Partner
Seth B. Dempsey
Seth Dempsey is a Partner at Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A., where he focuses his practice on construction law, real estate litigation, business litigation, and general liability matters. Seth is a highly skilled and effective litigator who represents contractors, subcontractors, shareholders, property owners, professionals, and businesses in complex disputes across a wide range of industries. His litigation experience includes matters involving construction defects, payment disputes, lien and bond claims, contract enforcement, collections, fraudulent nondisclosure, and real estate-related disputes.
In addition to commercial litigation, Seth has extensive experience in personal injury and general liability matters, including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, defective products, wrongful death, and insurance coverage disputes. He is known for his pragmatic approach to litigation and his dedication to obtaining successful outcomes for his clients.
A native of East Central Florida, Seth earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where he distinguished himself as a member of the Moot Court Board and the winner of the C. Clyde Adkins Advanced Moot Court Competition.
Seth resides in St. Augustine with his wife and son. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors and pursues hobbies such as surfing, fishing, running, and mountain biking.
Admissions
- The Florida Bar, 2005
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
Education
- University of Miami School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Moot Court Board
- Winner of the C. Clyde Adkins Advanced Moot Court Competition
- Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society
- University of South Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME
- Successfully defended general contractor from claims by homeowner alleging construction defects relating to the construction of multimillion-dollar custom home.
- Represented owner of an oceanfront bed and breakfast for construction defect claims against general contractor and roofing contractor, resulting in settlement with roofing contractor and final judgment against general contractor.
- Investigated large-scale construction defects resulting in water intrusion issues to multiple buildings for condominium association.
- Represented hotel and property owner in claims against general contractor for incomplete and defective work performed on large hotel renovation.
- Represented material suppliers and subcontractors in numerous lien and payment bond claims, and general collection matters.
- Prepared construction contracts for multiple high-end custom residential home contractors.
- Represented homeowners in construction defect arbitration proceedings against large national builder.
- Obtained judgment on behalf of homeowner against contractor for failing complete construction of dock.
- Prepared numerous notices to owners, payment affidavits, claims of liens, and related documents to protect subcontractors, material suppliers, and general contractors.
- Represented and defended sellers from fraudulent non-disclosure claims by purchasers related to sale of residential home.
- Successfully defended property owners from claims by neighbors regarding alleged encroachment of bamboo plants, resulting in recovery of sanctions and attorneys’ fees against the opposing parties and their attorney.
- Represented and defended prospective buyer in dispute concerning the cancellation of real estate purchase and sale agreement and recovery of deposit based on seller’s failure to deliver required statutory notices, resulting in favorable settlement.
- Represented community association in dispute with developer concerning modifications to covenants and restrictions.
- Prosecuted mortgage foreclosure on behalf of regional bank and successfully secured a favorable settlement that included obtaining a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
- Represented property owners in numerous residential and commercial eviction and ejectment actions.
- Successfully recovered unpaid professional fees for CPA in dispute with former clients.
- Represented building contractor in non-compete and non-solicitation litigation against a group of former employees.
- Represented and defended vendor in dispute over the sale of goods to restaurant.
- Represented engineering firm to collect unpaid fees from real estate developer.
- Represented several corporate shareholders and LLC members in a wide range of complex intra-business disputes.
- Represented seller in claims against real estate appraiser for intentional interference with business relationship relating to sale of property to government entity, resulting in favorable settlement.
- Obtained $1.1 Million Dollar jury verdict on behalf of patron injured in restaurant due to unsafe condition.
- Represented and defended driver from claim seeking damages in excess of insurance coverage resulting from motor vehicle accident.
- Represented obtained summary judgment establishing applicability of liability insurance coverage in dispute relating to the wrongful death of an independent contractor.
- Secured a $1.6 Million Dollar settlement for injured motorcyclist in case with disputed liability and significant pre-existing injuries.
- Obtained jury verdict in excess of insurance coverage limits for husband and wife injured in motor vehicle accident involving drunk driver.
Professional, Trade & Philanthropic Affiliations
- Johns County Bar Association
- Jacksonville Bar Association
- Jacksonville Beach Bar Association, former Vice President, 2007-2008
- Advisory Board of Directors, First Coast YMCA, 2016-2023
- Augustine American Inn of Court, 2018-2023
- Florida Justice Association, 2023-2024
- American Association of Justice, 2023-2024
- Member of the Trial Lawyers Section of the Florida Bar