Stephanie J. Toothaker

Stephanie J. Toothaker leads Toothaker.org in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as chairwoman and chief strategist, where her practice focuses on government relations, procurement and complex land development entitlements. She represents private equity firms, innovative businesses and entrepreneurial individuals in projects involving public-private partnerships, land use plan amendments, zoning changes, site plan approvals and large-scale mixed-use developments across commercial, residential, hospitality and sporting industries.

Ms. Toothaker is widely regarded as one of the most effective attorneys in her field. Clients value her ability to combine legal precision with creative problem-solving, ensuring their projects not only meet regulatory requirements but also achieve broader business objectives. Known for her command of detail, persuasive advocacy and forward-looking strategies, she has earned a reputation for turning complex challenges into opportunities for success. Her peers recognize her as a trusted leader who consistently raises the standard of excellence in land use and government relations law.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Ms. Toothaker advocates at the federal, state and local levels, appearing regularly before governmental entities throughout South Florida. She is recognized for her ability to streamline multi-agency processes, manage complex government relations environments and secure approvals under aggressive timelines. A leader in medical marijuana permitting, she was instrumental in the passage of Florida’s landmark Wedge legislation, which redefined the boundaries of Broward and Palm Beach counties to facilitate sustainable growth.

Ms. Toothaker’s professional foundation includes service as special counsel to U.S. Senator Bob Graham, where she was the youngest and first woman to hold that position. Deeply engaged in civic life, she serves on the boards of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, Broward Performing Arts Center Foundation, NSU Museum of Art and the Bob Graham Center for Public Service, among others. She also made history at the Lauderdale Yacht Club, becoming its first female Governor since its founding in 1938.

Ms. Toothaker’s reputation for delivering sophisticated, results-driven strategies has earned her an AV Preeminent* peer-review rating through Martindale-Hubbell and recognition as one of Florida Trend’s Legal Elite.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.