Clayton Knowles Attorney
Mr. Knowles was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2012 and is licensed to practice in the State of Florida, The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Florida. Prior to joining Pittman Law Group, Mr. Knowles was a Senior Attorney with the law firm of Knowles and Randolph, P.A. from 2012 to 2019. During his time at K&R Mr. Knowles served as the Board Attorney for both the Tallahassee Municipal Code Enforcement Board (2014 – 2019) and the Leon County Code Enforcement Board (2014 – 2017). In his capacity as Board Attorney, Mr. Knowles is intimately familiar with issues relating to statutory interpretation and construction (specifically F.S. Section 160), administrative law and municipal ordinance construction and enforcement. He has successfully represented the Tallahassee/Leon County Board of Adjustment and Appeals in litigation regarding both quasi-judicial authority and Board Member immunity.
Beginning in 2019, Mr. Knowles was hired as the City Attorney for the City of Jacob, FL. As the City Attorney Mr. Knowles was instrumental in assisting the City in negotiations with NextEra Energy (formerly Gulf Power) during the planning and construction of an 80MW solar installation. Mr. Knowles also aided the city in revising their comprehensive plan, setting the millage rate and submitted appropriations requests with the legislature.
Mr. Knowles has also served as the Deputy City Attorney for the City of Gretna, FL in the absence of the City Attorney and was instrumental in Gretna’s efforts in the annexation of certain real estate into the Gretna City limits and in negotiations with the Poarch Creek Indians during the construction of their poker room within the Gretna City limits. Mr. Knowles also assisted in the lobbying effort to the Florida Legislature to implement the voter approved referendum within Gadsden County involving the expansion of gaming. Mr. Knowles represented Gretna in actions involving land disputes, temporary injunctions, police misconduct and civil forfeiture actions.
In addition to his experience within municipal government Mr. Knowles has represented clients in litigation throughout the Panhandle and in Central and South Florida in a wide array of issues. His practice areas include real estate and probate, business litigation, foreclosure defense.
Mr. Knowles has served a Board Member for DISC Village a “private, non-profit corporation that provides a full continuum of services from prevention and intervention to residential treatment and aftercare services for individuals adversely affected by alcohol and other drug abuse, and those who may be involved in the criminal and/or juvenile justice systems.”
Clayton is married to Sheila Knowles and they have two children and a 7lb. Chihuahua named Shea. In their spare time they enjoy traveling the World.