Empathy List Archives

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 2:01 PM

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image001.png@01DD136F.62CA0FD0]https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

[cid:image002.png@01DD136F.62CA0FD0]

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttp://www.joneswalker.com/

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image001.png@01DD136F.62CA0FD0]<https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> [cid:image002.png@01DD136F.62CA0FD0] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<http://www.joneswalker.com/> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 2:13 PM

Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats.

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Michelle M. Kronehttps://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/

Shareholder

Board Certified Construction Lawyer

Direct

(239) 461-8103

Fax

(239) 939-0700

mmk@kubickidraper.com mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com

13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966
Fort Myers, Florida 33966http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati

[https://image-processing-service.us-1.mimecastcybergraph.com/v2/banners?e=MeLzRVFf6qqiaUnOKT5MyJP7EvnTpUBWaYB6lfvTijO8QujY-FOTUTrKnBPiZdmCEyToBvrIkepGPARsyMwgzTs4OlFUkSFwJPxVD-HXp_FcJp0pfEiQt3xGHP5oKhO-F3eRo3g-hapORS7iR2ysplk39NtMpjD7Zo1J_RGRDBcTLvzfS3zdXmzAzYuvNPvpVpQHDKX9dqK_3CXIFdxPl35G3yj_-9utsKCZLUpwpprrfasHkwiQ71pOhPfISM-Hma2P118z5RCFId2xH88HT7wT_USBtAckz9H6WzUXxqdxmAhEAGjzTift-cxVGeHme7eKlcFQk_3ylI98rx3UfJS9f0qJyKJjiAEilmov_ifCWRyOm9AIdnPyOuQd36QCqEb9Q67G1OmpQuyWxsg9oOP3nDhXnDQjcRujKMXMnjlMI6RQvGEWKP0BKFDtm8nN_10hRg==]https://report.mimecastcybergraph.com?magiclink=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.services.mimecast.com%2Foauth2%2Fauthorize%3Fresponse_type%3Dcode%26client_id%3Do20nRkVXf7VUVnANkXhoOwGytEwGN0YAlyeDJn7oBTGNl2kN%26state%3DeyJhbGciOiJSU0EtT0FFUC0yNTYiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0.Uu-jOY5e8jqO7Y2UwlSNqmovuwXRma5dSldCZDkhmO2G-dtJsIpITNhbVmzjzCKvYDIknHl2zjtUPmyhUTId2C-qDlkKUlijW-ZdZ83RWaN0EW2d1yNgX_TO_lz8q9SngVhd3f8o8bQlaDxu0jhSwcZtzOa7B4-TYRXoZj9-R95wQHQ-2qgYBswEJuEBGVYjnfMNbvks5uqdf3yc6b75iyLiJLp3d8_JW8GWOFQ5Sh4KWpygZZmPe3nxg3pE5V9rrVW2KQBeqTvnhaDbjHwYWvxmOPzKOat7iVq-p9d4RGnkTmJ0nE8dWrNvT9Bv8ovNNkzvsxqQG1qQ-35muVtq9g.92zBb9TWpbONmvTU.Kt0Cq0iejuXH5XCFsfHK1fyHSZGIMxmUnGgABPHpwCYCmYFMcT4exkGFFsbzIGYzrpz-J6G_fVHUU3Pm373Eo58CGwdeb_zZRtzK25UD6v4EHYx78qjGaCTW7FcHGi3jySNb5BCd8YIVbUxUPbQU7PbbLBcIf0wfePk51mz1lU1uUcrbsUkasYAjCJYcGFKendlAsSxcN_w7DLSGhCtDQPIcOAUAqCTHVz5t_gqKC1-1wJ3yYLakXm7YbzBgHREYObNRWHUbLwdmGK6Z9RI1XfbsBq-Ondk0Y-K618bpiJHteaVD4IgaUxDCEqi_cEG85wtJOrSKvWaUa8Yl8Qv9xp9fa8UzT_iWSylPnc0SqDn2JrEnpJTWJqP2WZK3zefD7w1GJCtkOnwKVC8gWqQuzvBBYM6YRygds7meRheRY-Hdoiq8V_E44wuPzy3y1eQcCIiRWMa8W3XELGJ3_UUZc32dXj-Da629l4QEhpNTxlmUel1-oy9-jeTDnICV0Z0ma1ON5Dcr8lxdV1AX0ib5noTAjfZCrYnabSt9UhmXzNNBP722s0wy6BYsS3f0B4-wYE3mXzzPZ9bcv4jEgykg3-EQsRXmRwZ74TE_VjItSLiCeOtpJ9RzNAq1fHB2fsKOpn3DkMkdsBCqwr3BL9reBpwoJKnD_4g5E4W9YBn3xF_ayq7mVVOQYLPb-Gm9u0HL-bqtutP-tqUAnJ7gFYv3IhinmteNyG25B43sUubBMKzKSr2CqnoDOZ42d12XXh6vsNzMH-yE5ojpEeUoeV1BOgR--cjQ8bRbznRJWlZ20B6INjp-4bNamQvg2RcFlQ.Z7tl-bsv3jCwNJ4xXqQ5jg%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Freport.mimecastcybergraph.com%2Fcallback

