Bay Economic Development Alliance, Board of Directors
• The Florida State University Panama City Development Board, Board of Directors
• Bay Defense Alliance, Board of Directors
• Bay Education Foundation, Board of Directors
• Alignment Bay County, Governing Board, Chair
• Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Military Affairs Committee

Past Community Affiliations

• Bay Economic Development Alliance, Chair 2008 and 2009
• Bay County Chamber of Commerce, Chair 2005
• Bay County Military Affairs Committee, Chair 2006
• United States Air Force AETC Commander’s Civic Group, Member 2008-2012
• 52^nd National Security Forum, Participant 2005
• USS Mesa Verde, Commissioning Team Member 2006-2007
• USS Momsen, Commissioning Team Member 2003-2004
• The Florida State University Panama City Blue Ribbon Commission, Co-Chair 2009
• The Florida State University Panama City Development Board, President 2006
• University of Florida Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, Advisory Board
• Bay, Gulf, Franklin and Calhoun Counties School Readiness Coalition, Chairperson 2003-2004
• Bay Education Foundation, Chair 2002
• Early Education and Care, Inc., Chair 2002
• Gear Up Bay Advisory Board, Member 2000-2002
• Leadership Bay, Class of 1995-96

Professional Honors & Awards

• 2010 Richard L. McLaughlin Volunteer of the Year
• 2009 Lauren Merriam Memorial Award
• 2006 Naval Support Activity Panama City Head of Pig Award
• 2002-2006 Bay Education Foundation A+ Benefactor
• 2001 Bay Education Foundation President’s Award
• 2001 Florida Children’s Forum Leadership Award
• 2000-2001 Bay District School’s Direct Outstanding Business Recognition Award
• 2000-2001 Bay District School’s Guiding Light Award Winner
• 2000 Bay County Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year Award