Admiralty and Maritime Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Tampa.
AC 
Anthony John "Tony" Cuva
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2007 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Tony Cuva has been practicing admiralty and maritime law for over thirty years and has been board certified for over twenty years. He handles a large array of admiralty and maritime matters as well as civil litigation. Tony Cuva has handled Jones Act cases, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation act cases, maritime personal injury cases, collisions, allisions, Cargo claims, environmental issues relative to clean water discharge, Coast Guard and OSHA investigations, and recreational boating accidents and injuries. He also represents mariners in licensing disputes before the United States Coast Guard and the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Additionally, he litigates disputes arising from commercial transactions, charter agreements, yacht sales and marina related issues and also transactions related to commercial shipping, charter agreements, ship repairs marinas, and yachts.
Overview
- English
- New York Law School, Juris Doctorate, graduated 1991
- Fordham University, B.A., graduated 1987
- Florida, 1991
- Admiralty and Maritime Law Certification Committee - Former Chair
- American Inns of Court - Former Member
- American Victory Ship and Museum - Board Member
- Federal Bar Association - Former Board Member
- Florida Bar Association Grievance Committee - Former Member
- Hillsborough County Bar Association - Member and Former Board Member for Trial Lawyers Section
- Leadership Tampa - Participant
- Maritime Law Association of the U.S. - Member and Former Proctor
- Port of Tampa Maritime Industries Association - Board Member
- Propeller Club - Board Member
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI) - Member and Former Director
- Tampa Catholic Lawyers Guild - Former Board of Directors
- The Florida Bar Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee - Member
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
- English
- Florida, 1991
- Admiralty and Maritime Law Certification Committee - Former Chair
- American Inns of Court - Former Member
- American Victory Ship and Museum - Board Member
- Federal Bar Association - Former Board Member
- Florida Bar Association Grievance Committee - Former Member
- Hillsborough County Bar Association - Member and Former Board Member for Trial Lawyers Section
- Leadership Tampa - Participant
- Maritime Law Association of the U.S. - Member and Former Proctor
- Port of Tampa Maritime Industries Association - Board Member
- Propeller Club - Board Member
- Southeastern Admiralty Law Institute (SEALI) - Member and Former Director
- Tampa Catholic Lawyers Guild - Former Board of Directors
- The Florida Bar Admiralty and Maritime Law Committee - Member
- New York Law School, Juris Doctorate, graduated 1991
- Fordham University, B.A., graduated 1987
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Admiralty and Maritime Law, Tampa (2026)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Admiralty and Maritime Law
Awards:
- Board Certified as a Specialist in Admiralty and Maritime Litigation, The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education, since 1999
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2006- 2014; Ranked No. 1 Nationally in Shipping (outside New York City)
- Admiralty and Maritime Law Certification Committee, Chairman, 2008-2010; Vice Chair, 2007-2008
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV rated
- Tampa Magazines’ Top Lawyers, 2020, 2021
- Florida Trend’s Legal Elite 2015- present
- Florida Super Lawyers, 2007- present
- Licensed United States Coast Guard Captain, OUPV
News & Media
Additional Information
Case History
Cases
- Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine, Inc.
Represented Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine, Inc. in federal jury trial involving claims for Breach of Express/Implied Warranties and Violation of Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, October 2014
- Claim for damages
Represented client in trial involving claim for damages allegedly caused by stevedore, July 2009
- Rolls-Royce
Represented Rolls-Royce in claim made by cruise lines alleging over $300 million dollars in damage for propulsion system failures, 2007
- Public Utility
Represented a public utility in litigation regarding an alleged $60 million claim for failed international business venture. Obtained summary judgment in favor of client, August 2004, and the decision was affirmed on appeal, September 2005
- Public Utility in a Colombian Arbitration
Represented a public utility in a Colombian arbitration involving a $60 million claim brought by a prospective partner arising from power plant purchase. Worked closely with Colombian counsel in international arbitration.
- Harbor Pilot
Representation of harbor pilot involved in a three vessel collision and extensive oil spill on Tampa Bay resulting in a five week Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board investigative hearing, 1993
- Towing Company
Represented towing company in trial involving claim for property damages, 2001
- Harbor Pilot
Represented harbor pilot in trial involving claim for personal injuries resulting in defense verdict, 2002
- Engine Manufacturer
Obtained judgment in bench trial in favor of engine manufacturer in trial to enforce claim for maritime lien and defense verdict on $5 million dollar counterclaim for breach of warranty and negligent misrepresentation, 2002
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