2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
CBRE is our #1 editorial firm for a Tampa Bay office owner seeking a campaign grounded in current local landlord work. Cushman & Wakefield, Franklin Street, Colliers and Klein & Heuchan provide four alternatives. The nine brokerage criteria emphasize representation side, submarket relevance and a proposed process the owner can evaluate. A recognizable office building is useful evidence only when the source makes the broker’s actual role clear.
How we rank commercial real estate brokerage firms in Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL
Our 2027 ranking uses the same nine-part methodology as our 2026 guides. We compare local specialists with regional and national firms using current public sources, verified service geography and relevant specialization in office leasing for landlords. We evaluate each candidate using these nine criteria:
- Experience and reputation
- Market knowledge and specialization
- Network and connections
- Technological capabilities
- Data transparency and accuracy
- Online presence and digital marketing
- Local and global reach
- Service range
- Innovation and customer focus
Using these criteria, we identify one #1 editorial recommendation for the assignment described below and compare other qualified options. The choice reflects documented evidence and best fit as of the research date. Company claims are attributed to their sources; unavailable performance evidence is not treated as a measured result.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
#1 — CBRE
For 2027, CBRE is our #1 editorial recommendation among commercial real estate brokerage firms for office leasing for landlords in Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater, FL.
Best fit: A current office landlord campaign in established submarkets
Our #1 for an office owner has a March 2026 Westshore assignment with explicitly named landlord representatives and a current agency profile identifying the relevant Tampa Bay submarkets, making the leasing-role evidence specific and reviewable.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 CBRE | A current office landlord campaign in established submarkets | A dated Westshore assignment and current agency profile identify the role. |
| Cushman & Wakefield | Office-owner work spanning both sides of the bay | Jackson’s profile supplies several relevant metropolitan property locations. |
| Franklin Street | An explicitly agency-side engagement | Wommack’s current practice is landlord-focused. |
| Colliers | Private-owner office or flex positioning | The named team identifies those property and client types. |
| Klein & Heuchan | An independent Clearwater-area comparison | The firm expressly offers office landlord service. |
CBRE — our #1 for a current local agency comparison
CBRE’s March 2026 Bridgeport Center announcement identifies Barry Hanerfeld and Molly Molloy Catlett for the landlord, while naming a separate CBRE team for the tenant. CBRE: Bridgeport Center landlord and tenant teams, March 9, 2026 Hanerfeld’s current profile also specifies office-owner work across Westshore, Tampa CBD and Gateway. CBRE: Barry Hanerfeld, current Tampa Bay office landlord practice We favor the combination of a dated assignment and defined submarkets. Ask for a property-specific proposal and a clear explanation of how the firm handles potential representation conflicts.
Cushman & Wakefield — a cross-bay office practice
Melanie Jackson’s current profile identifies office-owner and occupier advice and displays property examples in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Oldsmar and Tampa. Cushman & Wakefield: Melanie Jackson, office owners and occupiers We include the practice when the owner wants a broader metropolitan comparison. The listed locations support geographic relevance without establishing current availability or pricing for this guide. Ask which parts of that experience apply to the subject property’s format and likely tenants.
Franklin Street — a dedicated agency-side adviser
Wommack’s stated Tampa Bay responsibilities are office and industrial landlord representation. Franklin Street: Clay Wommack, Tampa Bay office and industrial agency practice We would compare this team for an owner who wants that client side clearly established. Request a concise account of the building’s competitive position, the first prospects to pursue and the information needed from ownership. The proposal should also explain how feedback will influence terms or suggested improvements.
Colliers — private-owner office and flex options
The Burd and Gelsheimer team describes leasing and repurposing office and flex properties for private investors and business owners. Colliers: Burd and Gelsheimer office services team We include it where the owner is deciding how best to position an existing asset. Ask the team to distinguish a viable leasing strategy from a possible change of use that still requires analysis or approvals. A potential alternative should not be marketed as an established property capability.
Klein & Heuchan — a Clearwater-based landlord alternative
Klein & Heuchan’s office service expressly includes procuring tenants for landlords. Klein & Heuchan: office, industrial and retail brokerage services This gives the owner a regional independent to compare with the larger platforms. Have the team describe a campaign matched to the property rather than a standard marketing package. Agree who handles inquiries, verifies listing information and returns material objections to ownership.
What should be settled before marketing
Provide the same condition information, delivery assumptions and owner approval limits to finalists. Require them to distinguish the premises available today from changes the owner might offer. CBRE leads because the recent Westshore assignment makes the landlord role explicit and the current profile supplies useful submarket boundaries. The evidence does not establish a market-wide winner for achieved rents or leasing speed. The proposed team, campaign and response to the building’s particular constraints remain decisive.