Full Court Press Winter 2025

Contents

• Message from the State Courts Administrator
• Chief Justice Muñiz Talks about Civil Case Reforms
• Certification of New Judges
• Problem-Solving Courts Conference a Resounding Success
  • Broward Felony Drug Court Earns Prestigious National Mentor Court Status
  • Collier County Drug Court Celebrates 25th Anniversary
• 2025 Pro Bono Service Awards
• Adoption Events Bring Families Together
• A Supreme Evening 2025
• Judicial Elections
• 2025 Chief Judge Elections
• Statewide Judicial Updates
• Courts Around the State

Message from the State Courts Administrator

The winter edition of the Full Court Press follows the record-setting snow and ice storm that left parts of north Florida with as much as eight inches of snow. Once again, courts adapted to fulfill their mission and serve the public while balancing concerns for public safety and local conditions. After unexpected court closures, the Chief Justice will issue administrative orders retroactively extending legal deadlines in the affected areas. Administrative orders are posted and maintained on the Florida Supreme Court website.

In December, the Court issued its annual opinion certifying the need for additional judges—this year, 25 county court judgeships, 23 circuit court judgeships, and 2 district court of appeal judgeships. Although not unprecedented, it is a significant request for new judges, subject to consideration by the Legislature during the 2025 session. The Court Services team did a great job supporting the Court leading up to and through the issuance of the opinion. 

Also in December, the Office of Problem-Solving Courts held an outstanding statewide conference. The event featured top-notch speakers and invaluable learning opportunities for judges and court staff throughout Florida. The team's hard work in organizing a comprehensive program strengthened the judicial branch’s commitment to innovative solutions like problem-solving courts. The conference was truly a milestone event for the hundreds of attendees.

Moving into the new year, the team at Court Education started off 2025 with back-to-back, multiple-day programs: the education programs for district court of appeal judges, marshals, clerks, and central staff directors, held in Destin, and the Florida Judicial College for new judges, held in Kissimmee. Those trainings were quickly followed by the Florida Court Personnel Institute in February and Phase II of the Florida Judicial College in March.

The accomplishments throughout all 12 months of 2024 resulted in a very productive year throughout the state courts system. We have already hit the ground running in 2025, and I know it will be filled with many more projects, programs, and deliverables. We will continue to embrace our mission of supporting the courts system with excellence.

- Eric W. Maclure

Chief Justice Muñiz Talks about Civil Case Reforms

Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz has utilized recent speaking engagements to talk about the Court’s ongoing efforts to improve and expedite the resolution of civil cases. The Court has adopted a series of amendments to Florida’s court rules designed to promote fairness in the discovery process, prescribe meaningful deadlines for case progress, and require judges to actively manage cases from the outset. Muñiz said, “Our principal focus is on clients. The litigants themselves. The people whose duties and rights are at issue and who ultimately bear the burden of protracted litigation.”

At the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society’s annual dinner in Tallahassee on January 16, Muñiz said, “We think that the new rules will give better effect to the promise of the civil justice system, which, after all, is to… secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.” Knowing that the reforms will be a major change for judges and attorneys, Muñiz noted that he and the other members of the Court are keenly aware that this endeavor will be an ongoing process. He added, “We will be studying things closely so we can continue to address anything that needs addressing, including any unintended consequences of our work.”

On January 17, Chief Justice Muñiz spoke to The Florida Bar Board of Governors and reiterated that there will likely be adjustments in the short term and that the effects of the new procedures warrant close attention and the willingness to make further adjustments as necessary.

On the need for additional resources to effectively implement the revised procedures, Muñiz drew attention to the Court’s recent certification of the need for 50 new judges throughout Florida, which includes 25 county court judges, 23 circuit court judges, and two judges for the Sixth District Court of Appeal. Additionally, he noted that the judicial branch’s current legislative budget request seeks to build capacity for due process needs such as court reporting and court interpreting and also requests funding for additional case managers and improved case management technology.

Muñiz said, “Hopefully, all of these changes together will help us make the case that the judicial branch is focused on serving the people, that we are trying to be efficient, and that when the Legislature invests in the branch, it… benefits the public.”

Certification of New Judges

The Florida Supreme Court is responsible for determining the number of judges needed to adequately handle the work of Florida's trial courts and district courts of appeal. To accomplish this task, the Court regularly assesses the workload of judges throughout the state and factors in the time needed to properly resolve different kinds of cases. This assessment creates a "weighted caseload system" that assigns greater weights to cases as they become more complex and require more judicial time. This process gives the Court a clear and objective assessment of court workload from which it can establish the number of judicial officers required to resolve, in a timely manner, all cases coming before the courts.

