Tonya J. Meister

Tonya Meister is a distinguished attorney whose entire legal practice is dedicated exclusively to maritime law—a rare and defining focus in her field. Board-certified in Admiralty and Maritime Law by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization & Education, Ms. Meister has built a reputation as a trusted advocate for individuals harmed by water-related incidents, including injured boaters, cruise ship passengers, and seafarers.

Unlike most attorneys who handle a broad spectrum of personal injury cases, Ms. Meister’s commitment to maritime law is unwavering. From the outset of her career, she chose to concentrate exclusively on this complex area of law, providing her clients with an unparalleled level of knowledge and expertise. She understands the intricacies of maritime regulations and the unique challenges faced by those injured at sea.

Ms. Meister’s dedication to her field is reflected in her extensive involvement in leadership roles within the maritime law community. She has served as Chair of The Florida Bar’s Admiralty & Maritime Law Certification Committee and the Admiralty Section, as well as Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Admiralty Law Section. Her contributions also include co-authoring the chapter on Personal Injury and Wrongful Death of Passengers in The Florida Bar’s Florida Maritime Law and Practice book, which remains a key resource for maritime law practitioners.

Her reputation as an authority on maritime law extends beyond the courtroom. She has been invited to share her knowledge through lectures, scholarly publications, and television appearances both in the United States and internationally. Her insight and advocacy have not only advanced the field of maritime law but also contributed to improving safety standards at sea.

What distinguishes Ms. Meister most is her commitment to her clients. Whether representing an injured seafarer, a cruise ship passenger hurt on vacation, or a boater harmed in an accident, she provides personalized attention and dedicated support. Her relentless pursuit of justice has led to numerous multi-million-dollar awards, including a $20.3 million jury verdict for a Royal Caribbean crew member and a $3 million jury verdict for a Celebrity crew member.

Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Meister actively supports the maritime community as President of the board of directors for the International Seafarers Ministry of Miami and Canaveral Port Ministry. Her dedication to the well-being of seafarers and their families is a natural extension of her legal advocacy.

Ms. Meister earned her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Central Florida and graduated 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.

With maritime law as her sole focus, Tonya Meister continues to provide compassionate and knowledgeable representation to those injured at sea. Her dedication, expertise, and client-centered approach have made her a trusted name in maritime law.