Michael D. Fluke

PRO

Michael D. Fluke

5.0
112 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Dunedin, FL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Domestic Violence

1022 Main Street, Suite E, Dunedin, FL

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

When the most important things in your life are on the line, sometimes you need to fight for what's yours! Divorce, Paternity, Child Custody, Child Support, or Alimony issues

In a divorce, the most important things in your life are on the line. Sometimes you have to fight for what is yours!

When the most important things in your life are on the line, sometimes you need to fight for what's yours! Protect your children, your family, your assets, and yourself!

A false domestic violence accusation can put the most important things in your life on the line. Fight for what is yours!

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 85%

Michael D. Fluke, Esq. currently limits his practice to complex Divorce and Family Law matters. By taking on a limited amount of criminal cases, he is able to provide the attention these cases deserve. If your attorney is not giving your case the attention it deserves, contact Michael D. Fluke, Esq. immediately for a consultation.

85%
Family 10%

10%
Domestic Violence 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Colorado for 15 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 2010

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 29 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1996

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 29 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1996

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Michael D. Fluke, P.A.

1022 Main Street, Suite E, Dunedin, FL, 34698

tampabay-divorce.com

Michael D. Fluke, P.A.

620 E. Twiggs Street, Suite 209, Tampa, FL, 33602

tampabay-divorce.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michael online.

Michael D. Fluke's Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 12 reviews | Family

Posted by anonymous | June 23, 2015 | Family

Do it right the first time.

If you are reading this, I will assume that you have been served or are preparing to serve your spouse. This review will also be more geared toward the person with greater financial position in the marriage. With those two assumptions in place, I will explain why I so strongly recommend Michael Flu...ke. I titled this review “Do it right the first time” because, frankly, I did not do it right the first time and it cost me dearly. Resist the temptation to find the most inexpensive attorney. In fact, my recommendation is to run from them. I, like many of Mike’s clients, came to him to clean up the mess my previous attorney had made. Don’t make the same mistake I did, go to Mike first! Here are the reasons why: 1. Mike has a very strong reputation within the legal community. This will immediately stop the other side from throwing haymakers. You need to be in a position where the other side doesn’t feel so empowered that they will try anything. Hiring Mike will keep them from trying silly stuff and if they do, he will see it coming from a mile away. 2. Mike is a former defense attorney. Like I said earlier, I am focusing on those of you who were the primary breadwinner. Those of you with a high-income need to really focus on this area. If you thought the IRS had you in their crosshairs, wait until your angry spouse and her (or his) is attorney come after you. You instantly become the defendant and you need a guy with a background like Mike’s to defend you. 3. Mike understands finances. Again, if you have a lot to protect (even if it is just a lot to you) you need to work with someone who can get his head around the numbers. An attorney who gets lost in the numbers could easily hang you out to dry and not even know it. 4. Mike sets goals. One of the things Mike told me is you need to set an end game. Something that will prevent your divorce from going on forever. We have all heard about the divorces that went on longer than the marriages. That is not Mike’s game. He wants to move forward with a real finish line that everyone can see. 5. Mike is a legal expert. He can answer any legal question you present him with. If you are like me, you know very little about family law in Florida. You need your attorney to know these laws by heart and Mike does. 6. On a personal level, Mike has made it public that he has been through the divorce process himself. This gave him immediate credibility from my perspective. 7. Finally, Mike and Donna are accessible. I have talked to many individuals that said they had a hard time reaching their attorney. I never had that problem. I was always able to reach either person when I needed to. I started this review by saying that you should choose Mike as your attorney from the beginning to avoid the pitfalls that I experienced. If you already have an attorney and he/she doesn’t bring the 7 characteristics I described above, frankly, you need to switch. Remember, with the schedules of all the players involved, each step in the process will take 3-6 months. So if your initial mediation or hearing went bad, it will probably take you 6 months to even get an opportunity to readdress it, let alone change it. Consider the fact that whatever the final judgment or settlement is may impact you for the rest of your life. You need to have best defense you can get. There are many cheaper attorneys out there. Poor representation can cost you dearly. If you hire Michael Fluke, you will be well defended.

Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2015 | Family

Excellent Attorney

Michael represented me during my divorce/child custody case. He is a very reliable, thorough and knowledgeable attorney. He helped me focus on the most important aspects of the case. He listened to what I had to say and was very understanding of my situation through every step of the process. I appre...ciated his patience and attention to details. I am very happy that he represented me and would ask him to represent me again without hesitation. His assistant, Donna is excellent as well. If you are ever in need of a family law attorney I highly recommend Michael!

Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2014 | Family

Thank You Michael

After doing an initial search and screening, Michael came up as the best / most qualified choice. Other lawyers did not return calls, were 3 paralegals deep, gave a canned spiel or otherwise were setting off alarms. Minute I spoke to Michael, I could tell that he was different. Michael is extremely... quick on his feet and extremely knowledgeable. More importantly, he is really wise for his years. In Family Court issues there are many variables and a lot of uncertainty. Michael was the only attorney who spoke in scenarios and the what-ifs - the good and the bad. Extremely hard working and extremely dedicated to my case. I was fortunate to find Michael on the 'first go around'. Most of my friends who have had family court matters have gone through numerous lawyers, wasted years and lots of money. My recommendation is to save aggravation, save stress, save time and save money. Michael is the hands down best choice. I am extremely grateful that I have him in my corner so I can now focus on the most important priorities in my life, my two kids, my job, my business. I am discovering that when my marriage crumbled that it was not the end, but a new beginning. Mike helped lift a huge burden off my back and helped the healing begin for the family.

Posted by Lucy | August 20, 2013 | Family

If you want the best possible outcome for your case, this is the lawyer you MUST retain.

This lawyer is nothing short of excellent, and I highly recommend him, for any person wanting the best possible outcome for their case. He is worth every penny. I'm from Canada, and needed a lwayer to represent me in Tampa, to settle a divorce after 12 years. Having done a bit of research on the web..., and Mr Fluke topped the charts. After an introductory phone call, I was convinced that Mr FLuke is the lawyer I wanted representing me. With his experience and professionalism, Mr Fluke was with us every step of the way, and was always 9 steps ahead of my husband's lawyer. You'd be wise to follow his advice, for he is very well connected in the legal community in Florida. I'm glad i took his counsel, he proved correct every time. Mr Fluke, is very easy to talk to, answers every single question you ask with confidence, and always tells you the facts, straight up, no confusing double-talk. Even though I was distraught with emotion over the divorce, Mr Fluke's empathy and compassion, shone through, and he kept me focused on the facts of the case, that would give me the best possible result for my own future. Mr Fluke made the whole process be as painless and efficient as one could expect, and I had a settlement in my hands only a short time after. On a personal note, I want to thank Mr Fluke, who is a genuinely authentic person, and would recommend him with no hesitation whatsoever. I'm tellling you from my own experience, this is money that is well worth it.

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2011 | Family

Hard-working, honest, reliable

My case was regarding establishment of a parenting plan, child support, father's desire for a last name change, and rights to tax exemption. I first met Mike in the spring of 2011. He impressed me from the very first time I contacted him; it was well after typical "business hours," but he still a...nswered the phone. Not a secretary. Not a paralegal. He answered the phone. My case was, compared to others, relatively simple. The other party and their lawyer were the source of the most difficulty. For the entire duration of my case, Michael was always a few things. A realist, for one. He never got my hopes up and was always realistic as to what I should expect during each step of the process. This kept me from being shocked or caught off-guard by anything my ex and his lawyer could throw our way. He kept me level-headed and grounded about the entire process. Michael defines the term "hard-working," and then some. He works harder than what is expected and typical of a lawyer, and the success he has proves it. He's honest, responsive, personable, and always kept me in the loop of what was going on. I trusted his judgement calls, got returned calls within an hour or so (although I rarely had to leave a message), and always felt informed of where my case stood. Mike made me feel at ease with his realism, obvious expertise, and humor. I never felt I had to put on any sort of facade or try to "stay strong" when attacks from the other side felt personal. If I had to offer any advice... It'd be to hire Michael Fluke.

