Jeffrey S. Howell

As head of the legal team, Jeff has offered advice and representation to health care providers throughout Florida since 1989. He is the former Staff Attorney to the Senate Committee on Health Care in the Florida Legislature, where he helped draft laws relating to the regulation of physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors, and many other licensed health care professionals. Mr. Howell has also represented clinics, hospitals, and other health care facilities. Howell served as the CEO/Administrator of a rural hospital and, in 1999, was appointed Chairman of the Florida Hospital Association’s Small and Rural Hospital Council.

Jeff represents licensed health care professionals with disciplinary issues in front of state regulatory agencies such as the Florida Department of Health and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Jeff is experienced in helping individuals with background problems and licensing issues, including resolving licensing denials.

Jeff is a member of the Health Law Section and Workers Compensation Section of the Florida Bar. He is admitted to all State Courts in Florida as well as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals (Atlanta), and U.S. Supreme Court. For 20 years, Jeff served as an Adjunct Professor at Florida A & M University’s School of Allied Health Services, where he taught undergraduate and master’s level courses in Health Law, Legal Aspects of Health Care & Ethics, and Health Policy.

Jeff is available to consult with clients nationwide regarding health care law in Florida.

Strategic Leadership in Regulatory Defense and Administrative Law

When a professional’s license, business, or reputation is on the line, experience alone is not enough. It takes strategy, insight into how government agencies operate, and a legal team built to respond with precision. Jeff Howell founded Howell, Buchan & Strong to deliver exactly that.

His practice is rooted in defending licensed professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs facing complex regulatory challenges. He represents clients navigating investigations, licensing issues, administrative complaints, and civil litigation involving Florida state agencies.

Based in Tallahassee, at the center of state government, Jeff has built a firm uniquely positioned to understand not only the law, but the environment in which it is enforced.

Building a Firm with Purpose

Early in his career, he recognized a critical gap. Professionals across Florida were facing government scrutiny without a clear understanding of their rights or how to respond. Many were capable, hardworking individuals who simply lacked the guidance needed to protect their careers and businesses.

“I saw good people dealing with serious government issues and not knowing where to turn,” Jeff explains. “I wanted to build a firm that could step in, take control of the situation, and help them move forward.”

That vision continues to guide the firm today. Jeffrey remains focused on maintaining a highly skilled, mid-sized firm that delivers personal attention while continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of Florida’s most knowledgeable teams in state government regulation, civil litigation, and license defense.

Building the Right Team

A defining aspect of his approach is how he builds his team. He has been intentional about recruiting attorneys and professionals with direct experience inside the agencies the firm engages with.

This includes individuals who have helped draft policies, interpret regulations, and participate in enforcement decisions.

“One day we were discussing a new regulation,” he recalls, “and someone on our team said, ‘I helped write the first draft of that policy.’ That level of experience is invaluable.”

This strategy gives the firm a deeper understanding of agency expectations, internal processes, and how cases are evaluated, creating a meaningful advantage for clients.

Experience that Drives Better Outcomes

Jeff believes strong legal outcomes are built on more than knowledge of statutes and rules. His team understands the timing of agency communications, the importance of documentation, and the individuals involved in decision-making.

“They know the process. They know the law,” he says. “But just as important, they understand how agencies think and who is involved. That can make a real difference in how a matter is resolved.”

This combination of legal expertise and regulatory insight allows the firm to anticipate challenges, respond strategically, and guide clients through complex situations with confidence.

The Advantage of Tallahassee

With its main office in Tallahassee, Howell, Buchan & Strong operates at the center of Florida’s regulatory landscape. This proximity enhances the firm’s ability to engage with agencies and support clients effectively.

At the same time, he’s built a team that serves clients across the state, ensuring consistent, high-level representation regardless of location.

“The Tallahassee office strengthens everything we do,” he explains. “It supports our attorneys statewide and enhances our ability to help clients achieve their goals.”

Guiding Clients Through High-Stakes Moments

Clients often come to him and his team during some of the most stressful moments in their professional lives. Investigations, licensing issues, and regulatory actions can feel overwhelming, especially when the stakes involve a career or business.

Jeff’s approach is grounded in clarity and control.

“I tell clients our job is to take care of the case so they don’t have to carry that burden,” he says. “We explain what’s happening, correct misinformation, and build a strategy that gets them the best possible result.”

This allows clients to move forward with confidence, knowing their matter is being handled by a team that understands both the legal and regulatory landscape.

What Clients Can Expect

Clients who work with Jeff and his team can expect a disciplined, strategic approach grounded in experience and accountability.

The firm has been intentional about building a legal team of subject matter experts. Their backgrounds within the very agencies they now defend against enhance the firm’s ability to deliver strong outcomes. The team understands what is expected, the critical timing of communications and documentation, and how to respond effectively to protect licenses, careers, and businesses.

Clients also value the firm’s commitment to communication, responsiveness, and preparation. Every matter is approached with a clear strategy and a focus on achieving the best possible resolution.

Focus for the Future

Looking ahead, he remains focused on continuing to build one of the most knowledgeable and experienced regulatory defense firms of its size.

Key priorities include:

• Strengthening expertise in state government regulation and administrative law

• Continuing to recruit top-tier attorneys with agency experience

• Maintaining a personalized, client-first approach

• Expanding the firm’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes regulatory matters

When the Stakes Are Personal

Regulatory matters are rarely just legal issues. They impact careers, businesses, and long-term professional futures. The Howell, Buchan & Strong firm was built to help clients navigate those moments with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

The right team, with the right experience, makes all the difference.