Ed A. "Eddie" Suarez

Ed Suarez is a veteran trial lawyer with more than thirty years of experience representing individuals, executives, healthcare providers, and businesses in high-stakes white-collar criminal defense, federal and state investigations, False Claims Act matters and general criminal cases. A longtime Tampa resident, he has built a reputation as one of Florida’s leading defenders in complex federal cases, known for his meticulous case preparation, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to protecting his clients’ rights, reputations, and professional futures.

Ed’s practice focuses on white-collar and financial crime and general criminal defense in sate court and all federal district courts, including the Middle District of Florida, including matters involving healthcare fraud, False Claims Act and qui tam actions, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, tax offenses, mortgage fraud, government contracting fraud, and allegations involving regulated industries. He routinely represents clients in investigations conducted by the Department of Justice, HHS-OIG, FBI, IRS-CI, and other federal agencies, and is known for his early-intervention approach to target letters, grand jury subpoenas, civil investigative demands, and parallel civil-criminal proceedings.

In addition to his experience handling investigations, Ed has tried more than one hundred cases to verdict in state and federal courts. His trial record includes securing a complete acquittal in a first-degree, death penalty murder case, as well as an federal jury acquittal of a lawyer facing fraud charges and obtaining immunity from prosecution under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Beyond his white-collar crime experience, his courtroom experience spans serious felony matters including homicide, and sex crimes. This deep trial background informs his white-collar practice, giving him an uncommon ability to assess risk, prepare cases for litigation, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Ed began his legal career as a prosecutor in Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit, where he handled serious felonies and gained early trial experience. He later joined the Tampa firm of Lazzara & Paul, where he was mentored by renowned trial lawyer Bennie Lazzara Jr., before founding The Suarez Law Firm, P.A., focusing on white-collar criminal defense, False Claims Act defense, and major felony litigation throughout Florida.

His work has earned widespread recognition, including Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year” (2026, White-Collar Criminal Defense) and “Lawyer of the Year” (2020, Criminal Defense: General Practice – Tampa); repeated selection to Best Lawyers in America; and the AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, including specific recognition in white-collar crime and litigation. Ed is also the recipient of the James H. Kynes “In the Trenches” Award and the Marcelino “Bubba” Huerta Service and Professionalism Award, two of the highest honors bestowed by the Hillsborough County Bar Association.

Admitted to practice before the Florida Bar, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court, Ed continues to be an active member of the legal community. He contributes to legal scholarship through speaking engagements, articles, and commentary on issues involving federal criminal law, healthcare fraud enforcement, and the False Claims Act.

With a career defined by integrity, discretion, and tireless advocacy, Ed Suarez provides sophisticated representation to clients navigating the most challenging federal criminal, white-collar, and False Claims Act matters.