TAMPA, FL — Ronald A. Christaldi, Shumaker Partner and President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, has been named to Florida Trend’s 2026 Florida 500 for the second year in a row. The annual list recognizes the state’s most influential business, civic, and thought leaders across more than 60 sectors, including law.
A nationally recognized business attorney, Ron is a trusted legal and strategic advisor on high-stakes, high-impact matters. CEOs, entrepreneurs, boards of directors, and public sector leaders turn to him for guidance on complex transactions, mission-critical disputes, and transformative opportunities.
“Being named to the Florida 500 two years running says a great deal about the trust Ron has earned across this state. He brings people together, takes on the hard problems, and always puts Florida’s communities first. That kind of leadership makes a real difference for our clients and for the region,” said Bob Buckhorn, Former Mayor of Tampa.
As a Partner at Shumaker and President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida, Ron leads a dual practice spanning business transactions, public policy strategy, and litigation. Working at the intersection of business, government, and community impact, he combines legal acumen, business insight, and results-focused leadership to help clients address immediate challenges while shaping long-term outcomes.
Ron’s influence has long been recognized at local, state and national levels. His honors include being named one of the Nation’s 100 Most Influential Attorneys by The Business Journals; inclusion in Best Lawyers in America since 2009; selection to Florida Super Lawyers; and six consecutive years on the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100. He was named to the 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100 and has been recognized by Lawdragon among its Global Leaders in Crisis Management. Florida Trend has also honored him among Florida’s Top 100 Lawyers.
Ron is also deeply involved in Florida’s civic, cultural, and economic development. He was recently named Chair of the New College of Florida Board of Trustees, his alma mater, and appointed to the Host Committee for the Tampa International Diplomacy and Exchange Summit. He is past chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and he serves as Chair of the Tampa Museum of Art and of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Hope Innovation District. He is a member of the Florida Council of 100, a past Chair of Leadership Florida and the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and a founding board member of the Hillsborough County African American Arts and Cultural Center, just to name a few.
“It is an honor to be named to the Florida 500 for a second year, and I am grateful for the recognition. Any success I've experience is a testament to my talented Shumaker colleagues and to the clients who trust us with their most important matters. Florida’s growth shows no sign of slowing, and I am energized to help the businesses and communities driving it turn opportunity into lasting impact,” said Ron.