William F. McFetridge, IV

Experience 

Board Certified in Construction Law—a distinction achieved by fewer than five percent of Florida attorneys—William F. McFetridge IV advises developers, design professionals, contractors, and public entities through every stage of complex construction projects. From structuring and negotiating multimillion-dollar contracts to resolving disputes that surface mid-project or years after completion, Will combines strategic foresight with practical experience to help clients achieve their business objectives with clarity and confidence.

With a practice balanced between transactional and litigation work, Will is both a skilled negotiator and a tenacious advocate. He drafts and negotiates sophisticated construction agreements designed to minimize exposure, and when disputes arise, he defends those same contracts with precision and resolve. Clients ranging from national developers and engineering firms to local governments rely on his ability to anticipate risks, navigate regulatory challenges, and craft pragmatic, business-driven solutions. Known for his candor, strategic insight, and calm under pressure, Will has earned a reputation for being both a trusted advisor and a steady hand in high-stakes matters.

Over his career, Will has negotiated more than $750 million in commercial construction contracts and litigated disputes involving some of Florida’s most prominent infrastructure and mixed-use developments. His technical fluency, coupled with an ability to distill complex facts into persuasive legal and business arguments, makes him as effective in the boardroom as he is in the courtroom.

In addition to his construction practice, Will represents construction and manufacturing companies in OSHA enforcement and citation matters, defending clients in proceedings involving alleged workplace-safety violations and helping them achieve favorable resolutions while maintaining compliance with regulatory authorities.

Representative Matters

• Won Favorable Jury Verdict in Multi-Million-Dollar Municipal Infrastructure Trial. Served as second chair in a six-week jury trial representing a utility contractor in a complex public-works dispute. Secured a favorable verdict on all key claims involving underground utility and roadway construction.
• Achieved Strong Resolution for Design Firm in High-Profile Dredging Project Dispute. Represented the lead design professional in a municipal dredging matter involving claims of design error and delay. Negotiated a favorable outcome that protected the client’s professional reputation and contractual interests.
• Advised County Government in Major Bridge-Replacement Construction Conflict. Counseled a county client through a contentious dispute with its general contractor over a high-level arched bridge project, guiding resolution strategies to minimize exposure and ensure project continuity.
• Negotiated More Than $750 Million in Commercial Construction Contracts. Structured and negotiated agreements for mixed-use, condominium, and large-scale infrastructure developments, mitigating risk and ensuring alignment between project design, finance, and construction teams.
• Defended Construction and Manufacturing Companies in OSHA Enforcement Proceedings. Advised clients on safety-program design, site inspections, abatement measures, and citation contests, achieving compliance outcomes that avoided costly operational disruption.

Bar Admissions:

•  Florida
• Georgia

Education:

• Florida State University, B.S., Political Science and Philosophy, 2006
• University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., 2010

Awards & Recognition:

• Board Certified in Construction Law
• Florida Super Lawyers®, 2021 – Present
• Super Lawyers® “Rising Star”, 2017 – 2020

Community & Professional Organizations

• The Florida Bar
  • Board Certified in Construction Law
  • Member
  • State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice
  • Business Law Section 
  • Trial Lawyers
  • Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Young Lawyers Division
• State Bar of Georgia
  • Member
• American Bar Association
  • Member
• Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • Member
• Clifford Cheatwood Inn of Court 
  • Member
• Leadership Tampa
  • Class of 2021 Member
• Tampa Connection
  • Class of 2015 Member

Outside the Office

Will channels the same precision he brings to construction law into music. A lifelong guitarist with a passion for metal, he enjoys composing and playing whenever he gets the chance. Most weekends, though, are reserved for time with his family, often centered around music, good food, and enjoying all that Tampa has to offer.