Stephen Tatum

Stephen Tatum, Zoning Attorney in Destin, Florida

Over 7 years of legal practice

Practicing zoning in Destin since 2019.

7+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Stephen Tatum is an attorney based in Destin, FL. The practice focuses on Zoning. Stephen has over 7 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Matthews & Matthews Attorneys at Law.

Based in
Destin, FL
Experience
over 7 years
Known for
Zoning
  • Handles Zoning matters from Destin, FL.
  • Over 7 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Stephen Tatum: Stephen Tatum is an attorney based in Destin, FL. The practice focuses on Zoning. Stephen has over 7 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Matthews & Matthews Attorneys at Law.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Stephen takes on

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

Zoning cases in Destin, Florida

Stephen takes zoning matters in Destin, 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 Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Stephen Tatum — zoning lawyer in Destin

Stephen Tatum is an attorney based in Destin, FL. The practice focuses on Zoning. Stephen has over 7 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Matthews & Matthews Attorneys at Law.

Stephen was raised in the Florida Panhandle, attending and graduating from Altha High School in Calhoun County. Stephen went on to attend Chipola College in Marianna before graduating with honors from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Public Relations. He then, during the height of the housing boom, went to work in his family's residential construction business for several years, before eventually taking a job with the City of Marianna as a city planner in 2007. In 2013, Stephen was accepted to the Florida State University College of Law and graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2016. During his time in law school, he interned with both the FDOT General Counsel in Tallahassee and with Matthews and Jones, LLP in both its Destin and Niceville offices.

After graduating from law school, Stephen and his family moved to Niceville and he accepted a position with Matthews and Jones in its Destin office, where he focuses primarily on REAL ESTATE development, land use, and local government-related legal and planning issues in and around Okaloosa, Walton, and bay counties. Stephen's experience in both the construction and city planning arenas, along with his close ties to north Florida, has garnered him a wealth of knowledge , experience, and a particularized understanding of the intricacies associated with REAL ESTATE development work.

How Stephen handles zoning matters

Stephen was raised in the Florida Panhandle, attending and graduating from Altha High School in Calhoun County. Stephen went on to attend Chipola College in Marianna before graduating with honors from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Public Relations. He then, during the height of the housing boom, went to work in his family's residential construction business for several years, before…

Who Stephen represents

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for zoning matters in Destin and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Florida State College of Law

    J.D. · 2016

  • University of Florida

    B.S. Public · 2002

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    2019 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in Florida State College of Law and B.S. Public in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in Florida State College of Law and B.S. Public in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Stephen Tatum's office in Destin

Stephen's primary office is at 4475 Legendary Drive, Destin, FL, 32541. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Matthews & Matthews Attorneys at Law

4475 Legendary Drive

Destin, FL 32541

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Tatum

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Tatum — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a zoning attorney in Destin, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many zoning 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 Stephen

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every zoning 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen Tatum

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a zoning case?

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

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do zoning cases in Florida typically take?

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

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Destin?

    Stephen 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 — Stephen 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 Stephen?

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

  • Is Stephen accepting new zoning clients right now?

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

Areas served

Zoning attorneys serving Destin, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

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