José F. García has resided in the Central Florida area since 1978. A graduate of Oak Ridge High School, he obtained his undergraduate degree from Florida Christian College. After college, Mr. García worked in Southeastern Florida as a marketing executive promoting business automation and human resources services and products. He also volunteered his services to various non-profit organizations in the South Florida area.

Mr. Garcia attended the University of Florida College of Law. During law school, he clerked for well-respected law firms that represented individuals harmed or injured by automobile accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and general negligence. He was very active in law school and served as a class representative to the John Marshall Society, the Spanish American Law Student's Association, and the Hispanic Bar Association.

After law school, he obtained litigation and trial experience as an Assistant Public Defender in both Osceola County and Orange County. The experience led to his employment with a prominent insurance defense firm in Central Florida where he represented many of America's largest insurance companies, hospitals, and nursing homes. His work at the insurance defense firm provided him with an insider's view of the tactics used by these companies to defend claims.

He is actively involved in various community service organizations and has served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Make A Wish Foundation, Daily Bread and the American Red Cross.

Education

• Juris Doctorate, University of Florida, 2001
• Bachelor of Arts, Florida Christian College 1995
• Attended Valencia Community College 1989-91

Admitted to Practice

• All Florida State Courts
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Past & Present Memberships

• Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
• American Bar Association
• Hispanic Bar Association
• Orange County Bar Association
• Osceola County Bar Association

Miscellaneous Information & History

• Recipient, Senior Class Award (FCC)
• Class Orator (FCC)
• Class Representative (UF), John Marshall Bar Association, 1998-2000
• Class Representative (UF), Law College Council, 2000-2001
• Class Representative (UF), Hispanic Bar Association, 2000-2001
• Member, Spanish American Law Student's Association, 1998-2001