CGBANNERINDICATOR

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image001.png@01DD1379.62EE5520]https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

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Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttps://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/t05dCJ6lw4hy9Q0BHVf9fyZY1o?domain=joneswalker.com/

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats. [FINAL LOGO-w website_180.png] [favicon-16x16 (2).png] [favicon-16x16 (1).png] [favicon-16x16 (3).png] [favicon-16x16.png] Michelle M. Krone<https://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/> Shareholder Board Certified Construction Lawyer Direct (239) 461-8103 Fax (239) 939-0700 mmk@kubickidraper.com<mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com> 13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966> Fort Myers, Florida 33966<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966> From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati [https://image-processing-service.us-1.mimecastcybergraph.com/v2/banners?e=MeLzRVFf6qqiaUnOKT5MyJP7EvnTpUBWaYB6lfvTijO8QujY-FOTUTrKnBPiZdmCEyToBvrIkepGPARsyMwgzTs4OlFUkSFwJPxVD-HXp_FcJp0pfEiQt3xGHP5oKhO-F3eRo3g-hapORS7iR2ysplk39NtMpjD7Zo1J_RGRDBcTLvzfS3zdXmzAzYuvNPvpVpQHDKX9dqK_3CXIFdxPl35G3yj_-9utsKCZLUpwpprrfasHkwiQ71pOhPfISM-Hma2P118z5RCFId2xH88HT7wT_USBtAckz9H6WzUXxqdxmAhEAGjzTift-cxVGeHme7eKlcFQk_3ylI98rx3UfJS9f0qJyKJjiAEilmov_ifCWRyOm9AIdnPyOuQd36QCqEb9Q67G1OmpQuyWxsg9oOP3nDhXnDQjcRujKMXMnjlMI6RQvGEWKP0BKFDtm8nN_10hRg==]<https://report.mimecastcybergraph.com?magiclink=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.services.mimecast.com%2Foauth2%2Fauthorize%3Fresponse_type%3Dcode%26client_id%3Do20nRkVXf7VUVnANkXhoOwGytEwGN0YAlyeDJn7oBTGNl2kN%26state%3DeyJhbGciOiJSU0EtT0FFUC0yNTYiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0.Uu-jOY5e8jqO7Y2UwlSNqmovuwXRma5dSldCZDkhmO2G-dtJsIpITNhbVmzjzCKvYDIknHl2zjtUPmyhUTId2C-qDlkKUlijW-ZdZ83RWaN0EW2d1yNgX_TO_lz8q9SngVhd3f8o8bQlaDxu0jhSwcZtzOa7B4-TYRXoZj9-R95wQHQ-2qgYBswEJuEBGVYjnfMNbvks5uqdf3yc6b75iyLiJLp3d8_JW8GWOFQ5Sh4KWpygZZmPe3nxg3pE5V9rrVW2KQBeqTvnhaDbjHwYWvxmOPzKOat7iVq-p9d4RGnkTmJ0nE8dWrNvT9Bv8ovNNkzvsxqQG1qQ-35muVtq9g.92zBb9TWpbONmvTU.Kt0Cq0iejuXH5XCFsfHK1fyHSZGIMxmUnGgABPHpwCYCmYFMcT4exkGFFsbzIGYzrpz-J6G_fVHUU3Pm373Eo58CGwdeb_zZRtzK25UD6v4EHYx78qjGaCTW7FcHGi3jySNb5BCd8YIVbUxUPbQU7PbbLBcIf0wfePk51mz1lU1uUcrbsUkasYAjCJYcGFKendlAsSxcN_w7DLSGhCtDQPIcOAUAqCTHVz5t_gqKC1-1wJ3yYLakXm7YbzBgHREYObNRWHUbLwdmGK6Z9RI1XfbsBq-Ondk0Y-K618bpiJHteaVD4IgaUxDCEqi_cEG85wtJOrSKvWaUa8Yl8Qv9xp9fa8UzT_iWSylPnc0SqDn2JrEnpJTWJqP2WZK3zefD7w1GJCtkOnwKVC8gWqQuzvBBYM6YRygds7meRheRY-Hdoiq8V_E44wuPzy3y1eQcCIiRWMa8W3XELGJ3_UUZc32dXj-Da629l4QEhpNTxlmUel1-oy9-jeTDnICV0Z0ma1ON5Dcr8lxdV1AX0ib5noTAjfZCrYnabSt9UhmXzNNBP722s0wy6BYsS3f0B4-wYE3mXzzPZ9bcv4jEgykg3-EQsRXmRwZ74TE_VjItSLiCeOtpJ9RzNAq1fHB2fsKOpn3DkMkdsBCqwr3BL9reBpwoJKnD_4g5E4W9YBn3xF_ayq7mVVOQYLPb-Gm9u0HL-bqtutP-tqUAnJ7gFYv3IhinmteNyG25B43sUubBMKzKSr2CqnoDOZ42d12XXh6vsNzMH-yE5ojpEeUoeV1BOgR--cjQ8bRbznRJWlZ20B6INjp-4bNamQvg2RcFlQ.Z7tl-bsv3jCwNJ4xXqQ5jg%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Freport.mimecastcybergraph.com%2Fcallback> CGBANNERINDICATOR Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image001.png@01DD1379.62EE5520]<https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> [cid:image002.png@01DD1379.62EE5520] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/t05dCJ6lw4hy9Q0BHVf9fyZY1o?domain=joneswalker.com/> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 2:24 PM

That is sad news, indeed. In addition to being a true pioneer in construction law, Fred was a gentleman and always a joy to work with.

