HIW 12.31.2014 EX.23.1

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-12117, 333-29759, 333-55901, 333-160521, and 333-168356 on Forms S-8 and Registration Statements No. 333-193864 and 333-193865 on Forms S-3 of our reports dated February 10, 2015, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Highwoods Properties, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s adoption of the new accounting standard update for reporting discontinued operations) and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2014.