Sean M. Ellis

Shareholder, Shareholder-in-Charge of Fort Myers Office
Fort Myers
2320 First Street
Suite 1000
Fort Myers, FL 33901
P 239.338.4245
F 239.337.0970
P 239.338.4245 | F 239.337.0970

Overview

Sean has more than 20 years of experience in real estate law, development, condominium and community association law, and closing and title services. His real estate clients include real estate developers, homebuilders, individuals and financial institutions. His association clients include both residential and commercial condominium associations and HOAs. Sean has represented multiple developers in the creation and development of condominium projects, including residential, commercial, and complex mixed-used and hotel condominiums. 

Experience
  • Represents community and condominium associations in all facets of their operations and compliance with Florida law. 
  • Represents clients in all phases of development for commercial, residential and mixed-use projects including land acquisition and development
  • Represents national homebuilder on land banking transactions
  • Handles Commercial and Residential Closings and Title Insurance
  • Represents financial institutions and bulk purchasers of distressed condominiums and communities 
  • Handles condominium terminations and partial terminations
  • Counseled developers of marinas, yacht clubs and marina/condominium projects
  • Represents landlords and tenants in the negotiation and drafting of commercial and retail leases
  • Represents real estate developer in affordable housing development consisting of affordable and attainable housing units
Services

Industries

Education

  1. Florida State University College of Law, J.D.
  2. Florida State University, B.A.
    • cum laude

Credentials

Bar Admissions
  1. Florida

Recognitions

  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (2020 - 2024) and Community Association Law (2022-2024)
  • Selected as a "Florida Super Lawyer" by Florida Super Lawyers magazine (2022-2023)
  • Selected as Naples Illustrated "Top Lawyer" - Real Estate Law (2022)
  • Selected "Florida Rising Star" by Law & Politics magazine (2010)
  • U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional

Affiliations

Professional Affiliations
  • Lee County Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar, Condominium and Planned Development Committee
  • Real Estate Investment Society of Lee County, Board of Governors (2014 President)
  • C.A.I., South Gulf Coast Chapter; Secretary (2022)
  • Lee County Horizon Council (2015)
  • Southwest Florida Real Estate Council, Board of Directors 

Insights

  1. Alerts
    Criminal Penalties in Florida for Failing to Provide Affidavit about Foreign Entities at Closing (Jul 24, 2023)
    Increase in the Fees Charged for Estoppel Certificates (Sep 16, 2022)
    Governor DeSantis Signs Senate Bill Establishing Building Safety Act for Condominium and Cooperative Associations (May 27, 2022)
    New Late Assessment Notice Requirement for Florida Condominium, Cooperative, and Homeowners’ Associations (Jun 30, 2021)
    Governor Extends Florida State of Emergency for Additional 60 Days (Nov 5, 2020)
  2. Articles
    Creating the Fee Simple Condominium - Florida Condominium and Community Association Law, 3rd Edition (2016)
    Creating the Fee Simple Condominium - Florida Condominium and Community Association Law, 2nd Edition (2011)
  3. Presentations
    Annual Presenter of Community Association Continuing Education Seminars, including Legislative Update - Various topics, locations (Aug 24, 2022)
    Regular Panelist at 2022 Florida Condo Safety Bill presentations - Roetzel's Community Association Law Seminar Series (2022, multiple)
    "Condominium Association and HOA Board Certification Courses" (Annually Since 2011)
    "Fair Housing Act: Issues Affecting Associations" - Roetzel's Community Association Law Seminar Series (2016-2018)
    Moderator, Real Estate Investment Society/FGCU Real Estate Symposium (Annually since 2013, various topics)
  4. Firm News
    Roetzel & Andress Earns Recognition in 2024 Best Lawyers (Aug 17, 2023)
    Eight Roetzel Attorneys Named 2023 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars (Jun 26, 2023)
    Roetzel & Andress Appoints Five Attorneys to Key Leadership Roles (May 9, 2023)
    20 Roetzel Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated (Sep 1, 2022)
    Roetzel Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (Aug 18, 2022)

Overview

Sean has more than 20 years of experience in real estate law, development, condominium and community association law, and closing and title services. His real estate clients include real estate developers, homebuilders, individuals and financial institutions. His association clients include both residential and commercial condominium associations and HOAs. Sean has represented multiple developers in the creation and development of condominium projects, including residential, commercial, and complex mixed-used and hotel condominiums. 