He will be missed. RIP, Brother.

Luis Prats
Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
Direct: 813.229.4102 | Fax: 813.229.4133
lprats@carltonfields.com

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:13 AM
To: 'constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org' constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

EXTERNAL SENDER: This Message is from outside the organization.

Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats.

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Michelle M. Kronehttps://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/

Shareholder

Board Certified Construction Lawyer

Direct

(239) 461-8103

Fax

(239) 939-0700

mmk@kubickidraper.com mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com

13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201Fort Myers,Florida33966>
Fort Myers, Florida 33966<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201Fort Myers,Florida33966>

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati
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CGBANNERINDICATOR
Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image009.png@01DD137A.E7D44910]https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

[cid:image010.png@01DD137A.E7D44910]

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttp://www.joneswalker.com/

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

That is sad news, indeed. In addition to being a true pioneer in construction law, Fred was a gentleman and always a joy to work with. He will be missed. RIP, Brother. Luis Prats Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780 Direct: 813.229.4102 | Fax: 813.229.4133 lprats@carltonfields.com From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:13 AM To: 'constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org' <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News EXTERNAL SENDER: This Message is from outside the organization. ________________________________ Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats. [FINAL LOGO-w website_180.png] [favicon-16x16 (2).png] [favicon-16x16 (1).png] [favicon-16x16 (3).png] [favicon-16x16.png] Michelle M. Krone<https://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/> Shareholder Board Certified Construction Lawyer Direct (239) 461-8103 Fax (239) 939-0700 mmk@kubickidraper.com<mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com> 13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201Fort Myers,Florida33966> Fort Myers, Florida 33966<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201Fort Myers,Florida33966> From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati <https://report.mimecastcybergraph.com/?magiclink=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.services.mimecast.com%2Foauth2%2Fauthorize%3Fresponse_type%3Dcode%26client_id%3Do20nRkVXf7VUVnANkXhoOwGytEwGN0YAlyeDJn7oBTGNl2kN%26state%3DeyJhbGciOiJSU0EtT0FFUC0yNTYiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0.Uu-jOY5e8jqO7Y2UwlSNqmovuwXRma5dSldCZDkhmO2G-dtJsIpITNhbVmzjzCKvYDIknHl2zjtUPmyhUTId2C-qDlkKUlijW-ZdZ83RWaN0EW2d1yNgX_TO_lz8q9SngVhd3f8o8bQlaDxu0jhSwcZtzOa7B4-TYRXoZj9-R95wQHQ-2qgYBswEJuEBGVYjnfMNbvks5uqdf3yc6b75iyLiJLp3d8_JW8GWOFQ5Sh4KWpygZZmPe3nxg3pE5V9rrVW2KQBeqTvnhaDbjHwYWvxmOPzKOat7iVq-p9d4RGnkTmJ0nE8dWrNvT9Bv8ovNNkzvsxqQG1qQ-35muVtq9g.92zBb9TWpbONmvTU.Kt0Cq0iejuXH5XCFsfHK1fyHSZGIMxmUnGgABPHpwCYCmYFMcT4exkGFFsbzIGYzrpz-J6G_fVHUU3Pm373Eo58CGwdeb_zZRtzK25UD6v4EHYx78qjGaCTW7FcHGi3jySNb5BCd8YIVbUxUPbQU7PbbLBcIf0wfePk51mz1lU1uUcrbsUkasYAjCJYcGFKendlAsSxcN_w7DLSGhCtDQPIcOAUAqCTHVz5t_gqKC1-1wJ3yYLakXm7YbzBgHREYObNRWHUbLwdmGK6Z9RI1XfbsBq-Ondk0Y-K618bpiJHteaVD4IgaUxDCEqi_cEG85wtJOrSKvWaUa8Yl8Qv9xp9fa8UzT_iWSylPnc0SqDn2JrEnpJTWJqP2WZK3zefD7w1GJCtkOnwKVC8gWqQuzvBBYM6YRygds7meRheRY-Hdoiq8V_E44wuPzy3y1eQcCIiRWMa8W3XELGJ3_UUZc32dXj-Da629l4QEhpNTxlmUel1-oy9-jeTDnICV0Z0ma1ON5Dcr8lxdV1AX0ib5noTAjfZCrYnabSt9UhmXzNNBP722s0wy6BYsS3f0B4-wYE3mXzzPZ9bcv4jEgykg3-EQsRXmRwZ74TE_VjItSLiCeOtpJ9RzNAq1fHB2fsKOpn3DkMkdsBCqwr3BL9reBpwoJKnD_4g5E4W9YBn3xF_ayq7mVVOQYLPb-Gm9u0HL-bqtutP-tqUAnJ7gFYv3IhinmteNyG25B43sUubBMKzKSr2CqnoDOZ42d12XXh6vsNzMH-yE5ojpEeUoeV1BOgR--cjQ8bRbznRJWlZ20B6INjp-4bNamQvg2RcFlQ.Z7tl-bsv3jCwNJ4xXqQ5jg%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Freport.mimecastcybergraph.com%2Fcallback> CGBANNERINDICATOR Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image009.png@01DD137A.E7D44910]<https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> [cid:image010.png@01DD137A.E7D44910] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<http://www.joneswalker.com/> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 2:42 PM

