Robert Edward Heyman

Born in Providence, RI, grew up in Barrington ,RI and thereafter attended Eckerd College in St Petersburg,Fl, where he majored in Political Science and Economics. He also played varsity baseball and pitched on the 1977 team that reached the finals of the Division II College World Series. He attended Stetson College of Law and graduated in 1982.

Upon graduation he accepted a position as an Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County Florida, and continued in that position until 1997 when he entered private practice with the Clearwater, Florida firm Tew, Zinober,Barnes, Zimmet & Unice. He remained their until 2001 when he joined as a partner in the firm, Zimmet, Unice, Salzman & Heyman, PA. In 2008, Mr Heyman founded The Heyman Law Firm, PA in St. Petersburg where he focuses his practice in Personal Injury and Criminal Trial Law throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Mr. Heyman is "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell and has been awarded a "Superb" 10/10 rating by the AVVO attorney rating service.

Stetson University College of Law

J.D.

1979 - 1982

Eckerd College

B.A. | Political Science; Economics

1975 - 1979

President

Heyman Law Firm, PA

2008 - Current

Private practice. Continues to limit practice to Plaintiff Personal Injury and Criminal Trial Law

Partner

Zimmet, Unice, Salzman & Heyman, PA

2001 - 2008

Private Practice. Focused in Plaintiff's Personal Injury and Criminal Trial Law

Associate

Tew, Zinober, Barnes, Zimmet & Unice, PA

1997 - 2001

Private practice. Focus on Insurance Defense and Criminal Trial Law

Assistant State Attorney

Pinellas County State Attorney

1982 - 1997

Served as a prosecutor in Pinellas County (Clearwater) Florida. Handled cases ranging from DUI to Drug Trafficking, Bank Robbery, Sex Offenses to Capital Murder. Personally tried over 100 cases

AV Rated Attorney

Martindale Hubbell

2006

Florida Justice Association ( Trial Lawyers)

member

2008 - Current

Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association

member

2007 - Current

Pinellas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

member

2006 - Current

St Petersburg Bar Association

member

2000 - Current

Florida State Bar  # 359580

Member

1983 - Current

Florida

Since 1983

• Free Consultation
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Personal Injury cases handled on contingent fee basis; Criminal cases are usually a set fee basis

Q. Can a cop search my vehicle if stopped for a DUI in FL?

July 30, 2025

A: Very simple. Since I assume you were arrested for DUI as a result of the traffic stop, the police had the right to search both you and your vehicle as a "search incident to arrest".....part of the logic is that if the police arrest you and take possession of your vehicle, they can inventory the contents of your vehicle to both document your property and protect them from claims that they somehow "lost" any of your possessions.

Q. Consequences if husband and son don't attend trial for collision case in Florida?

July 30, 2025

A: There is no rule which requires you to attend a trial in which you are the defendant. That being said, a jury will undoubtedly sense the void of you not attending at least part of the trial. Your absence turns you from a fellow human being into the faceless "defendant" against whom a jury may be more willing to assess damages. While you point out issues with the plaintiff's case, the jury will spend five days with him and may develop sympathy for his case if you are not there as a counterpoint.

I tried a case in 2014 at which the defendants did not appear. All the jury had was my client to look. While juries in Florida are not informed that the defendant is usually represented by an insurance company lawyer, I do believe the fairly large verdict was easier for the jury to render without considering the effect it may have had upon an absent defendant. As the trial is rapidly approaching, please contact your attorney to discuss. Perhaps you and you son could take turns appearing on alternate days.

Good luck,

Robert Heyman ... Read More

Q. Can I switch law firms for better compensation from Uber after they stopped communicating?

April 15, 2025

A: Before you change anything, you need to have a face to face with your current attorney. There is no reason you cannot pursue therapy or any other treatment while the demand process is ongoing. As far as Uber accepting responsibility, double check on that with your attorney on that. That is somewhat unusual at the stage your case is now.

Once a demand is sent, the insurance company either decides to negotiate or, if the potential settlement numbers are too low, you will have to file suit. You need some clear answers in person from your attorney. Do that before you contemplate hiring a new attorney.

Good Luck.