Jon Steverson

Jonathan Steverson is a senior policy advisor in Holland & Knight's Tallahassee office and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Steverson handles a variety of topics within Florida government advocacy, with a specific focus on matters related to energy, environment and natural resources.

As a fifth-generation Florida native, Mr. Steverson is keenly aware of issues, concerns and policy matters that may affect individuals and companies throughout the state. With experience gained from both the public and private sectors, he leverages key relationships within the Florida Legislature and government agencies to efficiently and effectively lobby on behalf of clients.

Prior to returning to the private sector, Mr. Steverson served as the secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). He was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott to govern all functions of the department, including Regulatory Programs, Ecosystem Restoration, State Lands and Recreation, and the Office of Water Policy. Mr. Steverson worked to advance the department's vision and strategic goals through partnerships with legislators, industry representatives, environmental interest groups and numerous stakeholders. As secretary, he also staffed the governor and cabinet convening as the board of trustees. Mr. Steverson received distinct gratification in his work with all five of the state's Water Management Districts and improvements he was able to foster in the department's land management operations and habitat restoration on over 800,000 acres.

As special counsel on policy and legislative affairs at the FDEP, Mr. Steverson assisted the department as acting deputy secretary for water policy and ecosystem restoration prior to beginning his tenure as executive director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD). At the NWFWMD, he oversaw a restructuring of the agency and its budget that resulted in numerous benefits to the natural resources and communities throughout the panhandle.

Mr. Steverson's public policy experience began with the representation of the Florida Association of Counties before the Florida Legislature, the governor and cabinet, and numerous agencies and commissions. His work for local governments led to an invitation by then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's Office of Policy and Budget to participate in the formation and promotion of far-reaching restructurings of growth management, eminent domain, water and energy policies in the state. His tenure as environmental policy coordinator in the governor's office spanned two administrations before returning to the private sector to represent clients in the areas of water policy, growth and environmental planning, as well as agriculture, transportation and economic development.