I spoke with Fred just last week and he was 100% present and engaged. He could not accept the matter I wanted to refer to him but he went out of his way to speak with me at length about the licensing matter, provide insight, and assist my client in connecting with another attorney. I wanted to share that he was serving and guiding others as always in his last few days.

Thank you for everything, Fred.

[cid:image002.png@01DD137B.E48528A0]

Sherry A. Lambson-Eisele
Partner- Business Litigation Practice Group Leader
Boyd & Jenerette, P.A.
2290 Lucien Way, Suite 260
Maitland, FL 32751

Office: (407) 309-4760 x621
Direct: (407) 309-4758
Cell: (407) 405-8801
www.boydjen.com http://www.boydjen.com/
Download vCardhttp://www.boydjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Sherry-A-Eisele.vcf

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:24 AM
To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

That is sad news, indeed. In addition to being a true pioneer in construction law, Fred was a gentleman and always a joy to work with.

He will be missed. RIP, Brother.

Luis Prats
Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
Direct: 813.229.4102 | Fax: 813.229.4133
lprats@carltonfields.com mailto:lprats@carltonfields.com

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:13 AM
To: 'constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org' <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

EXTERNAL SENDER: This Message is from outside the organization.

Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats.

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Michelle M. Kronehttps://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/

Shareholder

Board Certified Construction Lawyer

Direct

(239) 461-8103

Fax

(239) 939-0700

mmk@kubickidraper.com mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com

13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966
Fort Myers, Florida 33966http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati
https://report.mimecastcybergraph.com/?magiclink=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.services.mimecast.com%2Foauth2%2Fauthorize%3Fresponse_type%3Dcode%26client_id%3Do20nRkVXf7VUVnANkXhoOwGytEwGN0YAlyeDJn7oBTGNl2kN%26state%3DeyJhbGciOiJSU0EtT0FFUC0yNTYiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0.Uu-jOY5e8jqO7Y2UwlSNqmovuwXRma5dSldCZDkhmO2G-dtJsIpITNhbVmzjzCKvYDIknHl2zjtUPmyhUTId2C-qDlkKUlijW-ZdZ83RWaN0EW2d1yNgX_TO_lz8q9SngVhd3f8o8bQlaDxu0jhSwcZtzOa7B4-TYRXoZj9-R95wQHQ-2qgYBswEJuEBGVYjnfMNbvks5uqdf3yc6b75iyLiJLp3d8_JW8GWOFQ5Sh4KWpygZZmPe3nxg3pE5V9rrVW2KQBeqTvnhaDbjHwYWvxmOPzKOat7iVq-p9d4RGnkTmJ0nE8dWrNvT9Bv8ovNNkzvsxqQG1qQ-35muVtq9g.92zBb9TWpbONmvTU.Kt0Cq0iejuXH5XCFsfHK1fyHSZGIMxmUnGgABPHpwCYCmYFMcT4exkGFFsbzIGYzrpz-J6G_fVHUU3Pm373Eo58CGwdeb_zZRtzK25UD6v4EHYx78qjGaCTW7FcHGi3jySNb5BCd8YIVbUxUPbQU7PbbLBcIf0wfePk51mz1lU1uUcrbsUkasYAjCJYcGFKendlAsSxcN_w7DLSGhCtDQPIcOAUAqCTHVz5t_gqKC1-1wJ3yYLakXm7YbzBgHREYObNRWHUbLwdmGK6Z9RI1XfbsBq-Ondk0Y-K618bpiJHteaVD4IgaUxDCEqi_cEG85wtJOrSKvWaUa8Yl8Qv9xp9fa8UzT_iWSylPnc0SqDn2JrEnpJTWJqP2WZK3zefD7w1GJCtkOnwKVC8gWqQuzvBBYM6YRygds7meRheRY-Hdoiq8V_E44wuPzy3y1eQcCIiRWMa8W3XELGJ3_UUZc32dXj-Da629l4QEhpNTxlmUel1-oy9-jeTDnICV0Z0ma1ON5Dcr8lxdV1AX0ib5noTAjfZCrYnabSt9UhmXzNNBP722s0wy6BYsS3f0B4-wYE3mXzzPZ9bcv4jEgykg3-EQsRXmRwZ74TE_VjItSLiCeOtpJ9RzNAq1fHB2fsKOpn3DkMkdsBCqwr3BL9reBpwoJKnD_4g5E4W9YBn3xF_ayq7mVVOQYLPb-Gm9u0HL-bqtutP-tqUAnJ7gFYv3IhinmteNyG25B43sUubBMKzKSr2CqnoDOZ42d12XXh6vsNzMH-yE5ojpEeUoeV1BOgR--cjQ8bRbznRJWlZ20B6INjp-4bNamQvg2RcFlQ.Z7tl-bsv3jCwNJ4xXqQ5jg%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Freport.mimecastcybergraph.com%2Fcallback
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image009.png@01DD137B.E48528A0]https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

