Overview
Experience
Awards
Publications
News & Videos
Dennis D. Mele is a partner and Chair of the Land Use & Zoning practice group. He is widely recognized for his work in land use, zoning, environmental and governmental law. Having experience as a land planner and a city manager, Mr. Mele has a unique understanding of the myriad issues developers, property owners and local governments face; and, is able to advise clients on a wide range of complex matters.
Mr. Mele represents clients before federal, state, regional and local government agencies. He has extensive experience in land use, construction and budgeting issues pertaining to real estate development projects. In addition, he represents developers in obtaining approvals for Developments of Regional Impact (DRI’s), land use plan amendments, dredge and fill/environmental resource permitting and other development projects. Mr. Mele also has experience in representing clients with regard to wetlands jurisdictional determinations.
Utilizing his extensive experience with local government, Mr. Mele represents clients in the annexation of large land areas into municipalities, including the preparation of annexation agreements and special acts to protect property owners’ rights. He also represents local government, developers and property owners seeking development entitlements and works closely with real estate attorneys on land use and environmental issues affecting real estate transactions.
Mr. Mele frequently lectures on land use issues including environmental permitting and comprehensive planning.
Bar Admissions
- Florida
Education
- J.D., University of Miami School of Law, summa cum laude, 1988
- M.U.P., University of Michigan, 1979
- A.M., University of Michigan, 1978
- A.B., University of Michigan, 1976
Professional and Community Involvement
- City of Coconut Creek, City Manager
- South Florida Regional Planning Council, Broward County and City of Coconut Creek, Land Planner
- American Institute of Certified Planners, Member
- American Planning Association, Member
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “Special Issues for Allocating Use of Property in Public/Private Partnerships,” Law Seminars International: Development Agreements, Easements and CCRs, June 24, 2008
Recognitions
- Best Lawyers®, “The Best Lawyers in America,” Environmental Law; Land Use & Zoning Law, 2024-2025
- Best Lawyers®, “Lawyer of the Year,” Land Use & Zoning Law, 2024
- Chambers USA, “Top Ranked Lawyer – Florida: Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use,” 2004-2024
- U.S. News & World Report, The Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year,” Land Use & Zoning Law, 2010, 2018, 2020, 2023
- U.S. News & World Report, “The Best Lawyers in America,” Land Use & Zoning, 2007-2023
- U.S. News & World Report, “The Best Lawyers in America,” Environmental Law, 1997-2023
- Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, “Top Lawyers” 2021 & 2022
- Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV Preeminent®
- Super Lawyers magazine, “Florida Super Lawyers,” Land Use/Zoning, 2007-2019
- South Florida Legal Guide, “Top Lawyers,” Land Use and Zoning, 2006-2016
- South Florida Business & Wealth magazine, “Attorney of the Year, Leaders in Law,” Environmental Law, 2015
- The American Lawyer magazine, “Top Rated Lawyers,” 2012
- The Legal 500, U.S. Edition, Land Use & Zoning – Real Estate and Construction, 2009
In the News
- Mentioned, “Tamarac Residents Had Very Little Say About Self-Storage Facility in Public Meeting,” Tamarac Talk, September 11, 2018
- Mentioned, “Woodspring Suites Plans New Hotel in Broward,” South Florida Business Journal, May 8, 2018
- Mentioned, “Broward to Consider 3 Major Projects, Including Toll Brothers Homes on Golf Course,” South Florida Business Journal, April 16, 2018
- Quoted, “Plan To Build Hundreds of Homes On Miramar Wetlands Scaled Back,” Sun Sentinel, November 3, 2017
- Quoted, “New Real Estate Rent? Plaza May Replace Some Stores with Apartments,” Sun Sentinel, October 27, 2017
- Quoted, “Deerfield Oks Plan to Rebuild Hundreds of Homes on Golf Course,” Sun Sentinel, October 3, 2017
- Mentioned, “Broward to Consider Significant Residential, Industrial Projects,” South Florida Business Journal, September 12, 2017
- Mentioned, “Dania Beach Approves Plan for New Apartment Complex,” Sun Sentinel, May 23, 2017
- Mentioned, “Lennar Seeking Approval for 385 Homes in Broward,” South Florida Business Journal, May 10, 2017
