Photo Gallery

Photograph to right shows Bro. Woody Clermont's IHQ Life Membership with Omega Psi Phi, as well as his Life Membership plaques for the Seventh District (AL, GA, FL), and the Second District (NY, NJ, PA, DE). 

Introduction: My name is Woody Clermont, and I am a 17-year resident of Davie, Florida. I raised my daughter here, and my son here also for a time. I am 54 years of age, have twenty years of experience as an attorney, along with 10 years of prior business experience before that, and am currently running for County Court Judge in Broward County, Florida. Be mindful, that any resident of any city in Broward County can vote for me. I previously served as a Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer in 2021-2022, and have worked in many responsible positions in civil service (Assistant State Attorney, Assistant City Attorney, Senior Trial Court Law Clerk, etc.). I have handled more than 30 jury trials as well homicide prosecutions previously and during my time as a law clerk worked in Complex Business Litigation and Appeals. I ran in a 3-person race in August of 2024 (the primary) against Alejandro "Alex" Arreaza and Samuel Ford Stark. The result of the August election was that Alejandro "Alex" Arreaza was eliminated, and I am facing Samuel Ford Stark, a 37-year old who was admitted to the Florida Bar on September 23, 2014 - which means he will be an attorney of 10 years on his anniversary date in September. Mr. Arreaza presently has endorsed me and supports my candidacy going forward. I ask you to review my credentials and make the best choice in the runoff election coming up in November 2024 - choose EXPERIENCE and WISDOM.  

His Story: Woody was born in Brooklyn, New York, to his parents who were Haitian immigrants from Port-Au-Prince. Woody's cousin was none other than the late hard-working Haitian-American hip hop artist Kangol Kid aka Shaun Shiller Fequiere from U.T.F.O.* (who worked with other industry greats such as Full Force, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam). Reporting of Kangol Kid's death can be found on the B.E.T. website at https://www.bet.com/article/rigewv/kangol-kid-utfo-full-force-dead. Thus, Woody grew up during incredible times, in the company of many wonderful people in the heart of New York City, the town that never sleeps. 

Woody's parents embodied the hard working spirit of America's great melting pot of diverse peoples from different backgrounds. A fitting quote here would be a quote from the infamous Booker T. Washington who said, "Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work. I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him. Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company."

Growing up, Woody attended kindergarten and first grade at Holy Cross Elementary school (https://www.holycrossrcchurch.org/) off of Church Avenue, and then completed his second through eighth grade at a Catholic school named Our Lady of Refuge (https://olrbrooklyn.org/). Woody served as an Altar Boy during his time at OLR, and was given a service award from the Knights of Columbus. As a cub scout, Woody earned his Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo badges. As a boy scout, Woody earned his Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class badges, and had to leave the Boy Scouts while he was halfway through working on his First Class badge.

Woody graduated from OLR with a battery of academic awards of recognition, as he left the school with straight A's, scoring the highest in most of his subjects. Woody received a full scholarship and attended the Jesuit all-boys Regis High School (https://www.regis.org/) in New York City on East 84 Street. He had to take a rigorous course load which included Latin, and even went on to take some Greek as well. See the City Journal article about the school at: https://www.city-journal.org/article/why-regis-high-school-endures. Regis High School in Manhattan ranks number 2 of all Catholic High Schools in America (2 of 1,152) and number 2 of all all-boys high schools in America (2 of 218). Regis's rankings can be found at https://www.niche.com/k12/regis-high-school-new-york-ny/rankings/. 

Although Woody was accepted into the Ivy League college Vassar** in Poughkeepsie, New York, Woody elected to go to the State University of New York at Binghamton instead in 1988 - focusing on keeping the costs of his education down. He became a Brother of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, crossing in the Spring of 1992 at Kappa Chapter at Syracuse University. https://www.thesyraques.com/about-1. He and his Binghamton line brothers subsequently brought the Kappa Nu Chapter to the Binghamton Campus. https://www.kappanuques.com/.

