D. Howard Stitzel III
Partner, Byrd & Stitzel, P.A.
D. Howard Stitzel III is a founding partner in the law firm of Byrd & Stitzel, P.A. located in Plant City, Florida. Byrd & Stitzel, P.A. has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most well-respected and competent law firms in East Hillsborough County. Stitzel practices in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Civil Trial Practice.
In 2001, Stitzel was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Judicial Nominating Commission of the 13th Judicial Circuit of the State of Florida. As a Commissioner he was charged with investigating and reviewing applications for judicial appointments as well as making recommendations to the Governor on Judicial nominations. Stitzel was recently appointed to the Florida Waterfowl Advisory Council by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He also serves on the East Hillsborough County Service Center/Court House Redevelopment Committee.
Stitzel's professional memberships include The Florida Bar, Plant City Bar Association (President, 1999-2000), Hillsborough County Bar Association (Member of Executive Council for Family Law Section) and Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. Stitzel is also actively involved in his community, participating in the Plant City Kiwanis Club (former Board Member), East Hillsborough United Way (Former Board Member), Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1727, East Hillsborough Friends of the Spring, and Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Howard Stitzel was admitted to the bar in 1989. He attended Stetson University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1986 and his Juris Doctor in 1988. Stitzel was also a member of Phi Delta Phi and the co-recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Evidence.