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Mark S. Bentley, Esq., AICP
Mark received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in political science and Master of Arts with honors in political science, emphasizing public administration, both from the University of Florida in 1980 and 1982, respectively. Mark went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude in 1987. Before engaging in the practice of law, Mark served in the U.S. Marine Corps, worked as a Planner for Hillsborough County, and was Planning Director for the City of Oldsmar, Florida. In 1989, Mark achieved membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Mark is Board Certified by The Florida Bar as an expert in City, County and Local Government Law. Board certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar, and recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency, along with professionalism and ethics in practice. His experience includes eminent domain litigation, land use, zoning, mediation, governmental and administrative law. Mark also received the highest peer review rating of AV published by the Martindale-Hubbell attorney directory. Mark was chosen as a Florida SuperLawyer in 2008 and 2009. SuperLawyers are nominated by their peers in recognition of their professional accomplishments. Mark has also been recognized for his achievements by Florida Trend magazine and was chosen as a 2010 Legal Elite. Mark presently is an adjunct professor teaching land use law for the University of South Florida’s Urban and Regional Planning Master’s Degree Program.
Mark is also involved in the Sun Coast Section, Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association and has been recognized for his service with two awards – the 2009 Planner of the Year Award and the 2006 Distinguished Service Award. These awards are given to individuals who have had an outstanding career in planning and have made significant contributions to the planning profession.
Mark has represented numerous private property owners against various condemning authorities around the state. Mark has also served as in-house counsel to Radiant Oil Company of Tampa, Inc., now known as The Radiant Group, LLC, a regional Amoco Oil marketer, and its related corporations.
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