John Hornbeck was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. He went to high school, college, and law school in St. Pete. John graduated from Keswick Christian High School, University of South Florida, and Stetson University College of Law. While at USF on a full scholarship, John was able to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in only three years, while also working in the academic advising office.

John graduated from Stetson Law School early as well, taking only two and a half years to receive his Juris Doctorate. While at Stetson, John was co-chair of the Alumni Relations Committee, Christian Legal Society, and the Go Green Committee. John was also the captain for softball, soccer, and kickball. John received a Certificate for Excellence in Leadership from Stetson. John has a diverse legal practice. He enjoys helping healthcare professionals obtain and keep their licenses. He has experience in traffic court cases, DUI and other misdemeanors, and some felony experience; his forte is helping resolve legal matters through collaboration and mediation.

John received his love of law from his father who is an attorney (Harvard ‘75, Stetson ‘79). An interest in medicine was piqued by his grandfather William Hornbeck (Harvard ‘45, Harvard Medical ’47). John’s wife Dr. Beth Hornbeck (Vanderbilt ’08, FSU Medical ’16) is a pediatrician. Dr. Wendy Coughlin is his mother-in-law. John has, at his disposal, these professional consultants from both mental and physical health perspectives to help inform his work in protecting the best interests of children. John found his niche in providing Guardian ad Litem services for family court matters. Officially trained in 2021, John frequently assists Dr. Coughlin with her Guardian ad Litem cases in addition to his own work as a GAL.

John has a lifetime of experience helping others. His community service includes helping youth in St. Petersburg where he was honored with the City of St. Petersburg Volunteer of the Year Award for his work. He served two years as the Youth Coordinator for his church, mentoring and teaching kids the Bible. In addition, he volunteered at a public school teaching Civics and Constitutional Law to 7th graders. He also volunteered his time teaching senior citizens history. Whenever work and family allow, you will find John at the golf course, playing a round of golf or hitting balls.