T. Luke Markham

Experience 

T. Luke Markham is a partner at Johnson Pope and operates out of the Tampa and St. Petersburg office, where he represents developers, investors, lenders, and operators in complex commercial real estate, finance, and land use matters. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, Luke combines the perspective of a seasoned business executive with the precision of a real estate attorney, offering clients practical, goal-oriented guidance from start to finish.

Luke’s career began on the business side of real estate. He spent 10 years working for a Central Florida homebuilder and developer, serving in roles that included marketing, land acquisition, development, and commercial finance. He also ran a homeowners association management company and served as in-house counsel, giving him a deep understanding of how projects are financed, managed, and delivered. When the 2008 market downturn reshaped the industry, Luke transitioned to law, attending Stetson University College of Law part-time while continuing to work. That unique path informs his practice today, allowing him to approach transactions with both business acumen and legal strategy.

At Johnson Pope, Luke’s practice spans acquisitions and dispositions, development, leasing, and complex financings. He has been involved in more than $1 billion in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac financing transactions, and regularly represents clients in multifamily housing, warehouse and industrial developments, and large-scale retail projects. He also advises on land use approvals, helping clients navigate entitlements, zoning, and permitting. For Luke, the most rewarding part of his work is guiding a deal from vision to completion, solving problems along the way, and celebrating a successful closing with his clients.

Representative Matters

• $1 Billion+ in Financing Transactions: Represented borrowers in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac financing deals exceeding $1 billion.
• Multifamily Housing Projects: Guided developers and investors through acquisitions, financings, and dispositions of large multifamily communities.
• Warehouse & Industrial Development: Represented operators and developers in acquisitions, leasing, and financing of warehouse and logistics facilities.
• National Retail Leasing: Advised landlords and tenants in commercial leasing, including national restaurant and retail chains.
• Land Use & Entitlements: Counseled developers on zoning, permitting, and entitlement approvals to advance major Florida development projects.

Bar Admissions

• Florida, 2014

Education

• University of Central Florida, B.A., Finance
• Stetson University College of Law, J.D.

Distinctions & Memberships

• The Florida Bar
• First United Methodist Church, Lakeland
  
• First Vice President and Executive Committee Member, Achievement Academy Charter School
• The Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” since 2021, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law
• Super Lawyers Rising Star since 2023
• Tampa Club Board member 2025

Awards & Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch, Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, 2021–present
• Florida Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2023–present 

Community & Professional Organizations

• The Florida Bar
  • Member, 2014
• Tampa Club
  • Board Member, 2025
• Society of Real Estate Professionals (SOREP)
  • Board Member, 2025 – 2026
• Achievement Academy Charter School
  • Former Vice President
  • Former Executive Committee Member

Outside of the Office

Luke is the proud father of four boys, and much of his time away from the office is centered on family. He has a passion for fitness and enjoys mountain biking, motorcycling, and traveling. Italy is a favorite destination, where he has explored Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and quiet countryside towns. Whether spending time with his sons, riding on the open road, or discovering new places abroad, Luke finds balance and inspiration in both adventure and family life.