Membership Spotlight: Silvestri Law, PA - Real Estate Law & Title Agency

Growing up working in his father’s pizza shop in the Detroit suburbs, Larry Silvestri had no idea that he was developing the skills and love of supporting small businesses that would later guide him through a career in law and real estate that now deeply impacts St. Petersburg.

Inspired by TV lawyers like Perry Mason and others, Larry chose to study law. But unlike Mason, he was drawn to real estate, selling homes while in college and eventually specializing in commercial leasing. After working with firms and real estate developers for over twenty-five years, including serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Goodman Co., Larry founded Silvestri Law in 2015, giving him the freedom to focus on clients and projects that strengthen communities across Florida.

At that time, he was living in the West Palm Beach area with his wife, but in 2016, he decided to move to St. Petersburg to be closer to his son, who had recently graduated from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport and had been hired by a local law firm. Larry’s love affair with St. Pete started long before that. He first fell in love with St. Pete when he was in 5th grade after visiting his grandmother, who had retired here. He loved visiting all the Old Florida attractions with her like Sunken Gardens, remembering the Santa statue set up in Straub Park every December fondly. Later in life when Larry had kids of his own and after his father moved to St. Pete, he would bring the family here for visits, spending lots of time at the Inverted Pier and the beaches. After falling in love with St. Pete at each stage, it only made sense to him to follow the generational tradition and move here himself. In true St. Pete fashion, Larry decided to open up his office in the Plaza Tower after attending live music events in the courtyard of the building.

Today, Silvestri Law has expanded to become a title agency, helping not only small businesses and developers but also residents navigating home sales and closings. Larry credits this growth to his paralegal, Cari Lamrouex, whom he describes as the cornerstone of the firm’s success. Cari isn’t just a trusted colleague, she’s his daughter-in-law’s best friend and the godmother of his second grandchild, making her part of the Silvestri family in every sense of the word.

Beyond his practice, Larry is a champion of St. Pete’s arts scene, supporting organizations including the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance and American Stage. He views the arts as essential to building a vibrant, world-class destination that attracts visitors, investors, and future residents alike. To Larry, every small business and cultural institution is like a brushstroke, together painting the unique fabric of St. Pete.

Larry’s involvement with the Downtown Partnership began with the Developer’s Council, where he could stay engaged with the local development community. But with an academic background in public administration, he quickly grew interested in the broader policy conversations shaping St. Pete’s future and became a member.

Looking ahead, Larry has “sunny expectations on the horizon.” He believes St. Pete is on a strong trajectory of smart growth and density, even with recent challenges like severe storms. His vision for the future is one of collaboration: when businesses, residents, and community leaders work together, St. Pete has the potential to become an even stronger and more resilient city.

From commercial leases to residential closings, and from supporting local businesses to advocating for the arts, Larry Silvestri embodies the entrepreneurial, community-driven spirit that makes St. Pete thrive.

If you are interested in learning more about Larry, please click here to see his full collection of Community Voices pieces published through the St. Pete Catalyst.

‍