By the time he completed his postgraduate college education, he received two associates degrees (one of which was in computer science), three bachelors degrees (one of which was in math), three masters degrees (one of which was in economics), and a professional doctorate (in law). Despite boasting nine university degrees, Woody does not owe any more money, all of his student loans have been paid off, leaving him with an incredible once-in-a-lifetime education that should have cost a fortune.  However, with his shrewd financial skills, he no longer has any debt load to show for it - a testament to Woody's ingenuity.

Woody's fond memory at his law school graduation at the University of Miami School of Law, was celebrating with his now late aunt Elsie Joseph, business owner of Vierge Miracle and Saint Philippe Botánica, located at NE 59 Street and NE 2 Avenue, in Little Haiti which was named Best South Florida Botanical in the year 2000 in the Miami New Times: (https://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2000/shopping-and-services/best-bot-nica-6398639).

Woody has also supported long-time family friend Anna Pierre, Registered Nurse, who once made a memorable run for the Mayor of North Miami. See: https://www.annapierrern4mayor.com/. She founded APHEC INTERNATIONAL, INC known as The Anna Pierre Health Education Center. She is also an author of several books, and as a Haitian recording artist, released many hit Konpa songs, her greatest being Mete Suk Sou Bonbon-m, which made her an international success overnight. 

Education:   Binghamton University, Vestal, New York (B.A. 1992); University of Miami School of Law, Coral Gables, Florida (J.D. 2003); Empire State College, Saratoga Springs, New York (A.S. 2005); Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida (M.Sc. Econ. 2014, M.B.A. 2014). University of the People, Pasadena, California (A.S. 2018, High Honors). Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah (B.S.I.T.M. 2018); Mayville State University, Mayville, North Dakota (B.Sc. 2020); Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah (M.S.D.A. 2020).

Honors: Omicron Delta Epsilon Economics Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society, The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). In 2023, Woody was a Father of the Year Honoree, by the International Father's Association. See: https://internationalfathersassociation.org/f/save-the-date---june-17-2023.

Bar Membership:  The Florida Bar; New Jersey State Bar Association, New York Bar.

Mr. Clermont is also a current member of the National Association of Hearing Officials (NAHO), an organization of quasi-judicial officials. At one point, when Woody interviewed for a Magistrate position within Broward County (with the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida), Woody made it past the first round of interviews with judges and magistrates, to the second and final round with Chief Judge Jack Tuter. Chief Judge Tuter advised that dozens and dozens of applicants had applied, but that only 15 had been granted a first round interview. When Woody asked how many made the second round interview with him, Judge Tuter advised only two (2), but told Woody that he should be proud of this accomplishment, and that while he might not be the person awarded the position, he should try and try again, and not give up on his dream of working as a Magistrate or Judge with the Broward County courts. 

Woody has been extended an offer of 5-year appointment by the United States Attorney (Markenzy Lapointe) for the Southern District of Florida (through 2029) to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney ("SAUSA") for Miami Beach. However, the appointment is lacking approval by the Mayor and the City Commission for Miami Beach, as the resolution remains pending and must be passed first, before Woody can assume this role. This is a wonderful opportunity extended by the USAO for the Southern District of Florida, and Mr. Clermont is grateful. 

Woody Clermont joined the City Attorney’s Office in May 2022.  Mr. Clermont fills various roles in his position as Assistant City Attorney. As a municipal prosecutor, he is responsible for the prosecution of criminal violations of the City's code of ordinances before the County Court in and for Miami-Dade County, Florida. Woody also helps in the representation of the City as a defendant where plaintiffs may bring actions against the City alleging various causes of action which are alleged to have resulted in damages. At times, Woody may also defend decisions of the Special Magistrate in appellate proceedings, when challenged by administrative appeal to the local circuit court. 

Prior to joining the City, Mr. Clermont served as a Medicaid Fair Hearing Officer with the Agency for Health Care Administration. In this capacity, Woody has served as an independent, neutral, and trained adjudicator who was responsible for determining if a Medicaid service was correct or incorrect. He did not take sides and made his decisions based on Medicaid rules and the evidence presented at the hearing.

