The Law Offices of Michael J. Heath, P.A. functions as a full-service title agent in addition to providing real estate legal representation, estate planning, and business incorporation services. That combination, legal counsel and title services under the same roof, means clients handling property transactions in the greater Tampa Bay area can address closing, title insurance, and legal review through one office. The firm is located at 167 108th Avenue, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33706, and can be reached at (727) 360-2771.
Practice Areas
Real Estate Law
The firm’s central practice area is real estate. Michael Heath handles purchase and sale transactions for both residential and commercial properties, including contract review, due diligence, financing documentation, and closing. Client reviews on record describe work across a range of real estate tasks: escrow contracts, title updates, real estate financing, lease agreements, and construction contracts, with consistent descriptions of attention to detail and thorough follow-through.
For buyers, sellers, and lenders in the greater Tampa Bay area, the firm handles the legal side of transactions from contract to closing. The firm’s function as a licensed title agent means it can issue title insurance and conduct title searches, integrating title work directly into the legal transaction rather than routing it through a separate company.
Full-Service Title Agent
As a full-service title agent, the firm conducts title searches to identify any defects, liens, or encumbrances affecting a property, and issues title insurance policies to protect buyers and lenders. Title issues can include unpaid liens, boundary disputes, and gaps in the chain of title. Identifying and resolving them before closing is part of the firm’s transactional work.
Estate Planning and Probate
The firm prepares estate planning documents for individuals and families, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. When estate planning intersects with real property, as it frequently does for clients with investment properties, vacation homes, or business real estate, having counsel experienced in both areas is useful. The firm also handles probate administration for estates requiring court supervision.
Business Incorporation
Business entity formation is available for clients starting a new business. This includes selecting the appropriate entity type, preparing formation documents, and handling the initial governance structure for the business.
Attorney
Michael J. Heath is the principal of the Law Offices of Michael J. Heath, P.A. He is licensed with the Florida Bar and is listed in the Florida Bar Member Directory at the firm’s St. Petersburg address. He operates the practice as a professional association. Free initial consultations are available depending on the circumstances of the matter.
Service Area
The firm serves clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area, including Belleair, Clearwater, Dunedin, Gulfport, Largo, Madeira Beach, Pinellas Park, Redington Beach, Safety Harbor, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tampa, Tarpon Springs, and Treasure Island. This geographic scope reflects the breadth of Pinellas County and the surrounding region.
Office Hours and Contact
The firm is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The office at 167 108th Avenue in Saint Petersburg can be reached at (727) 360-2771. The firm’s website is www.attorneymichaelheath.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the firm to be a full-service title agent?
A full-service title agent conducts title searches, identifies title defects, and issues title insurance policies. Title insurance protects buyers and lenders from losses caused by title defects discovered after closing. By operating as both a real estate attorney and a licensed title agent, the firm can handle both the legal review of a transaction and the title insurance function in-house, rather than requiring clients to coordinate between a law firm and a separate title company.
Can the firm handle both sides of a real estate transaction?
As a practical matter, an attorney typically represents one party to a transaction, not both. In Florida real estate closings, the attorney may act as closing agent for all parties while representing one client. The firm’s title agency function means it can act as the closing agent, conducting the settlement and issuing title insurance, while also providing legal representation to one party.
Does the firm handle investment property transactions as well as residential purchases?
Yes. Client reviews describe work on construction contracts, leases, and financing agreements in addition to standard residential purchase transactions. Investment properties, commercial properties, and multi-unit residential properties all fall within the firm’s documented scope.
How does estate planning intersect with real property ownership?
Real property is often the largest asset in an estate. How it is titled, whether in a trust, in joint names, or as tenants in common, affects how it transfers at death and whether it goes through probate. For clients with Florida property, estate planning that addresses the specific property and its current title is important. The firm’s experience in both real estate and estate planning allows it to address these intersections.
Is a free consultation available?
Free initial consultations are available depending on the nature and circumstances of the matter. Prospective clients should call (727) 360-2771 to discuss whether an initial consultation is available for their specific situation.