[cid:image010.png@01DD137B.E48528A0]

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttp://www.joneswalker.com/

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

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I spoke with Fred just last week and he was 100% present and engaged. He could not accept the matter I wanted to refer to him but he went out of his way to speak with me at length about the licensing matter, provide insight, and assist my client in connecting with another attorney. I wanted to share that he was serving and guiding others as always in his last few days. Thank you for everything, Fred. [cid:image002.png@01DD137B.E48528A0] Sherry A. Lambson-Eisele Partner- Business Litigation Practice Group Leader Boyd & Jenerette, P.A. 2290 Lucien Way, Suite 260 Maitland, FL 32751 _________________________________________ Office: (407) 309-4760 x621 Direct: (407) 309-4758 Cell: (407) 405-8801 www.boydjen.com<http://www.boydjen.com/> Download vCard<http://www.boydjen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Sherry-A-Eisele.vcf> From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:24 AM To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News That is sad news, indeed. In addition to being a true pioneer in construction law, Fred was a gentleman and always a joy to work with. He will be missed. RIP, Brother. Luis Prats Attorney at Law | Carlton Fields 4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000 | Tampa, Florida 33607-5780 Direct: 813.229.4102 | Fax: 813.229.4133 lprats@carltonfields.com<mailto:lprats@carltonfields.com> From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:13 AM To: 'constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org' <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News EXTERNAL SENDER: This Message is from outside the organization. ________________________________ Thank you Bruce that was a beautiful sentiment. RIP Fred, you were one of the greats. [FINAL LOGO-w website_180.png] [favicon-16x16 (2).png] [favicon-16x16 (1).png] [favicon-16x16 (3).png] [favicon-16x16.png] Michelle M. Krone<https://www.kubickidraper.com/attorneys/michelle-m-krone/> Shareholder Board Certified Construction Lawyer Direct (239) 461-8103 Fax (239) 939-0700 mmk@kubickidraper.com<mailto:mmk@kubickidraper.com> 13350 Metro Parkway Suite 201<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966> Fort Myers, Florida 33966<http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=13350%20Metro%20Parkway%20Suite%20201Fort%20Myers,Florida33966> From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduati <https://report.mimecastcybergraph.com/?magiclink=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.services.mimecast.com%2Foauth2%2Fauthorize%3Fresponse_type%3Dcode%26client_id%3Do20nRkVXf7VUVnANkXhoOwGytEwGN0YAlyeDJn7oBTGNl2kN%26state%3DeyJhbGciOiJSU0EtT0FFUC0yNTYiLCJlbmMiOiJBMjU2R0NNIn0.Uu-jOY5e8jqO7Y2UwlSNqmovuwXRma5dSldCZDkhmO2G-dtJsIpITNhbVmzjzCKvYDIknHl2zjtUPmyhUTId2C-qDlkKUlijW-ZdZ83RWaN0EW2d1yNgX_TO_lz8q9SngVhd3f8o8bQlaDxu0jhSwcZtzOa7B4-TYRXoZj9-R95wQHQ-2qgYBswEJuEBGVYjnfMNbvks5uqdf3yc6b75iyLiJLp3d8_JW8GWOFQ5Sh4KWpygZZmPe3nxg3pE5V9rrVW2KQBeqTvnhaDbjHwYWvxmOPzKOat7iVq-p9d4RGnkTmJ0nE8dWrNvT9Bv8ovNNkzvsxqQG1qQ-35muVtq9g.92zBb9TWpbONmvTU.Kt0Cq0iejuXH5XCFsfHK1fyHSZGIMxmUnGgABPHpwCYCmYFMcT4exkGFFsbzIGYzrpz-J6G_fVHUU3Pm373Eo58CGwdeb_zZRtzK25UD6v4EHYx78qjGaCTW7FcHGi3jySNb5BCd8YIVbUxUPbQU7PbbLBcIf0wfePk51mz1lU1uUcrbsUkasYAjCJYcGFKendlAsSxcN_w7DLSGhCtDQPIcOAUAqCTHVz5t_gqKC1-1wJ3yYLakXm7YbzBgHREYObNRWHUbLwdmGK6Z9RI1XfbsBq-Ondk0Y-K618bpiJHteaVD4IgaUxDCEqi_cEG85wtJOrSKvWaUa8Yl8Qv9xp9fa8UzT_iWSylPnc0SqDn2JrEnpJTWJqP2WZK3zefD7w1GJCtkOnwKVC8gWqQuzvBBYM6YRygds7meRheRY-Hdoiq8V_E44wuPzy3y1eQcCIiRWMa8W3XELGJ3_UUZc32dXj-Da629l4QEhpNTxlmUel1-oy9-jeTDnICV0Z0ma1ON5Dcr8lxdV1AX0ib5noTAjfZCrYnabSt9UhmXzNNBP722s0wy6BYsS3f0B4-wYE3mXzzPZ9bcv4jEgykg3-EQsRXmRwZ74TE_VjItSLiCeOtpJ9RzNAq1fHB2fsKOpn3DkMkdsBCqwr3BL9reBpwoJKnD_4g5E4W9YBn3xF_ayq7mVVOQYLPb-Gm9u0HL-bqtutP-tqUAnJ7gFYv3IhinmteNyG25B43sUubBMKzKSr2CqnoDOZ42d12XXh6vsNzMH-yE5ojpEeUoeV1BOgR--cjQ8bRbznRJWlZ20B6INjp-4bNamQvg2RcFlQ.Z7tl-bsv3jCwNJ4xXqQ5jg%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Freport.mimecastcybergraph.com%2Fcallback> CGBANNERINDICATOR Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image009.png@01DD137B.E48528A0]<https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> [cid:image010.png@01DD137B.E48528A0] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<http://www.joneswalker.com/> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar Boyd & Jenerette utilizes spam and junk email filtration applications in its email information systems. These systems may prevent or delay delivery of certain email communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an email communication, please contact the intended recipient via phone. CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information and all attachments contained in this electronic communication are legally privileged and confidential information, subject to the attorney-client privilege and intended only for the use of the intended recipients. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately of the error by return email and please permanently remove any copies of this message from your system and do not retain any copies, whether in electronic or physical form or otherwise.