- Mentioned, “Broward Commission To Consider Three Big Developments, Including Homes On Golf Course,” South Florida Business Journal, April 21, 2017
- Quoted, “WCI Takes Steps to Fix Mold Issues,” Sun Sentinel, February 28, 2017
- Mentioned, “Best Lawyers in South Florida 2017,” Best Lawyers, October 19, 2016
- Mentioned, “Developer Plans Offer Insight into Housing Recovery,” Sun Sentinel, September 28, 2016
- Quoted, “Pembroke Pines Re-Configures Plans for City Hall,” The Real Deal, August 15, 2016
- Quoted, “Developer Proposes Mixed-Use Project on Site of Closed Church,” South Florida Business Journal, August 12, 2016
- Quoted, “Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes Discuss Development on City Line,” Sun Sentinel, August 10, 2015
- Quoted, “Davie Approves Three Housing Projects Waylaid by the Recession,” Sun Sentinel, August 20, 2014
- Mentioned, “Broward’s Political, Lobbying Establishment Gets Behind Jim Waldman’s Senate Campaign,” Sun Sentinel, November 5, 2013
- Mentioned, “Has the County Met Its Match?,” Sun Sentinel, January 30, 2014
- Mentioned, “Alumni @ Taubman College – Dennis D. Mele,” Taubman College, January 27, 2014
- Quoted, “Deerfield Country Club to Become Industrial Park,” Sun Sentinel, December 17, 2013
- Quoted, “Commission Considers Rezoning Deerfield CC,” Club & Resort Business, July 1, 2013
- Mentioned, “South Florida Ready to Boom?,” Bisnow, November 1, 2012
- Mentioned, “Greenspoon Marder Named Among the 2013 ‘Best Law Firms’,” The Business Development Board, November 1, 2012
- Quoted, “Hotel Near Everglades Too Close for Comfort,” NBC Miami, May 12, 2010
- Mentioned, “South Florida Alumni on ‘Best Lawyers’ List,” University of Miami School of Law Barrister V. LIV, Spring 2001
- Quoted, “Tallahassee Report,” Florida Trend, August 1, 1996
- Sep 29, 2020 Day One Recap: Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit
News
- Sep 9, 2024 Greenspoon Marder Partner Dennis Mele Appointed Special Counsel on Heron Pond Condominium Complex Redevelopment
- Aug 15, 2024 56 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 Edition
- Jun 7, 2024 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Receive Multiple Rankings in Chambers USA 2024 Guide
- Nov 13, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Expands Land Use and Zoning Practice Group with Addition of Partner Matthew Scott
- Aug 17, 2023 Three Greenspoon Marder Partners Are Recipients of The Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyers of the Year” Awards 2024
- Aug 17, 2023 49 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 Edition
- Jun 5, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA 2023 Guide
- Jun 2, 2023 Greenspoon Marder Ranked in Chambers and Partners USA 2023 Guide
- Oct 1, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyers” by Fort Lauderdale Illustrated for 2022
- Aug 18, 2022 48 Attorneys At Greenspoon Marder Listed In The Best Lawyers In America® 2023
- Jun 1, 2022 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked In Chambers and Partners USA For 2022
- May 20, 2021 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Ranked In Chambers and Partners USA For 2021
- Oct 5, 2020 Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit Webinar Recordings
- Sep 29, 2020 Day One Recap: Greenspoon Marder Innovation Summit
- Sep 13, 2019 Greenspoon Marder Supports The American Planning Association’s 2019 Florida Annual Conference
- Aug 16, 2019 Greenspoon Marder Partner Dennis Mele Selected As A “Lawyer of the Year” By Best Lawyers® For 2020
- Nov 14, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Receive 2018 AV Preeminent Rating By Martindale-Hubbell
- Nov 3, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Attorneys Receive 2017 AV Preeminent Rating By Martindale-Hubbell
- Oct 6, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Shareholder Dennis D. Mele Wins City Commission Approval For Hoyer Homes
- Sep 9, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Supports the American Planning Association’s Florida Conference
- May 31, 2017 Greenspoon Marder Announces Rankings In Chambers And Partners USA 2017
- Jun 23, 2016 Super Lawyers Recognizes 38 Attorneys at Greenspoon Marder
- Jan 16, 2014 Twenty One Attorneys Ranked as “Top Lawyers” and Greenspoon Marder Listed as a “Top Law Firm” in the 2014 South Florida Legal Guide
- Dec 17, 2013 Industrial park gets OK
- Dec 5, 2011 Greenspoon Marder Named as Top Law Firm 2012
