By Rightful Advice 
Samuel Ford Stark is a Florida-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience practicing in Broward County. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2014 (Bar Number 112193) and later to the District of Columbia Bar in 2022, Stark maintains an active practice focused on serving local clients through James M. Stark, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale. He is a member in good standing with no disciplinary history recorded by the Florida Bar.
In 2024, Stark mounted a competitive campaign for Broward County Court Judge, Group 10, advancing from the August primary to the November general election before ultimately losing to Woody Clermont. His candidacy highlighted his commitment to public service within Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit, where county court judges preside over misdemeanor cases, small-claims disputes, traffic matters, and civil cases up to the $50,000 jurisdictional limit.
This profile examines Stark’s background, legal career, judicial campaign, and ongoing contributions to the Broward legal community. All information is drawn from public records, official bar directories, court filings, and contemporaneous news reporting. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Early Life and Education
Samuel Ford Stark was born on August 17, 1987, in Hollywood, Florida, and has remained a lifelong South Florida resident. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and received his Juris Doctor from New England Law | Boston.
These educational foundations provided Stark with both a broad liberal-arts grounding typical of a UF graduate and specialized legal training at an ABA-accredited institution. Admission to the Florida Bar followed in 2014, marking the formal start of his professional legal career. In 2022, he obtained admission to the D.C. Bar, expanding his eligibility to appear in federal matters when appropriate.
Legal Career and Practice Areas
Stark practices as an associate at James M. Stark, P.A., a firm founded decades earlier by James Michael Stark (admitted to the Florida Bar in the early 1970s). The firm’s offices are located at 633 South Federal Highway, Sixth Floor, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The senior Stark built a reputation in criminal defense and DUI representation; the younger Stark has continued and expanded the firm’s tradition of accessible, client-focused representation in Broward County courts.
Typical matters handled by attorneys in this practice environment include:
- Misdemeanor and felony defense
- Traffic violations and DUI cases
- Small-claims and limited civil litigation
- Real-estate-related disputes and transactional support
Stark’s work directly affects individuals navigating everyday legal challenges, such as traffic stops, landlord-tenant disagreements, or minor criminal accusations, where prompt, competent counsel can protect constitutional rights, negotiate favorable resolutions, and avoid long-term collateral consequences such as license suspension or criminal records.
Florida Bar rules require attorneys to maintain competence, communicate diligently with clients, and safeguard client funds and property (Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 4-1.1, 4-1.3, and 5-1.1). Stark’s clean disciplinary record reflects adherence to these standards throughout his career.
The 2024 Judicial Campaign
In 2024, Stark sought election to the Broward County Court, Group 10 seat vacated by a retiring judge. The nonpartisan race drew three candidates in the August 20 primary:
- Samuel Ford Stark – 49.48 % (85,249 votes)
- Woody Clermont – 26.4 % (approximately 45,481 votes)
- Alejandro “Alex” Arreaza – remainder
Because no candidate received a majority, Florida law required a runoff between the top two finishers. Stark advanced to the November 5 general election against Clermont.
The Sun Sentinel editorial board endorsed Stark in both the primary (July 2024) and general-election (September 2024) phases, citing his local roots, courtroom experience, and temperament suited to the bench.
In the general election, Clermont prevailed with 54.41 % (368,139 votes) to Stark’s 45.59 % (308,472 votes). Clermont was sworn in as a county court judge in January 2025. Stark returned to private practice at James M. Stark, P.A.
The campaign illustrated common features of Florida judicial elections: qualifying by petition or fee, mandatory nonpartisan ballots, and voter education through endorsements and candidate forums. It also underscored the high bar for unseating an opponent in a countywide race in a large, diverse jurisdiction such as Broward.
Contributions to the Legal Field and Community
Although Stark has not authored published opinions or led landmark appellate litigation, his daily practice contributes to the administration of justice in concrete ways:
- Representing indigent and working-class clients in high-volume county court dockets
- Participating in local bar association activities and continuing-legal-education programs required by the Florida Bar
- Maintaining availability for court-appointed work when assigned
His 2024 judicial bid, while unsuccessful, represented a tangible effort to transition from advocate to neutral decision-maker, an important pathway for experienced practitioners to shape local jurisprudence.
Lasting Influence
Samuel Ford Stark’s influence lies in sustained, localized service rather than statewide precedent or academic scholarship. By remaining in the same community where he was raised and practicing at a firm with deep Broward roots, Stark embodies the “local lawyer” model that many residents rely upon for accessible legal help.
Clients facing misdemeanor charges, traffic infractions, or modest civil disputes often cannot afford large-firm rates or travel to distant offices. Stark’s continued presence in Fort Lauderdale helps ensure that such individuals receive competent representation consistent with the Sixth Amendment and due-process guarantees.
Future observers may view his 2024 campaign as an example of a qualified mid-career attorney attempting to enter the judiciary through the electoral process, a route that remains open under Article V, Section 10 of the Florida Constitution but is increasingly competitive in populous circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Samuel Ford Stark?
A Florida Bar member (No. 112193) admitted in 2014 who practices civil and criminal law at James M. Stark, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale. He ran unsuccessfully for Broward County Court Judge, Group 10, in 2024.
Where did Samuel Ford Stark go to law school?
New England Law | Boston. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida.
Did Samuel Ford Stark win the 2024 judicial election?
No. He advanced from the August primary but lost the November 5, 2024, general election to Woody Clermont.
Is Samuel Ford Stark still practicing law?
Yes. He remains an active member in good standing of the Florida Bar and continues to practice at the family firm in Fort Lauderdale.
What types of cases does Samuel Ford Stark handle?
The firm’s primary focus includes criminal defense, DUI, traffic violations, small claims, and limited civil matters typical of county-court jurisdiction.
How can I verify Samuel Ford Stark’s bar status?
Search the Florida Bar’s official lawyer directory using Bar Number 112193 or visit floridabar.org.
Conclusion
Samuel Ford Stark represents a generation of South Florida attorneys who combine formal legal education, family-firm continuity, and community engagement. Although his 2024 bid for the county-court bench did not succeed, his ongoing practice continues to serve Broward residents navigating the legal system on a daily basis.
Readers seeking representation should contact licensed counsel directly and review the Florida Bar’s lawyer referral service or the 17th Judicial Circuit’s self-help resources. Judicial elections and attorney disciplinary records remain publicly accessible through official state databases, enabling continued transparency in Florida’s legal system.
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