Thomas F. Panza
Tom is an AV-rated attorney with over 50 years of experience in litigation, regulatory affairs, and governmental relations. His broad legal expertise spans multiple sectors, including healthcare, insurance, procurement, education, employment, environmental law, and government affairs. Throughout his distinguished career, Tom has represented numerous Fortune 500 companies, with a focus on corporate, academic, administrative, regulatory matters, and healthcare law.
Healthcare Law
Tom provides strategic counsel to multimillion-dollar healthcare institutions and major corporations on complex regulatory and insurance matters, such as reimbursement issues, fraud and abuse allegations, state audit investigations, compliance and privacy concerns. He has successfully navigated high-stakes cases involving state and federal agencies, including the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. He has litigated complex cases before the Division of Administrative Hearings, the Florida Circuit Courts, the State Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Tom has successfully negotiated favorable settlements in high-stakes false claims and healthcare fraud matters. He has also represented healthcare providers in disciplinary proceedings before various health professions boards. With extensive knowledge of healthcare compliance, Tom has assisted both private and public institutions in developing comprehensive HITECH and HIPAA privacy plans. His expertise spans a wide range of healthcare law, with a particular focus on rulemaking and compliance across virtually every aspect of the field.
Over the years, Tom has represented clients including Jackson Health System, Nemours, Shands Hospital, North and South Broward Hospital Districts, and various hospice and nursing home providers. Tom’s advocacy is distinguished not only by his legal acumen but also by his strategic vision, helping clients achieve their objectives effectively.
Education Law
In addition to his healthcare law expertise, Tom has an extensive background in graduate medical education, enabling him to collaborate effectively with academic medical centers and hospitals on various healthcare programs, including those for medical, dental, optometry, and pharmacy education.
Tom has served as University Counsel to Nova Southeastern University for over 40 years, advising on higher education and academic law as well as corporate governance for one of the largest independent private universities in the U.S. His involvement in education law extends beyond Nova Southeastern University, as he has worked with academic institutions to navigate complex regulatory and compliance matters.
Government Affairs
Tom has a robust background in government affairs and has built a distinguished reputation advocating for clients before state and federal government agencies. He has represented numerous public and private sector clients in matters involving regulatory compliance, legislative initiatives, and policy development. His extensive understanding of governmental processes allows him to effectively navigate complex administrative and regulatory landscapes.
Throughout his career, Tom has been actively involved in legislative and gubernatorial committees. He has served as a member of the Florida Study Committee on Skilled Nursing Facilities, General Counsel to the Florida Patient’s Compensation Fund, and served on various commissions and task forces related to healthcare regulation, licensure, and certificate of need programs. Tom’s in-depth knowledge of governmental affairs has made him an invaluable asset to clients seeking to influence or comply with government policies.
Tom represented one of the largest lottery companies in the world to implement the Florida lottery in the State of Florida and has also worked on lottery issues in other states and countries.
His advocacy in government affairs has included working with local, state, and federal agencies to shape regulatory frameworks and legislation in sectors such as healthcare, education, gaming and insurance, giving him a unique ability to bridge the gap between private sector interests and public policy.
Additional Areas of Expertise
Tom’s legal experience extends across various sectors, including healthcare, insurance, procurement, employment, and environmental law. He has represented public, private, not-for-profit, and for-profit entities, including sports franchises, technology companies, and major corporations in high-stakes regulatory and litigation matters.
Tom is a member in good standing with both federal and state bar systems and holds memberships in the Administrative Law, Business Law, Health Care Law, and Trial Lawyer Sections of The Florida Bar. He is also a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA), the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), and the American Bar Association (ABA). He is a certified arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and has been recognized as an expert in healthcare administration in federal court. Additionally, Tom previously served as a member of the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission.
Community Leadership
Tom’s commitment to community service is exemplified by his leadership roles, including serving as President of the New World Aquarium for eight years, Vice Chairman of the Museum of Discovery and Science, and Board Member for the Ounce of Prevention children’s charity. He also served as President of the Catholic Education Foundation and is an active member of various advisory and governing boards, including the President’s Advisory Council at Nova Southeastern University and the Board of Directors of the Florida State University Boosters. He is a Florida Bar Foundation Fellow and Past President of the Italian American Lawyers Association.
Education & Background
Tom earned a B.A. from Florida State University, a J.D. from Stetson University, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University, and an Ed.D. from Florida Atlantic University. His legal career began in the Dade County State Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted major crimes. In 1973, he transitioned into private practice and, in 1976, founded the law firm Panza, Maurer & Maynard, P.A.