See All Client Reviews

Michael D. Fluke's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Brooke Victoria Elvington headshot
Brooke Elvington

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Not only do I endorse this lawyer, I would personally retain him if I found myself in need. Michael has a stellar reputation in the community, and is regarded as an attorney who understands the law, acts with professionalism, thinks out of the box, and goes above and beyond for his clients."

Louis Christopher Debari headshot
Louis Debari

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As as state prosecutor I have had many cases in which Mr. Fluke was defense counsel. He is one of the sharpest, most effective attorneys I have ever met."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Syed Sharik Ahmed headshot
Syed Ahmed

Family lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Wendi L Hall-Gonzales headshot
Wendi Hall-Gonzales

Family lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am endorsing Michael as an excellent advocate for his client. He was opposing counsel on a very contested divorce and custody matter that I litigated and I found him to be highly skilled and very knowledgeable."

Bryan Cory Hannan headshot
Bryan Hannan

Family lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin J. Piccarreto headshot
Kevin Piccarreto

Family lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had several cases with Mr. Fluke, both when he was an Assistant Public Defender and I was an Assistant State Attorney as well as recently where we have had adversarial clients for Family Law matters. Mr. Fluke is always well prepared, professional and advocates for his clients."

Michael Lewis Bowdish headshot
Michael Bowdish

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike Fluke is one of the most innovative legal minds that i have encountered. Several years ago, I had the privilege of trying a criminal case as Mike's co-counsel. The evidence was overwhelming and the prosecutors were hungry. I didn't think there was any escape from inevitability . . .; however, Mike developed an inventive and amazing theory of defense built on testimony of the prosecutors' key witness. They never saw it coming. Our client was found not guilty, avoiding more than ten years in prison. Ask him to tell you about it! I strongly endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Edward Reinhold headshot
Mark Reinhold

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked against and with Michael. Michael is a very zealous advocate for his clients. I have found him to be one of the sharpest attorneys with an extensive knowledge of the law. Michael also is very aware of the needs of his clients and takes much time to help them accomplish their goals."

Laura Gapske headshot
Laura Gapske

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse this lawyer's work. Michael Fluke is the consummate professional -- attentiveness to his clients combined with indepth knowledge of the law and years of experience make Michael Fluke a formidable trial advocate."

Maribeth L. Wetzel headshot
Maribeth Wetzel

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to work with Mike and observe his abilities in the courtroom first hand over several years. Mike has extensive trial experience and always provides a strong defense for his clients."

Lynda Beth Barack headshot
Lynda Barack

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Robert Alvin Bruce headshot
Robert Bruce

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have always found Michael to be a professional attorney that kept his clients' interest as his primary concern. Whether that meant going to trial, or giving them the "tough" news."

Erin Kays Barnett headshot
Erin Barnett

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had numerous cases with Michael Fluke when he worked for the Public Defender. Mr. Fluke is an excellent advocate for his clients. He is hard-working and tireless when it comes to defending his clients. I highly recommend Mr. Fluke."

Haydee C. Oropesa headshot
Haydee Oropesa

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Fluke and I met when we worked as PDs for Pinellas County. Mr. Fluke was one of the attorneys that I would consult with on cases because of his incredible legal experience and knowledge. I remember Michael as being zealous in representing his clients while always conducting himself with upmost professionalism. Clients will find a legally skilled advocate who possesses a wealth of experience as a trial attorney and who has keen legal insight, that is why I endorse Michael Fluke."

Jonathan Michael Palma headshot
Jonathan Palma

Family lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Michael Fluke. Michael is an excellent well rounded trial attorney with experience in both civil and criminal law. Michael has a thorough understanding of the rules of court and procedure in both venues and applies his knowledge and experience towards the zealous advocation and representaion of his clients in both areas."

Michael John Boyle headshot
Michael Boyle

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have had cases against this attorney and find his work to be first class. He has experience in all areas of criminal defense and I would endorse him fully."

Joseph Montrone Jr. headshot
Joseph Montrone

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Fluke since 1996 when I was a prosecutor in and he was an Assistant Public Defender. He is a skill and knowledgeable advocate. And he always works dilligently for his clients."

