James Stowers is an associate with the Firm's Environmental and Land Use Department specializing in land use, zoning, planning and green building practices. He represents clients in complex matters involving land use and zoning, development approvals, comprehensive planning, and code enforcement. Mr. Stowers has been involved in obtaining development approvals for major hotel and commercial projects throughout East Central Florida.

Mr. Stowers was the first attorney in Volusia County to obtain the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification. LEED APs are distinguished building professionals who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating Systems. The LEED Green Building Rating System(tm) is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Mr. Stowers possesses a thorough understanding of green building practices and processes which allows him to counsel clients on incorporating green practices into development projects.

In addition to his representative work on client matters, Mr. Stowers is also active in numerous community organizations. He is a member of the Volusia County Association for Responsible Development (VCARD). He is also a member of VCARD's Green Development Committee which is currently working to integrate green building strategies and incentives into local building codes. Additionally, Mr. Stowers was recently appointed to the Ormond MainStreet Board of Directors. Ormond MainStreet is a non-profit volunteer-based organization, serving to develop strong resources necessary to build beautiful downtowns. Mr. Stowers also serves as the Co-Chair of Ormond MainStreet's Design Committee.

Mr. Stowers graduated from Holy Cross in 2000 with a B.A in History. While at Holy Cross, he was a four-year letterwinner on the men's basketball team. In 2006, he received both a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida. During his nearly four years in Gainesville, Mr. Stowers was involved in numerous university and community organizations including the Land Use/Facilities University Committee and the University Heights Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Mr. Stowers was also a member of the Florida Journal of International Law and served as a Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing as well as Appellate Advocacy. He is a member of the Florida Bar, the American Planning Association, and the Florida American Planning Association.