James Broome engaged in mercantile business until his retirement in 1841. He was appointed as the Probate Judge of Leon County, serving until 1848. Broome transitioned to a political career, culminating in his election as governor in 1852 and subsequent terms until 1857. He later served in the Florida Senate and was known for his Confederate sympathies. Broome's career reflects a blend of business acumen, judicial experience, and political leadership.

James Broome's political identity is marked by his advocacy for states' rights within a Democratic framework, a stance that juxtaposes traditional party lines. His tenure as "Veto Governor" highlights a willingness to challenge legislative majorities, suggesting a strategic rigidity in defending certain principles. Notably, Broome's Confederate sympathies, rooted in his role as a large planter, reveal an ideological alignment that is both regionally specific and historically contentious. These elements together paint a picture of a politician who balances regional interests with a principled, if polarizing, approach to governance.