Attorney

Kimbrell Hines

Kimbrell Hines focuses her practice on equine law, representing clients in complex disputes and transactions across the equine industry. She advises and advocates for horse owners, trainers, riders, and equine professionals in high-value sale and lease disputes, veterinary malpractice claims, liability and risk management matters, and the drafting and negotiation of purchase, breeding, and lease agreements. Her practice also includes representation in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings before United States Equestrian Federation, Fédération Équestre Internationale, and other equestrian governing bodies.

In addition to her legal practice, Kimbrell is an Accredited Equine Appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers. She provides equine appraisal and valuation services in support of litigation, insurance claims, ownership and partnership disputes, estate planning matters, and high-value transactions. Her appraisal work is informed by extensive experience handling equine disputes and is prepared with an understanding of how valuation evidence is evaluated by courts, insurers, and regulatory authorities.

Kimbrell brings years of hands-on horse experience to her equine law and appraisal practice. She grew up riding on her family’s hobby farm and began with local lessons and shows before advancing to the highest levels of competition. Her equestrian background includes gaited horses, ApHC and AQHA all-around events, and several seasons playing polo. Today, she competes in the hunter ring with her horse, Dansby. This firsthand experience allows her to approach each matter with industry insight, practicality, and respect for the realities faced by horse owners and equine professionals.

Before entering the legal profession, Kimbrell worked in human resources, advising business owners on employee relations, misconduct investigations, compensation and benefits, and workplace policy compliance. This background informs her work with equine businesses, barns, and organizations navigating employment and operational challenges.

Kimbrell earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Christopher Sabella of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and as a research assistant to Professor Merritt McAlister, whose scholarship focuses on judicial candor and access to justice in the federal courts. She also holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Florida.

Based in the greater Tampa area, Kimbrell lives with her Australian Shepherd. Outside the office, she can most often be found at the barn or at a horse show.

  • University of Florida Levin College of Law, J.D., 2020
    • Editor, Author of published note, Florida Law Review
    • Ethos of Excellence Scholar
    • The Florida Bar Labor and Employment Law Outstanding Student of the Year
    • Employment and Labor Law Society President
  • University of Tennessee, Master of Science, Human Resources Management, 2017
  • University of Florida, B.A., Political Science with a minor in Business Administration, 2016

 

  • Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • Leadership Sarasota, 2024
  • Young Leaders Alliance of Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, 2020 – present
  • Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 2020 – present
  • Florida Quarter Horse Association, 2020 – present
  • The Equine Law Committee of The Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar, 2021 – present
  • The Florida Bar, 2020 – present
  • Selected to Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2024
  • Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for Labor and Employement Law, 2024 – present
  • Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2024 – present
Recent Blog

5 Tips On Horse Buying From An Equine Lawyer

For most horse people, few things are as exciting as purchasing a horse. Unfortunately for some, buying a horse can be a difficult experience– emotions cloud buyer’s judgment, sellers...

5 Tips When Using Waivers in Your Horse Program

By Kimbrell J. Hines, Esq. Interacting with even the most gentle horse always involves some risk—accidents happen.  Horse owners and professionals can help protect their businesses by requiring...

A Lawyer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Horses

As the costs of purchasing and keeping horses continue to rise, so too are the number of lawsuits related to horse sale disputes. For far too many buyers and sellers, what should be an exciting...

WARNING: Posting A Sign Will Not Protect You

At your next visit to a barn or show, look around, and you will probably see at least one "WARNING" sign citing the state's equine law. Aside from Maryland and California, every state has an equine...

Heads Up on Florida Equestrian Helmet Law

By Kimbrell J. Hines, Attorney at Law Florida law requires individuals under the age of 16 to wear a properly fit, securely fastened, American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) certified...

So You Wanna Be a Cowboy, Huh?

With the growing popularity of shows like Yellowstone and 1883, there have been an increasing number of people taking an interest in horses and equestrian activities. Here in Florida, before saddling...