James J. Cloud
- CGCGeneral Contractor
- CCCRoofing Contractor
- CMCMechanical Contractor
- CFCPlumbing Contractor
- CPCPool/Spa Contractor
- CAMCommunity Association Manager
- BKReal Estate Broker
- MSIREM.S. International Real Estate
- +1 (305) 537-6105
- [email protected]
- Miami Beach, FL
- Punta Gorda, FL
Florida construction expert witness, general contractor & author.
James J. Cloud is a Florida General Contractor, construction expert witness, licensed real estate broker, and founder of Cloud Design Build, with experience spanning large-scale developments, custom residential construction, and complex construction disputes.
Through Cloud Design Build, he is actively involved in the planning and construction of residential and select commercial projects in South and Southwest Florida, alongside consulting and expert engagements throughout Florida.
His work combines active construction experience with expert analysis, providing practical insight into how projects are built, where issues develop, and how those conditions are evaluated and resolved.
This combination of active construction and advisory work provides a current, field-based perspective on both project execution and construction-related issues.
Professional background
His background in construction began at a young age working in his father's construction business, founded in the early 1970s. Early hands-on experience in carpentry, concrete, and roofing established a practical understanding of how buildings are constructed and the level of discipline required at every stage.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Florida International University's College of Engineering and later completed a Master of Science in International Real Estate from Florida International University's College of Business.
He began his career working with a Florida contractor on projects for major hospitality brands, including Marriott, Hilton, Sonesta, and Residence Inn. He later joined AECOM (NYSE: ACM), where he was involved in complex, multi-phase developments including Miami Worldcenter, Hard Rock Stadium, and The Plaza Coral Gables, along with other large-scale mixed-use, hospitality, and residential projects. This experience provides a practical understanding of construction at scale, including coordination across multiple disciplines, sequencing, and execution under real-world conditions.
In 2011, he founded Cloud Design Build, continuing a multi-generational legacy in construction. The firm actively acquires land, designs, and builds custom homes and presale residential projects in Southwest Florida, with a focus on planning, coordination, and execution.
Construction consulting, owner's representative & expert witness services.
Alongside active construction operations, James provides construction consulting and owner's representative services, supporting projects from early planning through execution, including coordination, oversight, and technical evaluation.
He is retained by law firms, insurance carriers, developers, contractors, and property owners in construction matters, and also serves as a construction expert witness in matters involving construction defects, contractor standard of care, building code compliance, cost of repair, and related disputes. His work spans pre-litigation analysis and active litigation matters.
Unlike consultants who operate solely in an advisory role, he remains actively involved in construction, providing current, field-based insight into building practices, coordination, and execution.
Published work
James J. Cloud is the author of Trouble in Paradise: Pitfalls of Buying an Existing Home, which highlights construction defects, hidden risks, and common issues encountered in residential properties, including houses, condominiums, and other residential assets.
A second book is currently in development, focused on new construction, examining construction defects, common oversights, and conditions that impact performance even in newly built homes.
Insights & industry commentary
James regularly shares insights on construction, project planning, construction disputes, and real-world building conditions through video content and industry commentary. His insights are grounded in active construction experience and consulting work, offering a practical perspective on issues that are often overlooked in both construction and real estate.
Education & honors
Degrees
- B.S., Construction Management - Florida International University, College of Engineering
- M.S., International Real Estate - Florida International University, College of Business
Honors & awards
- ABC National Construction Competition Award - Florida International University, College of Engineering, Construction Management Program
- Director's Award, Outstanding Performance and Contribution - Florida International University, College of Business, International Real Estate Program
Licenses & certifications
Florida licenses
- General Contractor
- Roofing Contractor
- Mechanical Contractor
- Plumbing Contractor
- Pool/Spa Contractor
- Real Estate Broker
- Community Association Manager
Certifications
- ICC Residential Building Inspector
- ICC Commercial Building Inspector
- Ludowici Roof Tile Certification
- Certified Residential Thermographer
- Infrared Moisture Detection
- OSHA 30
Past licenses & certifications
- Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting
Subject matter expert
- Structural Carpentry Specialty Contractor Examination - Professional Testing, Inc., on behalf of DBPR/CILB, 2024
Professional memberships & affiliations
Industry
Past memberships
Legal & bar associations
Professional profiles
Expert witness directories
Professional & author profiles
Schedule a consultation
Discuss your matter with James directly.
Whether it's a build, a consulting engagement, or an expert matter, the conversation starts with the person who does the work.