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 3:05 PM

What Bruce stated cannot be said better: "We’re all better for knowing you." I am grateful for having Fred my professional life. He was the model lawyer. God bless, my friend. Look forward to visiting with you agian on the other side. Ray
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:01:42 AM EDT, constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org wrote:

Good morning, folks –

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida’s construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred’s law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred’s impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, “well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam.” Some years earlier he had “voluntold” me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You’ve lived well and generously and earned your rest. We’re all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.com

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

constructionlaw mailing list
constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/constructionlaw

What Bruce stated cannot be said better: "We’re all better for knowing you." I am grateful for having Fred my professional life. He was the model lawyer. God bless, my friend. Look forward to visiting with you agian on the other side. Ray On Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:01:42 AM EDT, constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> wrote: Good morning, folks – I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida’s construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred’s law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred’s impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, “well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam.” Some years earlier he had “voluntold” me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You’ve lived well and generously and earned your rest. We’re all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar _______________________________________________ constructionlaw mailing list constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/constructionlaw

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 8:59 PM

Sad news indeed. Quite a loss.

Larry Leiby

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org
constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL
constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of
Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word
last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson
University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives
from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000,
where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations
Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast
University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he
continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming
his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing
law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was
the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as
the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he
sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is
not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than
Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in
Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee
including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early
recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred
after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first
meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think
Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years
earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical
considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how
Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving
what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was
unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor.
Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the
practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a
friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our
own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the
Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with
Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it
published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet
again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all
better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com bpartington@joneswalker.com
https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
http://www.joneswalker.com/ joneswalker.com

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

Sad news indeed. Quite a loss. Larry Leiby From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 <mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> bpartington@joneswalker.com <https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 <http://www.joneswalker.com/> joneswalker.com Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 9:03 PM

Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot.

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:00 PM
To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News
Importance: High

Sad news indeed. Quite a loss.

Larry Leiby

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image001.png@01DD13B2.A2044C40]https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojg5NjY6MzRmMWYxOGFkYzRlZjhlYWYwMDY3NTMwN2ExYjEwNzMzODAwNTQ2MDllNDgyNzI3OTZhZTUxYjRlNTA3YWY4YjpoOkY6Rg

[cid:image002.png@01DD13B2.A2044C40]

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttps://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___http:/www.joneswalker.com/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojk2MTc6ZTYwZjUzNzBhNDI3OGVkZjEwZmI1ZThlNDM4MjNiNzJlMTI0MzBmZDA4M2YzNDAwOTEyZTMzZmQ3Y2IwMTE2OTpoOkY6Rg

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot. From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:00 PM To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Importance: High Sad news indeed. Quite a loss. Larry Leiby From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image001.png@01DD13B2.A2044C40]<https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojg5NjY6MzRmMWYxOGFkYzRlZjhlYWYwMDY3NTMwN2ExYjEwNzMzODAwNTQ2MDllNDgyNzI3OTZhZTUxYjRlNTA3YWY4YjpoOkY6Rg> [cid:image002.png@01DD13B2.A2044C40] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___http:/www.joneswalker.com/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojk2MTc6ZTYwZjUzNzBhNDI3OGVkZjEwZmI1ZThlNDM4MjNiNzJlMTI0MzBmZDA4M2YzNDAwOTEyZTMzZmQ3Y2IwMTE2OTpoOkY6Rg> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 9:06 PM

Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot.

