How much does it cost to hire Mark for a general case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Mark offer a free consultation?

Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.

How long do general cases in Florida typically take?

Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

Mark is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mark will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Mark?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mark accepting new general clients right now?

Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Mark S. Bentley, General Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Zoning · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

PresidentatMark Bentley, P.A.

Tampa, FL

Practicing general in Tampa since 1987.

39+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

General Government Zoning ADR

Are you Mark S. Bentley?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Mark S. Bentley is a president based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Zoning. Mark has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mark Bentley, P.A.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Tampa, FL
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: General · Government · Zoning

Handles General, Government, and Zoning matters from Tampa, FL.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Mark S. Bentley

Mark concentrates on general, government, zoning, and adr. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mark handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes government matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes zoning matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.

ADR cases in Tampa, Florida

Mark takes adr matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mark agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Mark S. Bentley — Over 39 years of Florida general experience

Board Certified City, County and Local Government Law Lawyer, The Florida Bar, Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Certified Planner by the American Planning Association (AICP). Author: "Understanding the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act," 37 Stetson Law Review 381, 2008; "Recent Developments in the Law," 16 Stetson Law Review 979, 1987; "Zoning For Land Users and Not Land Use," 16 Stetson Law Review 165, 1986. Associate Editor: Stetson Law Review, 1986-1987. Selected: Florida Super Lawyer, 2008-2009; Adjunct Professor, University of South Florida's Urban and Regional Planning Master's Degree Program; Amicus Curiae Committee, American Planning Association, 2007-2009. Member: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); American Planning Association (APA); Association of Eminent Domain Professionals (AEDP); Florida Planning & Zoning Association (FPZA). Articles: "Florida Legislature Grants Free View Easements to Billboard Companies," Real Estate Finance, October 2006; "Hurricane Kelo Hits Florida," Association of Eminent Domain Professionals Newsletter, May 2006 and The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law's Newsletter, The Agenda, September 2006; "Rent Cap on Dealers is Not a Taking," Petrogram, Summer 2006; "So Long Amortization, Hello Compensation: A Victory for Property Rights," AEDP Newsletter, Spring 2002 and The Florida Bar Eminent Domain Newsletter, June 2002; "Prerequisites To The Lawful Exercise of Eminent Domain in a Community Redevelopment Area," HCBA Lawyer, February 2002; "Home Rule - But At What Cost?" Tampa Bay Business Journal, April 1999; "Reasonable Probability or Unreasonable Speculation?," HCBA Lawyer, November 1999; "Growth Management Meets Eminent Domain," HCBA Lawyer, April 1997. Co-Author: Chapter entitled, "Authority to Exercise Power," Florida Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure Manual, Fifth Edition (1996), Sixth Edition (2003), The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education. Speaker: "Noise Regulation in Florida," presented at the City, County and Local Government Law Section's 26th Annual Local Government Law in Florida Seminar, Bonita Springs, Florida, May 2006; "Challenges to Rezoning, Variance, and Development Denials - What Works and How to Avoid Lengthy, Costly Disappointments," presented at the CLE International's Seminar on Regulatory Takings - Facing the Challenges and Knowing the Remedies, Tampa, Florida, March 2006; "Litigating the Nuisance Violation Case," presented at the CLE International's Second Annual Conference on Litigating Land Use Disputes, Tampa, Florida, December 2005; "The Reasonable Probability Doctrine Under Florida Eminent Domain Law," presented at the CLE International's Sixth Annual Eminent Domain Super Conference, Tampa, Florida, October 2002; "Uncertainties of the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act," presented at the CLE International's Resolving Land Use Disputes Seminar, Tampa, Florida, January 2002. Special Master, Resolution of Land Use Disputes. Instructor, Florida Chapter, Sun Coast Section of the American Planning Association's Annual AICP Exam Preparation Course, 1998-2009. Secretary and Member, Board of Directors, Central Park Village Youth Services, Inc. Past Chairman, Board of Directors, Ybor City Development Corporation. Honors: Charles A. Dana Scholar; Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Florida Chapter, Sun Coast Section of the American Planning Association, 2006.

Mark's approach to general cases

Clients Mark works with

Mark reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and zoning matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Mark S. Bentley's legal education and bar admissions

Stetson University College of Law
J.D. · 1987
University of Florida
M.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Mark's state bar admissions

Florida
1987 · ACTIVE

Mark studied at J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and M.A. in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Mark completed J.D. in Stetson University College of Law and M.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mark runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Mark S. Bentley

Mark has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mark S. Bentley's office in Tampa

Mark's primary office is at 401 East Jackson Street, Suite 3100, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mark Bentley, P.A.

401 East Jackson Street, Suite 3100

Tampa, FL 33602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Mark S. Bentley — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Mark. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Tampa.

4.9

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mark S. Bentley claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mark S. Bentley — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mark usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Mark charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Mark will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Tampa, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Mark

Mark discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Mark confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mark's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mark S. Bentley

How much does it cost to hire Mark for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mark walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mark offer a free consultation?
Mark charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mark's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Mark's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Florida typically take?
Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mark gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mark take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Mark is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mark will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Mark?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mark will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mark accepting new general clients right now?
Mark's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

Mark handles general matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Mark's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.