Attorney

Joseph DeFelice

Joseph DeFelice was admitted to practice in all state courts of Florida and serves as an Associate Attorney. Joseph joined Howell, Buchan & Strong as a law clerk in 2021, and advanced to an Associate Attorney in 2023. As the son of a medical doctor specializing in oncology and a registered nurse, Joseph has a passion for protecting professional and health care licenses. He handles cases of civil litigation, administrative law, and worker’s compensation and practices out of our Tallahassee location.

Joseph graduated from Florida State University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate degree in 2023. He attended Florida State University for his undergraduate degree, receiving a bachelor’s in finance in 2020. Joseph was a member of the Florida State University Business Review and Business Law Society.

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Recent Posts by Joseph DeFelice

New 2025 Legislation that May Affect Health Care Practices and Professionals in Florida

Mar 12, 2025 | Joseph V. DeFelice
The Florida Department of Health is responsible for licensing health care providers in Florida. Legislative changes can affect the laws relating to practicing your profession. Being unaware of these new....

The New Requirements and Effects of Florida’s “Live Healthy” Initiative on Medical Doctors and Foreign Medical Graduates

Dec 03, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
The Florida Department of Health’s (DOH’s) Board of Medicine has always had the authority to grant a license by examination under conditions or restrictions to a physician who meets the....

Hanging a Shingle? Things to Keep in Mind When Starting a Solo Practice & AHCA License Exemptions

Nov 26, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Becoming a licensed medical practice in Florida involves key steps to ensure compliance with state regulations and standards of care. Providers often must thoroughly review the licensing requirements outlined by....
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Common Problems with Licensure Applications: Resumes and Curriculum Vitae

Nov 18, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Most professionals prepare a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and they use it for various purposes.  They may be used to apply for licenses, employment, education, professional associations, presentations and....

Defending Your Florida Professional Healthcare License: A Comprehensive Guide

Jun 26, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Essential Strategies and Legal Guidance As a licensed health care professional in Florida, maintaining your license is not only essential for your livelihood but also for the trust and safety....

How to Respond to a Florida Department of Health Investigation?

Jun 08, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Key Considerations for Healthcare Professionals A frequent question asked by health care professionals who are faced with an investigation by their professional board and the Florida Department of Health (DOH)....
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What Information Are You Required in Your Entity’s BOI Report?

Mar 01, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
As of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires reporting companies to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with FinCEN, the Department of Treasury’s Financial Crime Enforcement wing.....

Florida Office Surgery Inspections. Are you prepared? 

Jan 15, 2024 | Joseph V. DeFelice
In Florida, an office that performs surgery, also known as an office surgery facility, must be registered with the Department of Health (DOH). As part of the registration process, the....

Plastic Surgery in Office Surgery Facilities

Nov 27, 2023 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Every day, patients undergo cosmetic and plastic surgery in Florida for a variety of reasons, from cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive plastic surgery.  Procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift, liposuction,....

Personnel Required in an Office Surgery Facility 

Nov 22, 2023 | Joseph V. DeFelice
Opening an office surgery facility in Florida can be a daunting experience for an owner or a health care practitioner. There are many laws and regulations that apply to the....

Office Surgery Registration | Do I Really Need to Register My Office Surgery Facility? 

Nov 22, 2023 | Joseph V. DeFelice
The definition of an office surgery facility that requires registration with the Department of Health, according to s. 458.328, Florida Statutes (FS), is: An office in which a physician performs....

Florida Office Surgery Inspection: What Happens When Your Facility Fails?

Nov 02, 2023 | Joseph V. DeFelice
What is an office surgery inspection?  The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for regulating offices that perform surgery in the State of Florida as part of their Office....