View All Endorsements
Dean George Tsourakis headshot
Dean Tsourakis

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Lewis Bowdish headshot
Michael Bowdish

Criminal defense lawyer

Maribeth L. Wetzel headshot
Maribeth Wetzel

Criminal defense lawyer

Laura Gapske headshot
Laura Gapske

Criminal defense lawyer

Brooke Victoria Elvington headshot
Brooke Elvington

Appeals lawyer

Kevin J. Piccarreto headshot
Kevin Piccarreto

Criminal defense lawyer

Melissa Renea Sharpsteen headshot
Melissa Sharpsteen

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Edward Reinhold headshot
Mark Reinhold

Family lawyer

Haydee C. Oropesa headshot
Haydee Oropesa

Criminal defense lawyer

Jonathan Michael Palma headshot
Jonathan Palma

Personal injury lawyer

Michael John Boyle headshot
Michael Boyle

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Montrone Jr. headshot
Joseph Montrone

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Honored Member, Stanford Who's Who

2011

Executive Professional of the Year, Cambridge Who's Who

2011

Member, Madison's Who's Who

2011

Pro Bono Service Award, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida

2010

Honored Member, Cambridge Who's Who

2010

Hero, Muscular Dystrophy Association

2010

Honored Member, Stanford Who's Who

2009

Honored Member, Who's Who in American Professionals

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Managing Partner, Michael D. Fluke, P.A.

1998 - 1999

Adjunct Professor, Florida Metropolitan University

1997 - 2006

Assistant Public Defender, Office of the Public Defender

Associations

2008 - Present

Clearwater Bar Association

Member

2006 - Present

Hillsborough County Bar Association

LRS Board member 2011

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Bar Middle District Florida

Member

1996 - 1997

American Bar Association

Member

1995 - 1996

Student Bar Association

Third year Class Representative

1995 - 1996

Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity

Vice President

1995 - 1996

Duquesne University School of Law Disciplinary Committee

Board Member

Pinellas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Martinez

Probation Terminated!

State v. Davis

3 years prison plus 2 years probation!

Strand v. Strand

Unsupervised Visitation!

State v. Bird

Not Guilty!

State v. Pitts

Not Guilty!

State v. Tensley

Misdemeanor Trespass - Time Served!

State v. Keels

Not Guilty x 2 !

State v. Johnson

Not Guilty!

State v. Jefferson

State drops charges just before trial!

State v. Varley

Got State to not file charges!

State v. Polanco

Leaving the Scene Dismissed by State and DUI reduced to Reckless Driving!

State v. Cook

State Dismissed Charges!

State v. Hollmann

State dismissed charge!

State v. Crawford

Probation Terminated!

State v. Roberts

State reduces to misdemeanor Battery!

State v. Perez

Adjudication Withheld, probation

Hickmon v. Hickmon

Client gets custody of children!

State v. Blumberg

Case dismissed by State

Ori v. Hall

Estragned wife served by publication and client gets his divorce!

State v. Duffy

State agrees to Pre-Trial Intervention!

Rowley v. Moed

Client gets custody of child!

State v. Armento

State agrees to Pre-trial Intervention!

Porter v. Porter

Client gets permanent and lump sum alimony!

State v. Silvers

Withhold and probation!

State v. Brown

Dismissed!

Damon v. Damon

Father limited to two hour a week! Money Judgment for all monies owed!

State v. Bolash

Case Dismissed!

State v. Spiegel

Reduced to Careless Driving Infraction!

Iannaccone v. Iannaccone

Client's Wife held in contempt and client got money back!

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

Duquesne University School of Law

Juris Doctorate

1993

University of Colorado - Boulder

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2011

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

2010

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

2009

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

2009

Florida Metropolitan University

Death Penalty in Florida

2008

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

2007

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

2006

Fox 13 Ask a Lawyer

General Legal Questions

N/A

Public Defender Training

Florida Sentencing Guidelines

N/A

Juvenile Lawyers Training

Cross examination on sex cases

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution