• Florida
    Eminent
    Domain
    Lawyers

Welcome to Helinger DeYoung – Eminent Domain Attorneys

Jim Helinger, Jr. and Tobyn DeYoung have over 80 years of combined experience in the field of eminent domain and inverse condemnation. As zealous advocates of private property rights, Jim and Tobyn have long been recognized throughout the State of Florida as two of the most aggressive and successful trial lawyers practicing in the field of eminent domain. Collectively they have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients. They both work together on every case. At Helinger DeYoung, no facet of your case will ever be delegated to a younger, less experienced lawyer.

They are both “AV” rated by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible in both legal ability and ethical standards, and are both Life Members of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum (the top trial lawyers in America). They are the authors of the Introductory, Order of Taking and Mediation Chapters in the Florida Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure manual. They are also frequent speakers and lecturers on eminent domain and takings law, and are perennially recognized in Best Lawyers in Florida and America and in virtually every other state and national attorney rating service in the field of eminent domain.

In considering an attorney or law firm, experience and results are important. No one fights harder for their clients and the case results speak for themselves.

Our Team

Jim Helinger

Jim Helinger


Jim has nearly 50 years of experience in eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation. He began his practice representing the Florida Department of Transportation and Pinellas County as its Chief Assistant County Attorney.


Tobyn DeYoung

Tobyn DeYoung


Tobyn has over 30 years of experience in handling eminent domain, condemnation and inverse condemnation cases. He served as an Assistant Attorney General representing the Florida Department of Transportation in condemnation matters.


Heidi Hutcherson

Heidi Hutcherson


Paralegal to Tobyn DeYoung with over 20 years of experience. You may contact Heidi at:


Judy Rivais

Judy Rivais


Florida Certified Paralegal to Jim Helinger, Jr with over 40 years of experience. You may contact Judy at:


Highlighted Cases

HCI Headquarters $47,500,000
“Big Daddy” Don Garlits Inverse Condemnation
CVS Naples $3,483,000