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Richard E. Coates has been lobbying on behalf entities before the Legislature and Executive Branch of Florida government for 20 years. Richard joined Tidewater Consulting, Inc. in February 2001, and is Chief Operating Officer and President of Tidewater. Richard is an attorney and a certified public accountant. Before joining Tidewater, Richard was a shareholder at Katz, Kutter, Haigler, Alderman, Bryant & Yon, P.A., one of Tallahassee's largest law firms, working in the firm's lobbying section. He also worked nine years for the Division of Florida Land Sales, Condominiums and Mobile Homes, Department of Business Regulation, including service as Division Director. Richard has also been the sole proprietor of an accounting practice.

Most of Richard's professional services have been in two primary areas: lobbying for clients before the Legislature and Executive Branch Agencies and assisting taxpayers before the Florida Department of Revenue.

Richard has routinely provided services in the areas of state taxation and regulated entities and this experience brings a wealth of knowledge to our clients' issues. Richard's past legislative experience includes lobbying for the Division of Florida Land Sales, while he was employed there. More recently, he has provided services to, and continues to provide services through Tidewater, to insurance companies, a private college, three members of the aerospace industry, high-speed rail, other business interests, and numerous local governmental entities.

Mr. Coates is a member of the Tax Section of the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Richard is a native of Jacksonville, Florida.