Sam Garrison specializes in defending clients throughout North Florida in serious criminal matters. Sam also specializes in city, county and local government law, focusing on land use, application of government regulations, public records and constitutional law. He serves as general counsel for The Crossings at Fleming Island Community Development District (Eagle Harbor).
Sam is a graduate of Samford University and the University of Illinois College of Law. He previously worked 10 years as an Assistant State Attorney in Clay and Duval counties with more than 70 jury trials to his credit, including capital cases and a specially designated Governor’s assignment to Alachua County. Sam is rated AV (Preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell, has served as a trial instructor at the National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina, and is a past president of the Clay County Bar Association.
In 2017, Sam was appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott to the Board of Trustees for St. Johns River State College. He was subsequently reappointed by Governor Scott in 2018 and served previously as Board Chairman.
In 2020, Sam was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and has been reelected subsequently.
Sam values integrity and enjoys the challenge of solving complex legal problems on behalf of his clients. He and his family proudly call Clay County home.
Practice Areas:
- City, County & Local Government Law
- Criminal Defense
Bar Admissions:
- Florida
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
Professional Associations and Honors:
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Florida Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2016)
- Clay County Bar Association, President (2015-2016)
- National Advocacy Center, Faculty Member (2007)
- Victim’s Assistance Advisory Council, Judicial Victim Advocate Award (2006)
- State Attorney’s Office, 4th Circuit, Outstanding New Felony Prosecutor (2003)
- Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Associate Member (2002-2003)
Community and Public Service:
- St. Johns River State College, Board of Trustees (2017-present), Chairman (2018-present)
- Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2016
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Board of Directors (2015-2017)
- Quigley House, Board of Directors (2011-2014)
- Orange Park Medical Center, Board of Trustees (2007-2009)
- Young Life, Metro Jacksonville Board
Affiliations:
- Grace Anglican Church – Fleming Island