Mr. Joseph R. Samnik
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Office: 727-410-5797
Joe Samnik, respected industry leader in the fields of arboriculture and horticulture, brings 59 years of experience to his role as an expert witness in arboriculture and landscape litigation. An ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Joe also has a license from the State of Florida Office of Entomology. He has provided expert testimony in over 1,000 cases, maintaining an equal balance between plaintiff and defendant representation.
His unique contributions to the field include authoring Florida's statutory formula for appraising highway vegetation and creating the mathematical table of value for the Florida State citrus tree removal class action lawsuit. Joe has presented his research at five international arboricultural conferences and served as president of the Association of Eminent Domain Professionals, a distinguished organization of attorneys, CPAs, and appraisal experts.
Among his areas of expertise are landscape installation, maintenance, and contractual matters, drawing from his 25 years of experience in commercial landscape installation and tree farming. He has served as an expert witness in over 100 cases specifically involving tree farms and nursery operations and appraised litigated matters of tree and landscape valuations more than $200 million.
He is a trusted resource for high-profile clients, including the U.S. Department of Justice, Lloyds of London, and the Florida Department of Transportation.
In court, he focuses on translating complex legal concepts into clear, relatable terms that resonate with jurors through direct, straightforward communication.
Supported by a full staff that handles administrative responsibilities, Joe dedicates his complete attention to case analysis and preparation. He offers complimentary initial consultations via phone or video conference to assess case viability, demonstrating his commitment to professional service and case selection.
- Agricultural
- Pesticides
- Tree/Arborist
- Q: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
- A: ISA Certified Arborist #SO–0408
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
Certified Pest Control Operator from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to identify, prescribe, and treat pests (diseases, insects, bacteria, nematodes) on trees, shrubs, and ornamentals
Prescription Pruning Qualified
- Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
- A: Founding president of the Florida Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Association of Eminent Domain Professionals (Past President and other roles)
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
(Please refer to CV for complete list)
- Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
- A: Over 100 state, regional, and national conferences. Five speaking engagements at the International Society of Arboriculture’s annual world conferences regarding Trees and the Law, Tree Appraisals, Nursery and Tree Farm Appraisals.
(Please refer to CV for complete list) - Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
- A: No.
- Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
- A: 1,000+
- Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
- A: Arboriculture, Nursery Appraisals and Business Damages, Tree Farm Appraisals and Business Damages, Pests and Pesticides, Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, Eminent Domain Takings, Insects/Diseases, Tree Appraisals, Citrus Valuations, Fruit Production Valuations, Crop Production and Expenses, Tree Preservation, Commercial Landscape Issues, Diseases of Trees
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
- A: Approximately 50%
- Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
- A: Approximately 50%
- Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
- A: Approximately 125
- Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
- A: November 2024
- Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
- A: Approximately 35
- Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
- A: Approximately 35
- Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
- A: Approximately 34 years
- Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
- A: Initial case review (professional courtesy), site inspections, reports.
- Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
- A: Available Upon Request
- Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
- A: Available Upon Request
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
- A: Available Upon Request
- Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
- A: Available Upon Request
- Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
- A: Available Upon Request
Available Upon Request