On Friday, April 11, 2025, The Florida Bar filed a complaint with the Supreme Court of Florida against attorney Eric K. Neitzke, alleging multiple violations of professional conduct rules. Neitzke faces accusations from his representation of a client in a criminal case and related family law matter.
The case is entitled “The Florida Bar v. Eric K. Neitzke,” with case no. 2023-30,671(7A).
The charges cited Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.5(a), 4-1.7(a)(2), 4-1.8(a), 4-1.8(i), 4-8.4(a), and 4-8.4(d).
According to the complaint, in 2023, Neitzke agreed to represent Jacob Bloom in a felony criminal case in Volusia County, accepting Bloom’s share of a marital residence as payment. The property was co-owned with Bloom’s former wife, Kayla Bloom, who is the mother and guardian of the minor victim in the criminal case. Neitzke drafted a retainer agreement, a deed, and a letter of understanding, which Bloom signed while incarcerated. The agreement set a $100,000 nonrefundable retainer and outlined Neitzke’s plan to delay the property’s sale until renovations could increase its value. Bloom was to continue paying the mortgage, and Neitzke estimated repair costs at $50,000 to $60,000. The complaint notes that Bloom was not advised in writing to seek independent legal counsel for the transaction.
Neitzke also agreed to represent Bloom pro bono in a family law case involving the same marital residence, where a court had ordered the property sold and proceeds split equally between the Blooms. The complaint alleges Neitzke’s dual representation created a conflict of interest, as his ownership interest in the property conflicted with his client’s obligations under the court’s order. On May 4, 2023, Neitzke filed notices of appearance in both cases.
Kayla Bloom learned of Neitzke’s co-ownership when he visited the property to assess its value, prompting her to file a bar complaint. Neitzke offered to buy her share for $25,000 and later warned her attorney that refusing the offer would delay the sale and increase her costs. When she declined, Neitzke filed a partition action seeking control of the property to make repairs. The residence was sold in 2024, but the proceeds remain in escrow pending the resolution of disputes between Neitzke and Kayla Bloom.
The Florida Bar alleges Neitzke violated rules prohibiting excessive fees, representing clients with conflicting interests, and acquiring an interest in a client’s litigation subject matter. Additional violations include engaging in business transactions with a client without proper disclosure and consent, and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
The complaint states:
“The Florida Bar respectfully requests that this Court appropriately discipline the respondent under the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
According to martindale.com, Mr. Neitzke attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1982. He acquired his law license in Florida in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