Before his service with the Agency for Health Care Administration, Mr. Clermont was a Economic Analyst and Legislative Director with the Board of County Commissioners for Miami-Dade County serving in District 9 under Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, Esq. Many other fine commissioners led Miami-Dade County at this time, including Jose "Pepe" Diaz (current mayor of Sweetwater), Rebecca Sosa, Senator Rene Garcia, Javier Souto, Joe Martinez (now with the Reyes Law Firm), Jean Monestime, current Chairman Oliver Gilbert III, and current Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. Woody Clermont from a philosophical standpoint identifies with a more progressive ideology, but nonetheless observes all rules regarding the nonpartisan requirements for judicial elections, and will not engage in any partisan activities. 

Mr. Clermont also served as an Assistant General Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida for over a decade. In this capacity, he doubled as a Staff Attorney for the Judiciary, providing judges and the courts with procedural and substantive legal advice regarding the disposition of Family, Probate, Civil, Criminal, Appellate and Complex Business Litigation cases. 

Mr. Clermont received a “Going the Extra Mile” (G.E.M.) award from the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in 2012, for his work on cases under which the Governor signed a death warrant, and for which final Rule 3.851 motions and petitions for postconviction and collateral relief were brought by prisoners on the eve of execution.

Prior to his work with the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, Mr. Clermont served for many years in the State Attorney’s Office for Miami-Dade County (SAO11), working as a County Training Attorney (CTA) for the Jail Division, an Assistant Chief (AC) of DUI and Traffic Prosecution for County Court, and a Division Chief (DC) in the Juvenile Division handling all Juvenile Sexual Battery prosecutions. In the Felony Divisions, Mr. Clermont, served as a C, B, and eventually A prosecutor, handling armed robberies, armed sexual battery cases, armed drug trafficking cases, and homicide prosecutions.

A judge must be impartial, and in showcasing his background, Woody does not intend to show any preference for any particular outcome of cases that might come before him in the future, when he is elected to serve as judge. 

Served on numerous Florida Bar committees. Traffic Court Rules Committee (2009-2015, served as parliamentarian). Florida Rules of Practice and Judicial Administration (2015-2018, served as vice chair of subcommittee). Currently on Technology Committee (2022-present). Woody also participates in community service with his Fraternity as he gives back to the community. Woody has also served as a course instructor at many colleges, including Miami-Dade College at the Wolfson Campus, where he taught microeconomics, macroeconomics and business statistics. Woody taught numerous legal studies classes at Key College in Broward County. 

Mr. Clermont has written legal articles published twice by the Florida Bar Journal, and also by the St. Thomas University Law Review, Nova Law Review, the Freedom Center Journal, the Appalachian Journal of Law, the Pittsburgh Journal of Environmental Public Health, and the T.M. Cooley Law Review. His Cooley Law Review article critically analyzed the Citizens United decision decided by SCOTUS. 

Mr. Clermont also serves his community with dedication as a proud lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and is proud of the opportunity to be part of many community service activities. 

Woody is a family man, and is a proud father of two children, his daughter Nubia, and his son Devon. Woody attends church services at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church (senior pastor Reverend Dr. Marcus Davidson), in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Woody performs community service with Hands On Broward, the United Way Mental Health Promotion Team, and has donated over the past decade to the Human Rights Campaign. Woody is currently a Big (mentor) to a Little (mentee) through the Big Brother, Big Sister program of Broward County. Woody also is involved with doing Prison Ministry as well, through New Mount Olive. 

Woody is a member of the NAACP, having a silver membership. Woody is also applying to serve with the Kiwanis Club of Davie and Hollywood, as he is interested in the causes of children and giving them inspiration. Woody is already a member of the Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach West (K14491), and presently serves as a Chair for Service Projects. 

* Kangol Kid's father, Andre Fequiere is brother to Woody's late mother, and thus is his Uncle.

** Some consider Vassar to be a "hidden Ivy". Vassar was part of the historically famous "Seven Sisters" which include Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley. Vassar led the charge and met with three of these schools in 1915 to bring the plan to fruition. The other three schools joined at a later time. These schools had historically been female-only schools, and were formed to rival the Ivy League schools, delivering top notch education which was either as good as, or superior to the Ivy League schools. Vassar eventually switched from being a female-only school to a coed educational institution.