Atty. Mark S. Bentley

Atty. Mark S. Bentley

Mark Bentley practices in the area of land use, eminent domain and property rights. He is a former planning director and has represented numerous private property owners against various governmental condemning authorities in eminent domain matters.

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Profile Summary

About Mark S. Bentley at a glance

Mark S. Bentley is a zoning attorney based in Tampa, Florida, practicing at Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP. Admitted to practice in Florida, Board Certified City County & Local Government Law. Educated at Stetson University (J.D., 1987) and University of Florida (B.A. in Political Science with honors). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serands clients in Tampa, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Mark Bentley practices in the area of land use, eminent domain and property rights
  • He is a former planning director and has represented numerous private property owners against various governmental condemning authorities in eminent domain matters
  • He also practices in the areas of administrative law and legal matters
  • Mark taught land use law as an adjunct professor for the University of South Florida’s Urban and Regional Master’s Degree Program, and now serves on the program’s Urban Planning Advisory Board
  • Mark also serves as a special master involving disputed land use cases under Florida’s Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act
  • He is a frequent speaker at various seminars and events in the Tampa Bay area, as well as throughout the state of Florida and nationally, primarily focusing on eminent domain and land use law

Practice Areas Explained

Mark S. Bentley's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark S. Bentley handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Land Use & Zoning

Mark S. Bentley is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Tampa are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tampa or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Mark S. Bentley

Where is Mark S. Bentley's law office located?
Mark S. Bentley's law practice is located in Tampa, Florida. The firm is Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Mark S. Bentley handle?
Mark S. Bentley focuses on zoning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
Where did Mark S. Bentley go to law school?
Mark S. Bentley earned their education at (J.D., 1987); (B.A. in Political Science with honors); (—).
How can I contact Mark S. Bentley for a consultation?
You can contact Mark S. Bentley directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Mark S. Bentley received?
Mark S. Bentley's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — A/V Rated by Martindale-Hubbell; Best Lawyers in America — Florida Super Lawyer since 2008.

Education

J.D.
Stetson University
- 1987
B.A. in Political Science with honors
University of Florida
- In Progress
University of Florida
- In Progress

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — A/V Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Florida Super Lawyer since 2008
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America since 2011
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Legal Elite 2015 Florida Trend Magazine
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tampa Bay Magazine’s Best Lawyers since 2010
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Tampa Magazine’s Top Lawyers List 2018 – #1 by his peers in Litigation: Land Use & Zoning
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Florida, Board Certified City County & Local Government Law

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