Kevin Elmore joined Walton Lantaff in May 2016 after merging his boutique litigation practice with the firm’s institutional support, bringing with him a high-volume, results-driven background that included trying more than 200 cases in a two-year span (2014-2016). Before his entrance, he served as outsourced general counsel and litigation counsel for several large employers, building a reputation for strategic, persistent and efficient advocacy. Mr. Elmore now leverages that small-firm precision within the expansive resources of one of Florida’s oldest continually operating law firms, focusing his practice on insurance defense, commercial and construction litigation, workers’ compensation defense, and real property lender services. His experience spans complex first- and third-party claims, contract disputes, lien and defect litigation, regulatory compliance matters and beyond.
A graduate of University of South Florida and St. Thomas University School of Law, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class and earned the Constitutional Law Book Award, Mr. Elmore developed a strong foundation in advocacy through mock trial leadership and academic distinction. His career has been marked by notable successes, including securing precedent-influencing rulings in foreclosure and bankruptcy litigation, resolving prolonged construction disputes through targeted motion practice, and achieving dismissals in complex insurance matters through disciplined litigation strategy.
Outside the office, Mr. Elmore is a passionate outdoorsman, having logged over 150 SCUBA dives across the globe from Florida’s coasts to international shipwrecks (Truk Lagoon (FSM / Weno), Curacao, Turks & Caicos and Italy). - He is a proud father, lucky husband and teller of tall-tales (“i.e. kayak angler”). As your attorney, Mr. Elmore brings a relentless, strategic, and efficient approach to every matter, offering clients both the attentiveness of a boutique practice and the strength of a full-service firm.
Publications
• “Navigating the Jones Act- Jurisdictional Disputes on the High Seas”- STAMLS Law Journal & Treatise, Vol.1-2; 2008.
• “Construction Debt Disputes- Liability for Improper Liens”- KBE Legal Ledger, 2015;
• “AGENTS OF FRAUD: Misrepresentation and Fraud within the Summary Judgment Context”- KBE 2020
Representative Experience
• Huntington National Bank v.s. Grimm, Case No.09-CA-027262-0; and: 6:09-BK-12873-ABB- This matter involved a mortgage foreclosure and related bankruptcy wherein the Debtors / Borrowers filed a Petition indicating they would “surrender” the property to a named creditor. Post-bankruptcy filing, the Mortgagor elected to retain counsel and begin an aggressive, multi-year defense. Mr. Elmore served as litigation co-counsel in the matter and ultimately secured orders from the Middle District and State Circuit Courts estopping the borrowers from further defending the case or face contempt/sanctions for dishonoring sworn statements. This case was a matter of first impression for the Middle District Orlando and has lead to a bevy of similar rulings which cut the timeline for mortgage foreclosures significantly.
• Hire Quest, LLC v.s. Ganik Builders, Inc., This matter involved a Construction (“Mechanic’s”) Lien for services rendered to a commercial development under General Contractor, Ganik Builders’, control. The case was initiated by another firm on behalf of the client and went unresolved for several years. Mr. Elmore substituted in as counsel and after WLSC’s aggressive motion practice, the parties were able to resolve the case in a matter of weeks.
• Miguel Rivera, et. al. v.s. Citizens Property Insurance Corp., 16-CA-006185 (2016) Hillsborough County Circuit Court, Tampa, FL: Plaintiffs launched a multiyear litigation campaign against Defendant in relation to a property insurance dispute for alleged water-loss and windstorm damages. The homeowner’s policy at issue implicated a rather complex area of law related to Florida’s “Efficient Proximate Cause” doctrine. Extensive discovery disputes followed, resulting in numerous motions to compel by Mr. Elmore. After successfully winning each respective motion (and entitlement to attorney’s fees), Plaintiff’s case was dismissed and permanently barred by Florida’s Statute of Limitations. This case is representative of the fact that many matters are won by simple, persistent diligence.
Community Involvement
• Hillsborough County- Law Week Committee, Co-Chair, 2009 - 2018.
• Veteran’s Rising, 501(c)(3)- Board of Directors, 2016 - Present
• Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.; Gulf Region- 2013 - 2016
• St. Ignatius, Tarpon Springs Florida
