
Kimbel L. Merlin, General Attorney in Tampa, Florida
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on General, Real Estate, and Zoning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of Counsel
Tampa, FL
Practicing general in Tampa since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Kimbel L. Merlin?
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Quick answer
Kimbel L. Merlin is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Kimbel has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tampa, FL
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- General · Real Estate · Zoning
- Handles General, Real Estate, and Zoning matters from Tampa, FL.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Kimbel L. Merlin: Kimbel L. Merlin is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Kimbel has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kimbel takes on
Kimbel concentrates on general, real estate, zoning, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kimbel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Civil Rights
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General cases in Tampa, Florida
Kimbel takes general matters in Tampa, 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 Kimbel agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Tampa, Florida
Kimbel takes real estate matters in Tampa, 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 Kimbel agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Tampa, Florida
Kimbel takes zoning matters in Tampa, 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 Kimbel agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Tampa, Florida
Kimbel takes civil rights matters in Tampa, 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 Kimbel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kimbel L. Merlin — general lawyer in Tampa
Kimbel L. Merlin is an of counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on General, Real Estate, and Zoning. Kimbel has over 40 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Phi Kappa Phi. Member, Golden Key. Member, 1984-1985 and Executive Editor, 1985-1986, University of Florida Law Review. Author: "Don't Let the New Condemnation Laws Take You by Surprise," PetroGram, September/October 1999; "Don't Get 'Taken' by a Government Taking," PetroGram, May/June 1999; "The Critical Role of Experts in Creating a Legal and Practical Cost to Cure in Eminent Domain," American Bar Association Annual Meeting, 1994; "Enhancement," Chapter 8A, Nichols on Eminent Domain, 1991. Co-Author: "Authority to Exercise Power," Chapter 2, Florida Eminent Domain Practice and Procedure Manual (5th ed. Supp. 1999) (6th ed. 2003) (7th ed. 2008); "Condemnation," Lease Negotiation Handbook (2003). Speaker: "The Critical Role of Experts in Creating a Legal and Practical Cost to Cure in Eminent Domain," American Bar Association Annual Meeting, 1994; "Update on Florida Legislative Developments," Association of Eminent Domain Professionals, 1994; "Contamination Stigma: Defending the Landowner Against the New Scarlet Letter in Eminent Domain," Southwestern Legal Foundation Institute on Eminent Domain, 1994; "The Compensability of Severance Damages Based on Diminution of Access" and "The Art of Arguing the Law and Convincing the Jury in a 'Cutting Edge' Condemnation Trial," American Bar Association Annual Meeting, 1992. Program Co-Chair: Continuing Legal Education, International Eminent Domain Seminar, Oct. 2001; Continuing Legal Education International Eminent Domain Conference, October 2006. Florida Trend: Florida Legal Elite (2005-2011); Law and Politics: Florida Super Lawyers (2006-2011); Florida Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition (2009-2010); Best Lawyers in America (2006-2011); Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers (2007-2011).
How Kimbel handles general matters
Phi Kappa Phi. Member, Golden Key. Member, 1984-1985 and Executive Editor, 1985-1986, University of Florida Law Review. Author: "Don't Let the New Condemnation Laws Take You by Surprise," PetroGram, September/October 1999; "Don't Get 'Taken' by a Government Taking," PetroGram, May/June 1999; "The Critical Role of Experts in Creating a Legal and Practical Cost to Cure in Eminent Domain," American…
The kind of cases Kimbel takes
Kimbel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, real estate, and zoning matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Florida
J.D. · 1986
University of Florida
B.A. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Kimbel's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
Florida
1986 · ACTIVE
Kimbel studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida.
Law school and academic background
Kimbel completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kimbel runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kimbel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Kimbel's professional memberships and bar associations
Hillsborough County Bar Foundation
Board of Trustees · membership
Locations
Kimbel L. Merlin's office in Tampa
Kimbel's primary office is at 5001 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL, 33607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kimbel L. Merlin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kimbel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Tampa.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kimbel L. Merlin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kimbel L. Merlin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kimbel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kimbel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kimbel'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; Kimbel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Tampa, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Kimbel
Kimbel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Kimbel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kimbel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kimbel L. Merlin
How much does it cost to hire Kimbel for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kimbel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kimbel offer a free consultation?
Kimbel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kimbel's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Kimbel's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Florida typically take?
Simple general 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. Kimbel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kimbel take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Kimbel 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 — Kimbel 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 Kimbel?
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. Kimbel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kimbel accepting new general clients right now?
Kimbel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida
Kimbel handles general matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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