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Michael R. Whitt, Business Attorney in Sarasota, Florida

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation

Shutts & Bowen LLP

Sarasota, FL

Practicing business in Sarasota since 1987.

39+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Michael R. Whitt is an attorney based in Sarasota, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.

Based in
Sarasota, FLORIDA
Experience
over 39 years
Known for
Business · Estate Litigation · Litigation
  • Handles Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation matters from Sarasota, FLORIDA.
  • Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).

About Michael R. Whitt: Michael R. Whitt is an attorney based in Sarasota, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael R. Whitt

Michael concentrates on business, estate litigation, litigation, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Sarasota, Florida

Michael takes business matters in Sarasota, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Sarasota, Florida

Michael takes estate litigation matters in Sarasota, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Sarasota, Florida

Michael takes litigation matters in Sarasota, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Sarasota, Florida

Michael takes real estate matters in Sarasota, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Sarasota, Florida

Michael takes zoning matters in Sarasota, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael R. Whitt — Over 39 years of Florida business experience

Michael R. Whitt is an attorney based in Sarasota, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Litigation, and Litigation. Michael has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shutts & Bowen LLP.

Michael R. Whitt is a trial-tested attorney with over 35 years of experience, concentrating his trial practice in the areas of eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and business and real estate disputes. Mike’s experience includes a wide array of business and real estate litigation, including eminent domain, zoning and land use, boundary and title disputes, inverse condemnation and other property right matters. Mike is Board Certified by The Florida Bar as a Specialist in Business Litigation. In these areas, and throughout the trial process, Mike has counseled individuals and small businesses, as well as Fortune 100 companies, and foreign individuals and businesses.

Mike leverages his deep understanding of eminent domain laws and his knowledge of government and construction regulations to counsel his clients through all stages of the eminent domain process, from initial acquisition procedures through litigation, in an effort to maximize the compensation they receive.

Representation

Mike has litigated cases dealing with condemnation, inverse condemnation, Bert J. Harris Private Property Rights Protection Act, Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act and Administrative proceedings throughout Florida.

These cases involved myriad governmental and quasi-governmental claims and disputes including road right-of-way, gas transmissions lines, electrical powerlines, flood control and storm water management, public parks, schools, municipal water and wastewater projects, sewer projects and noise walls.

Working with Michael on a business matter

Michael R. Whitt is a trial-tested attorney with over 35 years of experience, concentrating his trial practice in the areas of eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and business and real estate disputes. Mike’s experience includes a wide array of business and real estate litigation, including eminent domain, zoning and land use, boundary and title disputes, inverse condemnation and other property…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate litigation, and litigation matters in Sarasota and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Michael R. Whitt's legal education and bar admissions

  • Nova Southeastern University

    J.D. · 1987

  • Northern Kentucky University

    B.S. · 1984

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1987 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Nova Southeastern University and B.S. in Northern Kentucky University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Nova Southeastern University and B.S. in Northern Kentucky University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael R. Whitt

Michael has received 12 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America,

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Florida Bar Board Certified Business Litigation Lawyer

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyer,

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Naples Illustrated

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — , Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, 2021-25

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026).

Locations

Michael R. Whitt's office in Sarasota

Michael's primary office is at 1858 Ringling Boulevard, Suite 300, Sarasota, Florida, 34236. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shutts & Bowen LLP

1858 Ringling Boulevard, Suite 300

Sarasota, Florida 34236

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael R. Whitt

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael R. Whitt — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Sarasota, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Michael

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael R. Whitt

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?

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

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do business cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple business 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Sarasota?

    Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

    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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?

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

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Sarasota, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

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