Jacob D. Varn focuses his practice in environmental and land use law, administrative and governmental law and transportation law.

Named 2019 Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America® for work in Water Law in Tallahassee.

Jake has had a notable career having led and assisted Dean Frank Maloney in developing the Model Water Code, the foundation of Florida’s water law. Jake was General Counsel of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. And, he was the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation when the first water policy for the State of Florida was adopted (now Chapter 62-40, F.A.C.). He has participated in every substantial amendment to Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, since its adoption in 1972.

Jake also served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation

He holds the AV^® Preeminent distinction, the highest available mark for professional excellence from Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Ratings. The Best Lawyers in America^® has recognized him consecutively since 2006, and in 2016 and he was previously named Tallahassee’s “Water Law Lawyer of the Year.” He has been listed as a leading Environment lawyer in Florida by Chambers USA and is listed among the Florida Super Lawyers from 2006-2009.

In 2013, Florida Trend Magazine noted Jake as a “Florida Legal Elite,” and ranked him in the top two 13percent of practicing Florida Bar Members.

Areas of Practice

Environment, Water, Energy

Education

J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law, 1971

B.S., University of Florida, 1966

Professional Associations, Appointments & Distinctions

Named 2019 Lawyer of the Year” by The Best Lawyers in America® for work in Water Law in Tallahassee.

Chambers USA Recognized as one of America’s Leading Business Lawyers

Named to 2015 Best Lawyers in America® List

Selected, America’s Leading Business Lawyers

Best Lawyers in America®

Florida Trend Legal Elite
Chambers USA Guide