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Steven Diebenow, Government Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Government, Real Estate, and Zoning

Jacksonville, FL

Practicing government in Jacksonville since 1995.

31+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Steven Diebenow is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Government, Real Estate, and Zoning. Steven has over 31 years of legal experience.

Based in
Jacksonville, FLORIDA
Experience
over 31 years
Known for
Government · Real Estate · Zoning
  • Handles Government, Real Estate, and Zoning matters from Jacksonville, FLORIDA.
  • Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Jacksonville) (2026).

About Steven Diebenow: Steven Diebenow is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Government, Real Estate, and Zoning. Steven has over 31 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Steven's practice areas in Jacksonville

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

Government cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Steven takes government matters in Jacksonville, 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Steven takes real estate matters in Jacksonville, 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Zoning cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Steven takes zoning matters in Jacksonville, 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 Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

Steven Diebenow, government attorney serving Jacksonville

Steven Diebenow is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Government, Real Estate, and Zoning. Steven has over 31 years of legal experience. Steven works from Jacksonville, Florida and takes on government matters across the region.

Mr. Diebenow is a partner at the firm. His primary focus is real estate, land use, zoning, and government law. As a registered lobbyist across a wide range of issues, Mr. Diebenow represents individuals, corporations, landowners and developers to secure business and development incentives as well as entitlements including land use, zoning, concurrency and mobility fee approvals. He also provides legal counsel in real estate transactions including the acquisition, entitlement, financing, and development of all types of commercial and residential properties.

Mr. Diebenow began his professional career on the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C. He went on to practice land use, zoning and environmental law at Rogers, Towers, Bailey, Jones & Gay, P.A., where he became a partner. Mr. Diebenow served as counsel to John Peyton in his successful campaign for mayor of Jacksonville and subsequently served on Mayor Peyton’s staff, first as Chief of Policy and Planning and then as Chief of Staff. At the Mayor’s direction, Mr. Diebenow led special projects such as: negotiating economic development incentive agreements and workouts; acquisition, disposition and redevelopment of properties involving local, state and federal agencies; and the attempted reconversion of a military airbase during the federal BRAC process. After leaving the Mayor’s Office, Mr. Diebenow was named a Principal at Rock Creek Capital, an alternative asset investment and management firm that has invested in land and timber for 20 years. He was actively involved in identifying, negotiating and structuring real estate investments.

How Steven handles government matters

Mr. Diebenow is a partner at the firm. His primary focus is real estate, land use, zoning, and government law. As a registered lobbyist across a wide range of issues, Mr. Diebenow represents individuals, corporations, landowners and developers to secure business and development incentives as well as entitlements including land use, zoning, concurrency and mobility fee approvals. He also provides…

Who Steven represents

Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for government, real estate, and zoning matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Steven studied and practices

  • University of Florida

    J.D. with Honors · 1994

  • University of Florida

    B.S. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    1995 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at J.D. with Honors in University of Florida and B.S. in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Steven's legal honors and published work

Steven has received 17 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Jacksonville)

    2026

  • Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Jacksonville)

    2021

  • Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Jacksonville)

    2018

  • Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Economic Development Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Municipal Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Utilities Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Water Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — AV Peer Review Rated by Lexis Nexis | Martindale Hubbell

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Jacksonville Business Journal‘s 2018 Ultimate Attorneys

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Jacksonville Magazine‘s 2018 Lawyer of the Year

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Jacksonville Business Journal 40 Under 40

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Jacksonville) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Government Relations Practice (Jacksonville) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Jacksonville) (2018). Best Lawyers in America — Government Relations Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).

Locations

Office locations for Steven Diebenow in Jacksonville, Florida

Steven's primary office is at Jacksonville, Florida, 32202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven Diebenow

Steven 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 Steven Diebenow — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a government attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many government 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 Steven

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every government 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Steven Diebenow

  • How much does it cost to hire Steven for a government case?

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

  • Does Steven offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do government cases in Florida typically take?

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

  • Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

    Steven 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 — Steven 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 Steven?

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

  • Is Steven accepting new government clients right now?

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

Areas served

Government attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

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