Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa Bay native, is widely recognized as a trailblazer and impassioned advocate for her clients and all Floridians. She is the Minority Leader in the Florida House of Representatives and currently represents the residents of House District 67 throughout north Tampa and Hillsborough County. Prior to Ms. Driskell joining Swope, Rodante P.A. as a partner in 2024, she served as Of Counsel and Shareholder for a prestigious national law firm.
Ms. Driskell earned her Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and her Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law. After law school, she served as a clerk for Judge Anne C. Conway of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Ms. Driskell’s legal acumen is regularly recognized by publishers and other legal rating organizations. She holds the prestigious AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is extended to only those attorneys who display the highest legal ability and ethical standards. Ms. Driskell has been recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2011, a Rising Star from 2011-2019 and she has been selected to Super Lawyers from 2020 to present.
A fixture within the community Ms. Driskell volunteers her time with various civic organizations including the Florida Bar where she served on the Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion for several years.
In her career, Ms. Driskell has shown her strength in meeting her clients’ needs at every level, standing up to any adversary ― big or small. As fiercely as she advocates for her clients, she is equally compassionate and understanding of the challenges they face. She is a true fighter for the people. This dedication to her clients’ pursuit of justice aligns perfectly with the mission of Swope, Rodante P.A. Her fight for justice continues to inspire and motivate those around her, making her a true champion for the people.
Professional Distinctions
- AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- The Best Lawyers in America, Antitrust Law (2023–2024)
- Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2020–2023)
- Florida Rising Stars, Super Lawyers Magazine (2011–2019)
- Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine (2019)
- Florida Legal Elite Up & Comers, Florida Trend Magazine (2015)
- Honorary Chair, Hillsborough County Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner (2014)
Community Involvement
- American Bar Association
- The Florida Bar
- Standing Committee on Diversity and Inclusion
- Judicial Nominating Procedures Committee
- Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- George Edgecomb Bar Association
- President (2014–2016)
- National Bar Association, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity
- Fellow (2014)
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
- Hillsborough Education Foundation
- Board of Directors (2014-present)
- J. Clifford Cheatwood American Inn of Court (2006–2008)
- William Reece Smith Jr. Litigation American Inn of Court (2014–2015)
- Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association
- Tampa Connection (2007–2008)
- Tampa Crossroads, Inc.
- Board of Directors (2007-2018)
- Board of Directors (2007-2018)
- Gasparilla Festival of the Arts
- Volunteer (2007)
- SHARE Florida Food Network
- Advisory Board (2008–2009)
Presentations
- “LTA Chair’s Choice: Reflecting on the Centennial of the 19th Amendment — a Discussion With Tampa Bay’s Women in Politics,” Tampa Bay Chamber (August 7, 2020)
- “Who You Gonna Call? An Update on the Telephone Protection Consumer Protection Act, Compliance Best Practices, and Litigation Trends,” International Association of Privacy Professionals (February 11, 2014)
- The Florida Bar’s Practicing with Professionalism (March 1, 2014)
- “Balancing Life and the Law,” The Florida Bar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism and Law Student Division of the Young Lawyers Division, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL (October 6, 2014)
- “Legal Issues Involving the Use of Personal Electronic Devices and Social Media in the Workplace,” Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association (June 23, 2012)
- “Attorney-Client Privilege and the Use of Social Media in the Workplace,” Association of Corporate Counsel (May 19, 2011)
Awards
- The Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter of the National Bar Association Sen. Arthenia L. Joyner Public Service Award (2024)
- EMILYs List Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star (2023)
- Ruth’s List Florida Carrie Meek Award (2023)
- Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council Whitney M. Young Jr. Award (2021)
- Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Woman of Promise (2018)
- Leader in the Law Award, Florida Association for Women Lawyers (2015)
- President’s Award, George Edgecomb Bar Association (2014)
- Tampa Connection Team Member of the Year (2008)
- Up and Comer Award, Tampa Bay Business Journal (2008)
