By Prime Law Hub 
Key Points
- Samuel Ford Stark is a Ft. Lauderdale-based attorney admitted to the Florida Bar in 2014, practicing at James M. Stark, P.A.
- Born in 1987 in Hollywood, Florida, he brings over a decade of legal experience, primarily in the local community.
- He ran as a candidate for Broward County Court Judge, Group 10, in the 2024 nonpartisan judicial election but was not elected, losing to Woody Clermont in the general election.
- The evidence leans toward Stark being viewed positively by some local media, including an endorsement from the Sun Sentinel, though the race highlighted diverse candidate backgrounds and community priorities.
Background and Credentials Samuel Ford Stark is a lifelong South Florida resident with a focus on serving clients in Broward County. His practice is rooted in the Ft. Lauderdale area, where he works at a family-affiliated law firm.
2024 Judicial Campaign Overview Stark campaigned for a seat on the Broward County Court in a competitive nonpartisan race. He advanced from the primary but did not secure the position.
Current Role Today, Stark continues his legal practice in Ft. Lauderdale, supporting clients in various matters.
Samuel Ford Stark stands as a dedicated member of Broward County’s legal community, known for his work as an attorney in Ft. Lauderdale and his participation in the 2024 judicial election for Broward County Court, Group 10. This profile explores his background, professional journey, and the context of his campaign, offering insights for local residents, voters, and those seeking legal representation.
Early Life and Roots in South Florida
Samuel Ford Stark was born on August 17, 1987, in Hollywood, Florida, a city just south of Broward County. Growing up in the region gave him a deep connection to the area’s diverse communities and legal needs. South Florida’s fast-paced environment, with its mix of urban challenges and suburban growth, shaped his understanding of local issues. While specific details about his early education remain limited in public records, his path led him to pursue law in Florida, reflecting a commitment to serving the community where he was raised.
Legal Education and Bar Admission
Stark’s entry into the legal profession began with his admission to the Florida Bar in 2014. He is also admitted to practice in Washington, D.C., since 2022. These credentials mark him as a Florida Bar member in good standing, eligible to handle cases across various courts. His bar number, 112193, links him to the state’s regulatory body, ensuring adherence to ethical standards.
Professional Career at James M. Stark, P.A.
Stark practices at James M. Stark, P.A., a Ft. Lauderdale firm located at 633 S Federal Hwy, 6th Floor. The firm, led by James Michael Stark (likely a family member, given the shared name and address), has a long history in the area, with the senior Stark licensed since the early 1970s and known for criminal defense and DUI work.
As an associate, Samuel Ford Stark contributes to the firm’s caseload, drawing on more than ten years of experience. Reviews and directories describe him as a seasoned attorney offering extensive expertise to clients in Ft. Lauderdale. The firm’s focus appears to include criminal defense, traffic cases, and possibly real estate or civil matters, though exact practice areas are not always detailed publicly. Stark’s work supports local residents navigating Florida’s legal system, from court appearances to advisory roles.
Key Professional Milestones for Samuel Ford Stark
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Birth | Hollywood, Florida |
| 2014 | Florida Bar Admission | Bar Number: 112193 |
| 2022 | Admission to Washington, D.C. Bar | Expanded practice eligibility |
| Ongoing | Attorney at James M. Stark, P.A. | Ft. Lauderdale, focus on local clients |
| 2024 | Judicial Candidacy | Ran for Broward County Court, Group 10 |
This timeline highlights a steady progression from law school to established practice and civic engagement.
The 2024 Campaign for Broward County Court, Group 10
In 2024, Stark entered the nonpartisan judicial race for Broward County Court, Group 10, in the 17th Judicial Circuit. The seat involved handling county-level cases, including misdemeanors, small claims, and civil disputes up to $50,000. Florida’s judicial elections are nonpartisan, emphasizing qualifications over party lines.
The race featured three candidates in the August primary: Stark, Woody Clermont, and Alejandro Arreaza. No candidate secured a majority, advancing Stark and Clermont to the November general election. Stark’s campaign emphasized his local roots, legal experience, and commitment to fairness.
A notable boost came from the Sun Sentinel, which endorsed Stark in September 2024, citing his suitability for the bench in the only Broward judicial race on the November ballot. The endorsement praised his background amid concerns about judicial conduct in the county.
Despite this support, Stark lost to Clermont in the general election on November 5, 2024. Clermont, with extensive prosecutorial and judicial staff experience, was sworn in as judge in January 2025. The outcome reflects the competitive nature of judicial races, where voter priorities and candidate profiles play key roles.
2024 Broward County Court Group 10 Election Overview
| Stage | Date | Candidates | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | August 20, 2024 | Samuel Ford Stark, Woody Clermont, Alejandro Arreaza | Top two advanced (no majority) |
| General | November 5, 2024 | Samuel Ford Stark vs. Woody Clermont | Clermont elected |
This race underscored the importance of experience and community trust in Broward County’s judiciary.
Credentials and Community Impact
Stark’s profile includes active membership in the Florida Bar, with no noted disciplinary issues. Directories like Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo list him as a practicing attorney in good standing. His work at a established firm positions him as a reliable option for Ft. Lauderdale clients seeking representation.
For those researching judicial candidates or attorneys, Stark’s 2024 campaign provided a platform to highlight his qualifications. Though not elected, his participation contributes to public discourse on the bench.
Looking Forward
Samuel Ford Stark remains an active Ft. Lauderdale attorney, continuing to serve clients through James M. Stark, P.A. His journey reflects dedication to the legal profession and community involvement. Residents seeking representation can contact the firm for consultations, while voters and researchers can reference public records for more details.
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