Jacqueline S. Best

Counsel

Orlando
T +1.407.649.4026
F +1.407.841.0168

Overview

Praised for her industry knowledge, legal acumen and keen attention to detail, Jacqueline Best’s solid reputation strengthens her real estate practice. She represents local, regional and national market rate and affordable developer clients in complex commercial real estate transactions, including all aspects of acquisition, disposition and financing, with an emphasis on contract drafting, negotiation, leasing, title and survey review, and creating mixed-use commercial condominiums.

Jacqueline is skilled at providing legal strategies related to an array of structures – from apartment complexes, offices and industrial/warehouse buildings, to affordable housing, condominiums and mixed-use commercial condominiums – and her comprehensive background allows her to assist with all stages of land development, including lot combination and lot splits, negotiating shared-use agreements, resolving title issues, reviewing and certifying title for plats, and negotiating, terminating, creating and relocating easements.

Select Experience

  • Representing McDonald Land Holdings LLC in leasing arrangements with DoorDash, which is planning a 10,000-square-foot “DoorDash Essentials” facility in Jacksonville, Fla. According to an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal, the project is a new concept for DoorDash and is described as a “new type of convenience store, offering household essentials.” Best has represented McDonald Land Holdings regarding all of the leases for the office park at 11653 Central Parkway in Jacksonville for the past four years.
  • Represented a public expressway authority with respect to acquisition and development of several major roadway projects in Central Florida.
  • Managed a significant real estate transactional workload for a national affordable housing developer, as well as various other developers and high net-worth clients, while managing a team of attorneys, paralegals and staff.
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Experience

  • Representing McDonald Land Holdings LLC in leasing arrangements with DoorDash, which is planning a 10,000-square-foot “DoorDash Essentials” facility in Jacksonville, Fla. According to an article in the Jacksonville Business Journal, the project is a new concept for DoorDash and is described as a “new type of convenience store, offering household essentials.” Best has represented McDonald Land Holdings regarding all of the leases for the office park at 11653 Central Parkway in Jacksonville for the past four years.
  • Represented a public expressway authority with respect to acquisition and development of several major roadway projects in Central Florida.
  • Managed a significant real estate transactional workload for a national affordable housing developer, as well as various other developers and high net-worth clients, while managing a team of attorneys, paralegals and staff.
  • Assisted an airport authority and other various clients with all aspects of Florida state and local tax issues, such as documentary stamp tax, sales and use tax, reemployment tax, fuel tax and intangible personal property tax.
  • Represented a private college in a loan closing for significant redevelopment and refurbishment of student housing.
  • Represents private investors in the acquisition and leasing of industrial office parks in North and Central Florida.
  • Represents a church in the leasing and acquisition of a six-acre commercial site for expansion of its on-site school.
  • Represented numerous clients in financing transactions, with particular emphasis on minimizing documentary stamp tax and intangible tax liabilities.
  • Obtained more than $1 million in refunds of documentary stamp and intangible taxes on behalf of various clients.
  • Represented developers in the creation of multiple commercial condominium projects which include both residential and commercial elements.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Legal 500 United States (2019)
    • Recommended in Real Estate
  • Florida Trend, "Legal Elite" (2016, 2019)
  • Florida Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2009)

Memberships

  • Central Florida Real Estate Attorneys' Council
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Florida Bar
    • Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
    • Tax Section
  • Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)

  • Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Orlando

    • Legal Advisor to the Board of Directors

    • Legislative Committee Member

Community

  • American Heart Association
    • "Go Red for Women" Luncheon: Volunteer (2018)
    • Greater Orlando Heart Walk: Team Captain and "Top Walker" (2015 to 2017)
  • Apopka Family Learning Center: Volunteer Board Member (2009 to 2010)
  • Orange County Clerk of Court: Customer Service Advisory Council Member (2006 to 2009)

Admissions

  • Florida
  • New York

Education

  • J.D., Albany Law School, 1994
  • B.A., State University of New York at Buffalo, 1991