Jack Shreve Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award
Photo Credit: Public Utility Research Center (PURC)
February 20, 2025
No one more than Charles Rehwinkel embodies the sterling character, talents, and qualities of Florida’s first Public Counsel, Jack Shreve, who ably served this state for 25 years in that position. There is no more fitting a tribute to Charles’ many years of excellent service and high achievements than to serve as the inaugural recipient of the Jack Shreve Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Consumer Advocacy in Florida’s Public Utility Industry. Ron Brise, former chairman of the Florida Public Service Commission, presented this award to Charles at the 52nd Annual PURC Conference on February 20, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida.
Charles’ complete dedication to serving Florida’s utility customers, coupled with his effective advocacy and cooperative engagement, has earned him the respect of his peers and other industry stakeholders. Through his unmatched tenacity and determination to protect utility customers, Charles achieved significant results in many of the landmark utility cases in Florida over the past 40 years.
Charles has led from the front as the central figure in the fight against rate increases from every electric, natural gas, and telecom utility. Charles has also challenged and improved upon proposed rules of the Florida Public Service Commission, argued several cases before the Florida Supreme Court, presented to the Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, and served as interim Public Counsel. Perhaps Charles’ greatest impact has been as a mentor, colleague, and helpful guide to the many attorneys who comprise the small but extremely professional Public Utilities Bar in Florida. Charles’ unparalleled talents as both a skilled writer and oral advocate has served as the professional high tide that lifted all boats by improving every case that he touched.
The Florida Bar Association’s Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year
Photo by Mr. Darryl Jarmon
Charles J. Rehwinkel, Deputy Public Counsel of the Florida Office of Public Counsel, has been honored with the Consumer Protection Lawyer of the Year Award by The Florida Bar’s Consumer Protection Law Committee.
The accolade recognizes Rehwinkel’s “excellence, character, and unwavering commitment to the field of consumer protection law.”
“Nominated for his outstanding advocacy representing Floridians in utility matters before the Florida Public Service Commission, Rehwinkel is a formidable litigator dedicated to championing consumer interests,” said Ruth Jackson Lee, chair of the Consumer Protection Law Committee.
An alumnus of the University of Florida, Rehwinkel holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Juris Doctorate. He has been a member of The Florida Bar since 1986.
The award was presented during the Annual Florida Bar Convention June 21 at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria.
Source: The Florida Bar News, June 13, 2024