John L Whiteman

John L. Whiteman

Probate, Estate, and Real Estate Attorney

Decades of Legal Experience Serving St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Northeast Florida

Attorney John L. Whiteman is a distinguished legal professional with over40 years of experience practicing law in Florida, with a focus on probate administration, real estate law, and complex commercial transactions. Based in St. Augustine, Mr. Whiteman represents individuals, families, business owners, and property developers throughout St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, and the greater Northeast Florida region.

As the most senior attorney at St. Johns Law Group, John plays a critical role in handling complex probate litigation and multi-million-dollar real estate deals.

John Whiteman has influenced my legal career more than any other lawyer and he is a selfless mentor of young attorneys.  – Doug Burnett

🏛 Areas of Legal Practice

John L. Whiteman’s broad legal background makes him a go-to attorney for matters involving:

⚖️ Probate and Estate Administration
  • Florida formal and summary administration

  • Administration of testate (with will) and intestate (without will) estates

  • Ancillary probate for out-of-state decedents with Florida property

  • Resolving estate debts, creditor claims, and asset distribution

  • Legal guidance for beneficiaries, personal representatives, and heirs

🏠 Real Estate Law
  • Residential and commercial real estate transactions

  • Title issues, quiet title actions, and title insurance oversight

  • Preparation and negotiation of purchase and sale agreements

  • Landlord Leasing, including creation of commercial lease documents and amendments

  • Business and asset sales involving real estate holdings

With decades of experience handling both transactional and litigation work, Mr. Whiteman provides clients with legal solutions that are not only effective but grounded in practical, Florida-specific insight.


🎓 Education and Legal Career
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Stetson University, 1972

  • Juris Doctor, University of Florida College of Law, 1975

After law school, Mr. Whiteman began his legal career serving in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) of the U.S. Naval Reserve. He later joined the Office of the State Attorney, working in both the Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits, where he eventually became the attorney in charge for the St. Augustine office.

In 1985, Mr. Whiteman co-founded the law firm McClure & Whiteman, and later joined Rogers Towers, where he opened their first St. Augustine office as a shareholder. Since 2009, he has been a respected member of St. Johns Law Group, continuing as legal counsel in real estate and probate law.


🏛 Professional Affiliations & Admissions
  • The Florida Bar

  • St. Augustine Bar Association

  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida


🪖 Military Legal Service
  • U.S. Naval Reserve, JAG Corps (1975–1978)

  • Florida Army National Guard, JAG Corps (1981–1998)
    – Retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel

Mr. Whiteman’s military service reflects the same dedication and discipline he brings to his legal practice.


📧 jwhiteman@sjlawgroup.com
📞 (904) 495-0400

Whether you’re an executor managing a loved one’s estate, a developer navigating a property deal, or a family member facing probate challenges, John L. Whiteman provides the legal clarity and professional support you need.