John K. Rice

Overview

Jack Rice focuses his practice on real estate and development, helping developers, property owners, and family offices secure land use and zoning approvals and navigate local government and other regulatory environments. He also assists clients in private property disputes, representing them at all stages of litigation, and provides Florida real estate counsel to family offices.

Drawing on experiences as a planner, government counsel, and litigator, Jack guides projects from initial concept through approval, construction, and, when necessary, the appeals and litigation that can arise during this process. He regularly works with clients to move projects through complex local approval processes, addressing zoning, administrative, environmental, and regulatory requirements while accounting for the practical considerations that often determine whether a project proceeds as planned. His experience spans large multifamily residential and mixed-use commercial projects, industrial facilities and historic residences.

A direct communicator, Jack distills complex regulatory and development issues for a wide range of stakeholders. He helps create alignment among the many professionals involved in a project—from title agents and environmental consultants to engineers, agency staff, and community leaders—ensuring all parties share a clear understanding of project objectives and the path forward.

In his practice, Jack has developed longstanding effective working relationships with government officials, agency professionals, community leaders, and elected and appointed officials throughout Florida. These relationships, combined with his public- and private-sector experiences, help Jack establish credibility, earn trust, and build rapport early in the development process, facilitating productive dialogue among project stakeholders and decision-makers.

Before joining Gunster, Jack served as assistant general counsel to six local governments in Palm Beach County, Florida, where he provided counsel on a wide range of land use, zoning, and regulatory matters. He also represented private clients in land use and zoning disputes. Jack also served as a zoning attorney for the nation’s capital, gaining firsthand experience with how complex multi-agency development decisions are made at the highest levels and in other jurisdictions.

With a background spanning planning, government service, and private practice, Jack possesses exceptional perspective and a clear understanding of how local governments, planning staff, and agencies evaluate development proposals and make land use decisions. He excels at anticipating potential concerns early, addressing them proactively, and helping clients move projects efficiently through the entitlement and approval process.

A seventh-generation Floridian, Jack grew up in Palm Beach County hearing stories about the region’s growth and transformation, which sparked his interest and led him to pursue studies in environmental science, urban and regional planning, and law. Today, he enjoys helping to shape Florida’s continued growth and development.

Jack is active in the legal and civic community. He currently serves as the president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association.