News and Articles | Mark Bentley, PA - Attorneys at Law

Spotlight

Bentley in studio at NewsRadio 970 WFLA to discuss his lawsuit against Tampa’s noise ordinance, March 2014 (Link)
Bentley featured on ABC Action News WFTS Ch. 28 for filing suit against the City of Tampa’s noise ordinance, March 2014 (Link)
Bentley interviewed by The Tampa Tribune for challenging the city’s noise ordinance, March 2014 (Link)
Bentley drafts and presents to Tampa City Council proposed ordinance to resolve SoHo district parking problems, January 2014 (Link)
Bentley featured in Tampa Bay Magazine‘s music issue for his collection of Beatles memorabilia, October 2013 (Link)
Bentley interviewed for The Ledger regarding the Lakeland Code Enforcement Board’s dismissal of fine against client’s bar, October 2013 (Link)
Bentley selected by peers for inclusion in the 2014 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Mark Bentley, P.A. included in U.S. News’ “Best Law Firms” 2014
Bentley included in Top Attorneys in Tampa Bay as featured in Tampa Bay Magazine, July 2013.
Bentley selected as 2013 Florida Super Lawyer. (Link)
Bentley appears on NewsRadio 970 WFLA to provide expert legal commentary regarding the constitutionality and enforcement of recent noise bills.(Link)
Bentley interviewed for Lawyers.com article concerning recent changes in noise regulation and the constitutional challenge involved in determining standards for noise ordinances.(Link)
Bentley appears on NewsRadio 970 WFLA to provide expert legal commentary on the Florida Supreme Court’s decision in State v. Catalano and its impact on noise regulation in Florida. (Link)
Bentley recertified by the Florida Bar as an expert in City, County and local government law.(PDF)
Bentley selected by his peers to be included in 2013 Best Lawyers. (Link)
Bentley selected to be included in 2012 Tampa’s Top Rated Lawyers which recognizes professional excellence among “AV” rated attorneys. (Link)
Bentley sponsors and presents at the 2012 Florida Planning & Zoning Association’s Annual Conference on the topic of noise regulation. (PDF)
Bentley receives 2012 “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. (Link)
Bentley selected as 2012 Florida Super Lawyer. (Link)
Bentley selected by his peers to be included in 2012 Tampa’s Best Lawyers. (Link)
Bentley presents “Noise Regulation in Florida and the Challenges of New Urbanism” at the 2011 American Planning Association’s Annual Conference. (PDF)
Bentley receives 2011 “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. (Link)
Bentley selected as 2011 Florida Super Lawyer. (Link)
Bentley selected by his peers to be included in 2011 Tampa’s Best Lawyers. (Link)
Bentley presents at the American Planning Association seminar “Planner as Expert Witness” on the topic of expert testimony in eminent domain proceedings. (Link)
Bentley assists the Florida Petroleum Marketer’s Association to improve Tampa’s alcoholic beverage law. (Page)
Bentley selected as Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend magazine. (Page)
Bentley certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in City, County and local government law. (PDF)
Bentley receives Distinguished Service Award from the American Planning Association. (Page)
Bentley selected as an adjunct professor in University of South Florida’s Urban and Regional Planning master’s degree program. (Page)
Bentley sponsors and presents at the American Planning Association’s 2010 AICP exam prep seminar. (Page)
Bentley speaks to future lawyers at Stetson University College of Law. (Page)
Bentley receives 2009 “AV” rating from Martindale. (Link)
Bentley selected as 2009 Florida SuperLawyer. (Link)
Bentley sponsors and presents at the American Planning Association’s 2009 AICP exam prep seminar. (Page)
Bentley selected as 2008 Florida SuperLawyer. (Link)
Bentley makes presentation on billboard issues in eminent domain at the Florida Bar Eminent Domain Committee meeting. (June 2007) (PDF)
Bentley retained by Hillsborough County as Special Magistrate for actions initiated in accordance with the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act. (Page)
Bentley presents an overview of noise regulation in Florida at the Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section Seminar. (May 2006) (PDF)
Bentley presents a guide to understanding the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act at the CLE International Seminar. Topics of discussion include challenges to rezoning, variance and development denials- what works, and how to avoid lengthy, costly disappointment. (March 2006) (PDF)
Bentley achieved his AICP designation from the APA, and has also been a member of the APA since 1989. (Link)
Bentley presents “The Constitutional and Legal Framework for Planning” at the 2007 Citizens Planning Academy. (Page)