Experience
  • Represents community and condominium associations in all facets of their operations and compliance with Florida law. 
  • Represents clients in all phases of development for commercial, residential and mixed-use projects including land acquisition and development
  • Represents national homebuilder on land banking transactions
  • Handles Commercial and Residential Closings and Title Insurance
  • Represents financial institutions and bulk purchasers of distressed condominiums and communities 
  • Handles condominium terminations and partial terminations
  • Counseled developers of marinas, yacht clubs and marina/condominium projects
  • Represents landlords and tenants in the negotiation and drafting of commercial and retail leases
  • Represents real estate developer in affordable housing development consisting of affordable and attainable housing units

Education

  1. Florida State University College of Law, J.D.
  2. Florida State University, B.A.
    • cum laude

Credentials

Bar Admissions
  1. Florida

Recognitions

  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (2020 - 2024) and Community Association Law (2022-2024)
  • Selected as a "Florida Super Lawyer" by Florida Super Lawyers magazine (2022-2023)
  • Selected as Naples Illustrated "Top Lawyer" - Real Estate Law (2022)
  • Selected "Florida Rising Star" by Law & Politics magazine (2010)
  • U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional

Affiliations

Professional Affiliations
  • Lee County Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar, Condominium and Planned Development Committee
  • Real Estate Investment Society of Lee County, Board of Governors (2014 President)
  • C.A.I., South Gulf Coast Chapter; Secretary (2022)
  • Lee County Horizon Council (2015)
  • Southwest Florida Real Estate Council, Board of Directors 

Insights

  1. Alerts
    Criminal Penalties in Florida for Failing to Provide Affidavit about Foreign Entities at Closing (Jul 24, 2023)
    Increase in the Fees Charged for Estoppel Certificates (Sep 16, 2022)
    Governor DeSantis Signs Senate Bill Establishing Building Safety Act for Condominium and Cooperative Associations (May 27, 2022)
    New Late Assessment Notice Requirement for Florida Condominium, Cooperative, and Homeowners’ Associations (Jun 30, 2021)
    Governor Extends Florida State of Emergency for Additional 60 Days (Nov 5, 2020)
  2. Articles
    Creating the Fee Simple Condominium - Florida Condominium and Community Association Law, 3rd Edition (2016)
    Creating the Fee Simple Condominium - Florida Condominium and Community Association Law, 2nd Edition (2011)
  3. Presentations
    Annual Presenter of Community Association Continuing Education Seminars, including Legislative Update - Various topics, locations (Aug 24, 2022)
    Regular Panelist at 2022 Florida Condo Safety Bill presentations - Roetzel's Community Association Law Seminar Series (2022, multiple)
    "Condominium Association and HOA Board Certification Courses" (Annually Since 2011)
    "Fair Housing Act: Issues Affecting Associations" - Roetzel's Community Association Law Seminar Series (2016-2018)
    Moderator, Real Estate Investment Society/FGCU Real Estate Symposium (Annually since 2013, various topics)
  4. Firm News
    Roetzel & Andress Earns Recognition in 2024 Best Lawyers (Aug 17, 2023)
    Eight Roetzel Attorneys Named 2023 Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars (Jun 26, 2023)
    Roetzel & Andress Appoints Five Attorneys to Key Leadership Roles (May 9, 2023)
    20 Roetzel Attorneys Recognized as “Top Lawyer” by Naples Illustrated (Sep 1, 2022)
    Roetzel Attorneys Recognized in 2023 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® (Aug 18, 2022)