Tonya J. Meister

When it comes to maritime law, Attorney Tonya Meister is in a league of her own. As recognized leader in the field of maritime law, Ms. Meister is board-certified in Admiralty and Maritime law by The Florida Bar – Board of Legal Specialization & Education.   Attorney Meister has served in many leadership positions, authored maritime scholarly materials, and lectured at numerous maritime law education programs. She is highly respected for her insight and experience in this area of law, and has made appearances on television programs in the United States and overseas speaking on topics related to maritime law. Attorney Meister is recognized as a Florida Super Lawyer.  She is co-author of the chapter on Personal Injury and Wrongful Death of Passenger in the Florida Maritime Law and Practice book published by The Florida Bar (both the 6th and 7th Editions).

Despite all of her accomplishments, she is most proud of helping individuals harmed by maritime incidents.  Whether you are an injured boater, a cruise ship passenger harmed on your dream vacation, or a seafarer who was hurt or became ill on the job, Meister can help you obtain justice.  She gives each client personal attention and specialized support. With maritime law the sole focus of her practice, Meister is an expert in this specialized area.  She is committed to protecting her clients’ legal rights and improving safety at sea.  She has obtained multiple million dollar awards for her clients, including a 20.3 million dollar jury verdict award for a Royal Caribbean crew member and a 3 million dollar jury verdict for a Celebrity crew member.  She has obtained favorable arbitration awards, including in excess of 1 million dollars, for injured seafarers.  

In addition to representing individual clients injured due to maritime accidents, Meister serves as President of the board of directors for the International Seafarers Ministry of Miami and Canaveral Port Ministry.  She is a former legal counsel for Port Ministries International and former legal counsel for ITF International Transport Workers Federation.  

Ms. Meister received a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Central Florida and went on to graduate cum laude from Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. She holds licenses to practice law before all Florida state courts, all Florida U.S. District Courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.  

Over the course of her career, Ms. Meister has served in several leadership positions, including chair of The Florida Bar’s Admiralty & Maritime Law Certification Committee, chair of The Florida Bar's Admiralty section, chair of the American Association for Justice’s Admiralty Law Section, chair of one of The Florida Bar's Grievance Committees, and vice-chair of the Florida Admiralty Trial Lawyers Association.