Commissioner John Stargel
Appointed by Governor
Committee Assignments
Proposals Introduced
No proposals introduced.
Biographical Information
| Occupation: | Circuit Judge, Tenth Judicial Circuit, First Elected 2006, Current Term runs through 2019 |
| City: | Lakeland (Polk County) |
Commissioner John Stargel is a judge serving on the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. He was first elected on September 5, 2006 (effective in early 2007), and has served in the Felony Division, VOP Division, Family Division, and Probate Division. He also served as presiding judge over the Drug Court Program for three years. He was re-elected in 2012 and his current term expires in January of 2019. From 2002-2006, he was elected to represent the Lakeland area in the Florida House of Representatives, where he also served on the Finance and Taxation Committee.
In addition to his service as a circuit judge and state representative, Commissioner Stargel has extensive experience in the public and private sectors. Commission Stargel got his start in public service in 1989 as a Legislative Intern in the Florida House of Representatives. In 1992, he also served as an Attorney/Analyst on the Tax and Budget Reform Commission. From 1992-2000, he served as Assistant General Counsel for W.S. Badcock Corporation; from 2000-2004, he served as the Vice President and General Counsel at Richland Towers, Inc. and Richland Properties, Inc.; and from 2004-2007, he was a partner at Shelby, Medina and Stargel.
A member of the Florida Bar since 1991, Commissioner Stargel is admitted to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States District Court of the Northern District of Florida, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Commissioner Stargel has served several judicial appointments, including: the Florida Bar Small Claims Rules Committee (5 years, served as chair); Judicial Nominating Committee, Tenth Circuit (6 years, appointee 2001); Trial Court Budget Commission (2013-present; appointed by Chief Justice); Legislative Chair, Circuit Judges Conferences (2009-present); Executive Committee, Circuit Judges Conference (2009-present); and Judicial Branch Long Range Strategic Workgroup (2014-2016; appointed by Chief Justice).
Commissioner Stargel is also dedicated to community service. For over 20 years, he has served as a Board Member for Camp Gilead in Polk City and is a member of the Polk Education Foundation and the Bartow Kiwanis Club. He has served as a Deacon at Heritage Baptist Church in Lakeland for more than 14 years.
Born in Somerset, Kentucky, Commissioner Stargel has lived in Central Florida since 1972. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business with high honors from the University of Tampa in 1987. In 1991, he earned his law degree from the Florida State University School of Law with honors.
Commissioner Stargel is married to Senator Kelli Stargel, who currently represents Northern Polk County and Southern Lake County in the Florida Legislature. Together they are the proud parents of five amazing children, Rebekah, Amanda, Robert, Hannah, and Laura.