Sonja C. Darby
Of Counsel
305-350-7361
sdarby@bilzin.com
Area of Focus:
Land Development & Government Relations, Environmental
Sonja C. Darby
Of Counsel
305-350-7361
GET TO KNOW
SONJA
Leveraging her extensive background as a real estate attorney, Sonja C. Darby works with various stakeholders on behalf of clients to bring their projects to fruition, including local and county government, and private parties. Attuned to current real estate market trends, she counsels clients on the various incentives and requirements surrounding Florida’s landmark Live Local Act for the provision of affordable and workforce housing. This involves advising on the substantial tax incentives that investors and developers seek as part of their Live Local Act projects, in addition to adherence to the law related to such incentives. Sonja also counsels clients in environmental due diligence matters, identifying potential liabilities or compliance issues that may affect property value or development potential. Her ability to advise clients in successfully navigating complex real estate projects that entail robust regulatory and transactional issues is derived from her broad real estate experience across diverse assets, such as office buildings, vacant land, condominiums, apartment buildings, warehouses, retail properties, and single family homes.
Q & A
How does your background as a real estate attorney support and enhance your land use and environmental law practice?
Real estate development and transactions often intersect with environmental regulations and land use planning. As such, many of the skills I developed—such as analyzing complex regulations, negotiating contracts, and advising clients on compliance issues—are transferable and complementary to practicing land use and environmental law. Moreover, the core of my work has always been about balancing legal requirements with the practical needs of real estate stakeholders. As a result, incorporating land use and environmental law into my practice has allowed me to provide more holistic counsel to clients who face a range of challenges in the development process. It is both professionally and personally rewarding to see how this amalgamation of skills is adding value to my client’s business endeavors.
In what ways does Bilzin Sumberg support your counsel to clients?
Bilzin Sumberg places a large premium on knowledge sharing between its practice groups. It is the norm for the firm’s real estate, land use, environmental, tax, corporate, and dispute resolution attorneys to work together on complex transactions that require multiple specialties. The result is that the firm’s attorneys receive broad exposure to the full gamut of issues that real estate projects face, which typically translates into spotting important issues long before a problem arises and efficiently handling them to the benefit of the client. Given the sophisticated developments and transactions that the firm’s clients undertake, this ability to effectively triage and resolve whatever comes their way is highly valued.
EXPERIENCE
Counsel to a cooperative association in the conversion of over 400 cooperative units to condominium form of ownership, resulting in a significant increase in each unit’s property value post-conversion.
Successful representation of condominium association client involving a plan of termination for the condominium. Drafted documents and facilitated meetings to effectuate the termination, in addition to reviewing and clearing title issues for 170 units to consummate the termination, ultimately valued...
Representation of an international 5-star hotel chain in the acquisition of multiple properties for the development of a hotel in Miami, Florida. Negotiated purchase of a site and leaseback, to maximize client’s profits during the pendency of planning, permitting, and development of the site.
Negotiation of a complex, long-term commercial lease of over 13,000 square feet of Class A office space on behalf of a foreign government for the purpose of serving as its consulate headquarters for the Southeastern United States.
Representation of one of the largest accounting firms in South Florida in the negotiation of multiple leases and subleases for its office locations throughout South Florida.
Representation of the owner of a luxury shopping mall with a gross leasable area of 2,700,000 square feet, in the negotiation of multiple complex leases with high-end tenants.
INSIGHTS
Florida Housing Finance Corporation recently updated the procedures for the 2025 Multifamily Middle Market Certification, as established by the Live Local Act. This initiative is significant for property owners and investors in the multifamily housing sector, providing a structured pathway to tax ex...
CREDENTIALS
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Fordham University, J.D., 2003University of Miami, B.A., English Literature, 2000
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FloridaNew JerseyNew York
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PRACTICES