John P. Harllee III

(1942 - 2017)

Background and Education

An experienced trial and appeals lawyer, John has represented a full range of clients, from individuals to large, publicly traded corporations and governments. Because of his vast knowledge and understanding of complex issues, he has been retained by clients in both state and federal courts throughout Florida and in courts outside of Florida.

From his own distinguished peers, John attained the highest possible review rating based on legal ability and ethical standards, the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ which he’s held for more than 30 years. John was also selected as one of Florida Trend magazine’s ‘Florida Legal Elite’ for business and commercial litigation, and he has been listed as one of the Florida Super Lawyers.

Other activities include John’s involvement at state and national conferences regarding property tax issues. He served as a State Representative in the Florida Legislature where he was a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee.

John received a business degree from Florida State University. After attaining his law degree from the University of Florida, John began his legal career in Jacksonville before returning home to Manatee County.

Bar Admissions

Florida 1967
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth, Sixth and Eleventh Circuits
U.S. Supreme Court

Awards and Recognition

Martindale-Hubbell’s AV preeminent rating for more than 30 years at the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards
Judge Robert J. Boylston Award for Outstanding Contributions to Legal Excellence, Civility and Professionalism, 1997
Selected to Florida Trend Magazine’s “Florida Legal Elite” for Commercial Litigation
Selected to “Florida Super Lawyers”, for Business Litigation in the publication The Florida Super Lawyers
Selected to “Best Attorneys in Florida” as published in The Wall Street Journal

Professional Associations & Memberships

The Florida Bar – Trial Lawyers section and Real Property, Probate & Trust Law sections
The Florida Bar Foundation
Manatee County Bar Association
Goodrich-Grimes Inn of the American Inn of Court, Charter Member and past President
Manatee American Inn of Court, Charter Member
Broadband Tax Institute, Associate Member
Florida United Tax Managers Association, Associate Member
Florida Council of Property Tax Lawyers, Inc., Charter Member and Director
Florida Farm Bureau, Tax Advisory Committee (1996-1997)
Florida State University Foundation, Inc., Board of Trustees (1977-1984)
The Institute for Professionals in Taxation
Joint Manatee County/City of Bradenton Governmental Reorganization Committee, Chairperson
City of Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, Board Member
Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, past President
Manatee County Civic Center Authority, past Board Member
Manatee County Farm Bureau, past Board Member
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, past Board Member