Articles

Bentley authors article for Lawyer on the proposed Florida Hometown Democracy amendment and the effects it could have on eminent domain. (PDF)
Bentley authors lead article for the Stetson Law Review on the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act. (Spring 2008) (Page)
Bentley authors article for the Association of Eminent Domain Professionals Newsletter concerning the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision to enact statutory amendments that severely restrict condemning authorities’ power to take private property exclusively for traditional public uses as well as prohibit takings for economic development. (May 2006) (PDF)
Bentley authors Real Estate article examining new legislation that grants owners of billboards permanent compensable view easements over public property without payment of compensation. (October 2006) (PDF)
Bentley authors article concerning new law abolishing amortization as a substitute for compensation for the Association of Eminent Domain Professionals Newsletter and the Florida Bar Eminent Domain Committee Newsletter. (Spring 2002) (PDF)
Bentley authors article for Lawyer to examine prerequisites to the lawful exercise of eminent domain in a community redevelopment area. (PDF)
Bentley authors Lawyer article discussing the expansion of the ability to allow contingent land use approvals to be considered in determining the fair market value of condemned property by the Florida courts. (PDF)
Bentley authors article for Lawyer discussing landmark cases that illustrate the convergence of Florida’s strong growth management laws with the established power of eminent domain. (PDF)
Bentley authors chapter of The Florida Bar’s Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure Manual elaborating on the exercise of the power of eminent domain and the constitutional limitations on that power. (PDF)
Bentley authors article for the Stetson Law Review to discuss group homes in Florida. (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in Tampa Tribune article concerning the possible approval of residential beekeeping in Hillsborough County. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Bay Online article about the approval of home-brew retail store in Seminole Heights. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in article concerning City Council’s approval of liquor sales at Southern Brewing & Winemaking’s new location. (PDF)
Bentley successful in obtaining approval for the regulation of a local home-brew retailer. (PDF)

In the News

Bentley mentioned in Tampa Tribune article concerning challenging Tampa City Council’s denial of an alcoholic beverage permit for a proposed restaurant located along Howard Avenue’s “Restaurant Row” in the popular SoHo district. (Link)
Bentley quoted in Laywers.com article concerning recent changes to noise laws throughout the country and the constitutional challenge involved in crafting such noise ordinances. (Link)
Bentley cited in “FLUEDRA, Flawed but Fixable”, published in the Florida Bar Journal, June 2012.
Bentley mentioned in St. Petersburg Times article concerning City of Tampa alcoholic beverage zoning changes. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article concerning City of Tampa alcoholic beverage zoning changes. (PDF)
Bentley cited in Cape Coral Daily Breeze article regarding the issue of noise regulation within residential communities. (December 17, 2001) (PDF)
Bentley successful in obtaining a private school’s land use approval as neighbors raise the Hometown Democracy issue. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Ocala Banner concerning land use dispute over a proposed mine. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article concerning a dispute over the use of a property near MacDill Air Force Base (September 25, 2009) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article discussing the approval of liquor sales at a new Irish pub, despite opposition by many in the community. (August 19, 2009) (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in Tampa Tribune article discussing how an old photograph he found enabled a local bar to continue to sell liquor as well as beer and wine. (June 2009) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article about an approved settlement between Hillsborough Community College and a group of Ybor City property and business owners that will force the school to reduce the height of its new building to follow the district’s zoning regulations. (May 2009) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article concerning Hillsborough Community College’s construction project violating Tampa’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. (April 2009) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article about zoning changes on MacDill Air Force Base. (March 18, 2009) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article after a five-story boutique hotel project in Ybor City received initial approval from the Tampa City Council. (March 2, 2009) (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in St. Petersburg Times article after obtaining zoning approval by the County despite emotional protests by neighbors. (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article about the development of a Tampa Walgreens. (August 20, 2008) (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in Tampa Tribune article discussing land use issues concerning the proposed redevelopment of the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory to a luxury hotel. (September 20, 2007) (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in Tampa Tribune article discussing negotiations for the sale of the Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, a first step in redeveloping the property. (June 13, 2007) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in Tampa Tribune article discussing the transition of a vacant lot and a small single-family home into office buildings. (June 2, 2007) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article about a company that builds farm worker housing and the expansion of their operations. (May 5, 2006) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article discussing noise complaints at Ford Ampitheatre by nearby residents. (July 26, 2005) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article about noise complaints at the Ford Amphitheater. (June 10, 2005) (PDF)
Bentley quoted in St. Petersburg Times article concerning the constitutionality of local noise ordinances as it relates to noise complaints at the Ford Amphitheatre. (February 26, 2005) (PDF)
Bentley mentioned in St. Petersburg Times article after successfully representing a property owner in an appeal before the Tampa City Council, and reversing the City of Tampa Variance Review Board. (May 30, 2002) (PDF)

Bulletins

Pasco County Adopts Mobility Fee System, August 2011 (PDF)
Florida’s New Community Planning Act, June 2011 (PDF)
City of Tampa Approves Less Restrictive Regulations on Sales of Alcohol, April 2011 (PDF)
City of Tampa to Enact Law to Provide Tax Breaks For New or Expanding Businesses, April 2011 (PDF)
Legislation Proposed to Repeal Florida’s Concurrency Requirement, April 2011 (PDF)
Transportation Mobility Fee Update for Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties, December 2010 (PDF)

Miscellaneous

Bentley’s Beatles collection featured in Tampa Bay Business Journal. (PDF)