David Childs, a partner with Holtzman Vogel, helps clients solve problems with government. Often the solutions involve successful modifications to Florida statutes and regulations. Other times it involves supporting budgetary items critical to a client’s interests or helping clients identify and pursue procurement opportunities. David has earned a reputation for forthrightness and an in-depth understanding of water policy, the legislative process, and state administrative procedures.

David drafted and helped pass significant legislation in the State of Florida, including bills addressing essential state infrastructure (SB 7018, 2020), electric power transmission line siting (HB 405, 2018), state assumption of the federal 404 dredge and fill permitting program (HB 7043, 2018), administrative procedures (HB 183 2016), and water quality credit trading (HB 713, 2013). He is also highly engaged in the Legislative appropriations process concerning issues such as agricultural research, data analytics, and water infrastructure funding.

David is a registered lobbyist for a number of businesses and industries, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Mosaic Fertilizer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, University of Florida Foundation, and SAS Institute.

David holds a degree in biological engineering and served as a staff engineer with CH2M Hill prior to attending law school.

  • Leadership Florida, Cornerstone Class XXXV, General Counsel (2018-2020)
  • Florida Boating Advisory Council (Appointments by Gov. Crist & Gov. Scott)
  • Environmental Lobbyist of the Year, 2019, Florida Politics
  • Best Lawyers in America for Environmental Law, 2019-2024 
  • Florida Super Lawyers, 2022 and 2023
  • Numeric Nutrient Criteria: Challenges and Impacts, WEFTech, New Orleans, LA (October 6, 2010)
  • The Comprehensive Water Law: Its Provisions and Significance, The Florida Bar Journal, (February 2017) (co-authored with Jorge Caspary).
  • "Numeric Nutrient Criteria in Florida: The Road to Cooperative Federalism",  ABA Trends, (November/December 2015) (co-authored with Mohammad Jazil).
  • "The World Health Organization’s Prequalification Program and its Potential Effect on Data Exclusivity Laws," 60 Food & Drug Law Journal 79 (2005).
  • "The Unresolved Debates that Scorched Kyoto: An Analytical Framework," 13 University of Miami International & Comparative Law Review 233 (2005).
  • Book Note, 13 Florida State Journal of Transnational Law & Policy 573 (2004), Environmental Negotiator Handbook (2003).

Related Practice Areas
  • Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 2005
  • Mississippi State University, B.S., 2001, Biological Engineering
  • The Florida Bar
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
David Childs