Hardy Roberts

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:03 PM
To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News
Importance: High

Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot.

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:00 PM
To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News
Importance: High

Sad news indeed. Quite a loss.

Larry Leiby

From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image001.png@01DD13B3.21F63440]https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojg5NjY6MzRmMWYxOGFkYzRlZjhlYWYwMDY3NTMwN2ExYjEwNzMzODAwNTQ2MDllNDgyNzI3OTZhZTUxYjRlNTA3YWY4YjpoOkY6Rg

[cid:image002.png@01DD13B3.21F63440]

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.comhttps://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___http:/www.joneswalker.com/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojk2MTc6ZTYwZjUzNzBhNDI3OGVkZjEwZmI1ZThlNDM4MjNiNzJlMTI0MzBmZDA4M2YzNDAwOTEyZTMzZmQ3Y2IwMTE2OTpoOkY6Rg

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot. Hardy Roberts From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:03 PM To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Importance: High Yes! I am thankful for Fred. He taught me a lot. From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:00 PM To: constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> Subject: Re: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Importance: High Sad news indeed. Quite a loss. Larry Leiby From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org<mailto:constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org>> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image001.png@01DD13B3.21F63440]<https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https:/https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojg5NjY6MzRmMWYxOGFkYzRlZjhlYWYwMDY3NTMwN2ExYjEwNzMzODAwNTQ2MDllNDgyNzI3OTZhZTUxYjRlNTA3YWY4YjpoOkY6Rg> [cid:image002.png@01DD13B3.21F63440] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<https://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___http:/www.joneswalker.com/___.YXAzOmNhcmV5b21hbGxleXdoaXRha2VybXVlbGxlcnBhOmE6bzo1ZmJlYzRkYWY3NThhNDFjM2RmYTRjYTRkZmE5MGNkYzo3Ojk2MTc6ZTYwZjUzNzBhNDI3OGVkZjEwZmI1ZThlNDM4MjNiNzJlMTI0MzBmZDA4M2YzNDAwOTEyZTMzZmQ3Y2IwMTE2OTpoOkY6Rg> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 9:15 PM

Bruce -
Great email. Thank you. I too recall being "voluntold" to assist him. As such a gentleman, he made me even feel like it was my idea.
This is a great loss of a gentleman and excellent lawyer. Hopefully, his qualities are now being passed on to young lawyers joining our profession as there are too many loud examples of the opposite.

Paul
Paul S. Martin, Esq. Law Offices of Paul S. Martin & Associates, P.A. 2134 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, FL 33020 USA
Phone 954.923.4604 Telefax 954.923.6545

This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is directed. The information contained in this E-mail message is privileged, confidential, and may be protected from disclosure; please be aware that any other use, printing, copying, disclosure or dissemination of this communication may be subject to legal restriction or sanction. If you think that you have received this E-mail message in error, please immediately reply to the sender.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:03:50 AM EDT, RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> wrote:

Good morning, folks –

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida’s construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred’s law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred’s impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, “well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam.” Some years earlier he had “voluntold” me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You’ve lived well and generously and earned your rest. We’re all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com

Jones Walker LLP
13 Palafox Place, Ste 200
Pensacola, FL 32502
joneswalker.com

Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar

constructionlaw mailing list
constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/constructionlaw

Bruce - Great email. Thank you. I too recall being "voluntold" to assist him. As such a gentleman, he made me even feel like it was my idea. This is a great loss of a gentleman and excellent lawyer. Hopefully, his qualities are now being passed on to young lawyers joining our profession as there are too many loud examples of the opposite. Paul Paul S. Martin, Esq. Law Offices of Paul S. Martin & Associates, P.A. 2134 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, FL 33020 USA Phone 954.923.4604 Telefax 954.923.6545 ___________________________ This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is directed. The information contained in this E-mail message is privileged, confidential, and may be protected from disclosure; please be aware that any other use, printing, copying, disclosure or dissemination of this communication may be subject to legal restriction or sanction. If you think that you have received this E-mail message in error, please immediately reply to the sender. On Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 10:03:50 AM EDT, RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> wrote: Good morning, folks – I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida’s construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred’s law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred’s impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, “well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam.” Some years earlier he had “voluntold” me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You’ve lived well and generously and earned your rest. We’re all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar _______________________________________________ constructionlaw mailing list constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org http://mailman.fsr.com/mailman/listinfo/constructionlaw

RC

RPPTL constructionlaw

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 9:20 PM

Bruce,

Thank you for sharing this sad news and for your kind words honoring Fred. He was truly a giant in our profession, and his legacy will continue to shape Florida construction law for generations. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Best Regards,

Harry Malka, Esquire
Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law
Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Qualified Court-Appointed Arbitrator
Chair/ Co-Chair - Construction Law Section, Broward County Bar Association (2014, 2020, 2022-2025)
Rated "AV Preeminent" by Martindale-Hubbell
MALKA & KRAVITZ DISPUTE RESOLUTION GROUP
1300 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway
Suite 100
Sunrise, FL 33323
Telephone 954-514-0984
Facsimile 954-514-0985
www.mkpaADR.com http://www.mkpaADR.com
[cid:image003.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0]

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From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM
To: RPPTL constructionlaw constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News

Good morning, folks -

I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath.

Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law.

Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award.

I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published.

Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you.

Bruce D. Partington | Partner
D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875
bpartington@joneswalker.com mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com
[cid:image009.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0]https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/

[cid:image010.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0]

Jones Walker LLP
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Bruce, Thank you for sharing this sad news and for your kind words honoring Fred. He was truly a giant in our profession, and his legacy will continue to shape Florida construction law for generations. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Best Regards, Harry Malka, Esquire Florida Bar Board Certified in Construction Law Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator Qualified Court-Appointed Arbitrator Chair/ Co-Chair - Construction Law Section, Broward County Bar Association (2014, 2020, 2022-2025) Rated "AV Preeminent" by Martindale-Hubbell MALKA & KRAVITZ DISPUTE RESOLUTION GROUP 1300 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 100 Sunrise, FL 33323 Telephone 954-514-0984 Facsimile 954-514-0985 www.mkpaADR.com<http://www.mkpaADR.com> [cid:image003.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] [cid:image004.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] [cid:image005.jpg@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] [cid:image006.jpg@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] [cid:image007.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] [cid:image008.jpg@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521 and (a) is or may be LEGALLY PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, PROPRIETARY IN NATURE, OR OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY LAW FROM DISCLOSURE, and (b) is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) named herein. If you are not the intended recipient, an addressee, or the person responsible for delivering this to an addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, using, copying, or distributing any part of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic mail message in error, please contact us immediately and take the steps necessary to delete the message completely from your computer system. The receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient does not waive the attorney-client privilege; neither will it constitute a waiver of the work-product doctrine. TAX ADVICE DISCLAIMER: Any federal tax advice contained in this communication (including attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, by you for the purpose of (1) avoiding any penalty that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service or (2) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Although this e-mail and any attachments are believed to be free of any virus or other defect that might negatively affect any computer system into which it is received and opened, it is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that it is virus free and no responsibility is accepted by the sender for any loss or damage arising in any way in the event that such a virus or defect exist. From: constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org <constructionlaw-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org> On Behalf Of RPPTL constructionlaw Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 10:02 AM To: RPPTL constructionlaw <constructionlaw@lists.flabarrpptl.org> Subject: [RPPTL-constructionlaw] Sad News Good morning, folks - I have the sad duty to report that Fred Dudley, one of the real legends of Florida's construction bar, passed away on July 13 at age 81. I got word last night from Fred's law partner, Shawn Heath. Fred was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1968 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law and served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1982 to 1986. He then served in the Florida Senate from 1986 to 2000, where he chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, and as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was also instrumental in the creation of Florida Gulf Coast University in the early 1990s. After his time in the legislature, he continued practicing in Tallahassee with several firms eventually forming his own firm, practicing both in construction and regulatory and licensing law. Fred's impact on our practice was particularly profound. In 1989, Fred was the sponsor and principal drafter of a major re-write of what we now know as the Construction Lien Law and for the remainder of his time in the Senate he sponsored nearly every significant change to the lien law. There probably is not a single person who had more influence on the present lien law than Fred. He was also involved in the creation of Board Certification in Construction Law and served several terms on the Certification Committee including as its chair. And it is no surprise that he was one of the early recipients of the Construction Law Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the good fortune of serving on the Certification Committee with Fred after he encouraged me to apply and will never forget in one of our first meetings (if not the first) hearing Fred say over the phone, "well, I think Bruce Partington should write an essay for the next exam." Some years earlier he had "voluntold" me to do a one-hour section CLE on practical considerations in construction contract drafting. But that was kind of how Fred did it, gently pulling folks into greater involvement by perceiving what he thought they could do and might be fairly good at. Fred was unfailingly kind and respectful with a quick wit and great sense of humor. Yet he also possessed a fierce intellect that could see quickly the practical implications of an argument or a statutory revision. He was a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed. I am, though, thankful that our own Young Lawyers Subcommittee has recently submitted for publication in the Florida Bar Journal a history of the lien law which features interviews with Fred and another true legend, Larry Leiby, and look forward to seeing it published. Farewell, my friend. I wish you fair winds and following seas until we meet again. You've lived well and generously and earned your rest. We're all better for knowing you. Bruce D. Partington | Partner D: 448.239.6465 | M: 850.982.3875 bpartington@joneswalker.com<mailto:bpartington@joneswalker.com> [cid:image009.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0]<https://https/www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-partington-169b328/> [cid:image010.png@01DD13B4.C147EBA0] Jones Walker LLP 13 Palafox Place, Ste 200 Pensacola, FL 32502 joneswalker.com<http://www.joneswalker.com/> Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar