Florida State Chapter

“All natural persons, female and male alike, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights, among which are the right to enjoy and defend life and liberty, to pursue happiness, to be rewarded for industry, and to acquire, possess and protect property . . . .”

—Article I, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution


	Florida-based IJ clients Eva Locke and Pat Levenson.


	IJ-Florida's first client Silvio Membreno.

The Institute for Justice Florida Chapter was launched in October 2011 to vindicate the rights of Floridians who are burdened by needless and unconstitutional restrictions on their property rights, economic liberty, parental choice in education and free speech.

IJ-FL launched its litigation effort with a state constitutional lawsuit against the city of Hialeah, which imposes anticompetitive regulations designed to hamper street vendors while protecting brick-and-mortar businesses from competition—hardly a proper use of government power.

A common link among all IJ’s cases is that it defends ordinary Americans who aren’t powerful, wealthy or politically connected. For example, IJ represented homeowners in Rivera Beach, Fla., when the city sought to take these humble but well-maintained ocean-front homes, owned predominantly by African Americans, to make way for a luxury yacht marina and other private development. Ultimately, IJ prevailed and not only vindicated the property rights of these individuals, but also helped change the state’s eminent domain laws to better protect homeowners statewide.

IJ-FL will similarly litigate on behalf of entrepreneurs who wish to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice, but who have encountered government-imposed roadblocks to their pursuit; parents who wish to secure a quality education for their children, but who find the educational establishment fighting to preserve the status quo; and individuals across the Sunshine State who wish to speak freely about politics but who find senseless government regulation in their way.

Law Student Clerkships:

IJ-Florida is now accepting applications for semester clerkships. Please submit a resume and writing sample to the Florida Chapter mailing address listed below or via email to Rebekah Ramirez. If you are interested in applying for a summer clerkship please visit www.ij.org/internships. Students are strongly encouraged to apply by January 5th.

Please revisit this site soon for additional information, stop by our offices, or give us a call:

999 Brickell Ave, Suite 720
Miami, FL 33131
Phone: (305) 721-1600
Fax: (305) 721-1601

Guest Speaker Information:

If you would like to invite an Institute for Justice attorney to a debate or to speak to your group, please email Lancée Kurcab. To see if there are any events currently scheduled near you, please go to our Speakers & Events page.