To maintain accuracy over time, the case weights are periodically rebalanced. The latest trial court judicial workload assessment was completed in 2024. The Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA) contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to perform a comprehensive update, extension, and improvement of the existing Florida circuit and county judicial weighted caseload system in line with state-of-the-art workload assessment practices. 

To provide oversight and guidance on matters of policy throughout the assessment process, Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz appointed a 23-member Judicial Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) consisting of circuit and county court judges from across the state. The JNAC reviewed and ratified the project design, and the findings and recommendations of the NCSC project team.

After the Court determines the number of judges necessary to resolve all cases coming before the courts in a timely manner, it then certifies its findings and recommendations concerning the current need for judges to the Florida Legislature. In its most recent certification opinion (SC2024-1721), the Court certified a need for 25 county court judges and 23 circuit court judges. The opinion also noted, "The recently completed judicial workload assessment was an extensive effort involving the participation of more than 900 trial court judges representing all 20 judicial circuits. The Court extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to all who participated in that assessment." Distinct from the trial court workload assessment, the Court also certified the need for two judges for the Sixth District Court of Appeal.

During OSCA's annual awards ceremony, the team that worked to create the Florida Judicial Workload Assessment Final Report was honored with the Teamwork Award. The team's nomination stated, "Over the course of approximately 18 months, the team worked with the NCSC to provide a clear and objective assessment of court workload to establish the number of judicial officers required to resolve, in a timely manner, all cases coming before the court. The team demonstrated outstanding performance and excellence by ensuring the assessment was completed in May 2024 so the Court could seamlessly include the new weights in the fiscal year 2025-2026 judicial certification process." Chief Justice Muñiz attended the awards ceremony and personally thanked the team for their hard work and dedication to completing this essential assessment.

Problem-Solving Courts Conference a Resounding Success

Submitted by Marcia Elder, Training Manager, Office of Problem-Solving Courts

The first ever Florida Problem-Solving Court Conference took place December 11–13, 2024, in Orlando, as co-hosted by the Office of the State Courts Administrator (OSCA) and the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals (FADCP). Attended by hundreds of court officials and staff as well as court partners from throughout Florida, the event drew rave reviews. By all accounts, it was on par with a national conference by virtue of the exceptional lineup of speakers and content.

The event featured seven high-profile plenary speakers, 25 concurrent sessions, seven discipline breakouts, and other special activities. The agenda can be viewed online.

Leading experts from All Rise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals) were part of the faculty. The Director of the National Institute for Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, MD, sent a welcome message to conferees via webcast video accompanied by a presentation on addiction and brain science, a topic for which she is an internationally acclaimed expert. OSCA State Courts Administrator Eric Maclure also delivered welcoming remarks.

Best practices were in the spotlight as a general theme, and a wide range of compelling topics were covered by the 53 presenters—including drug trends and effective drug testing, mental health, co-occurring disorders, trauma responsiveness, behavior modification, data management, ethics, and the needs of justice-involved veterans, among many others.

Two special awards were presented to long-time court leaders for their extensive and distinguished service. Judge Steve Leifman received the Mental Health Champion Award, and Judge Melanie May received the Drug Court Champion Award. The awards were created in their honor and established as awards to be given at future events in their names.

The Training subcommittee of the Steering Committee on Problem-Solving Courts and the Florida Association of Drug Court Professionals played a valuable role in planning for the event. A conference executive committee composed of OSCA and FADCP leaders provided lead event planning and management.

According to evaluations submitted by attendees, the conference met the expectations of all and exceeded expectations for nearly 60%. Ratings of individual sessions were at or over 4.6 on a scale of 1-5 for all sessions for such considerations as presentation quality, usefulness of content in the workplace, and recommendation of speakers and presentations to others.

Thanks to all involved, the high-impact event will have ongoing benefits for supporting and improving the work of problem-solving courts. The next statewide problem-solving court conference is tentatively planned for 2026.

Broward Felony Drug Court Earns Prestigious National Mentor Court Status

Submitted by Sallie James, Public Information Officer, Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

The 17th Judicial Circuit’s Adult Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court has been named one of only 10 “mentor” courts in the nation stemming from its compassionate approach to assisting Broward County residents with substance use disorders and providing 
treatment and educational services for their long-term success.

“It’s a very big deal,” said Circuit Judge Michael Davis, who presides over the problem-solving court. “There are over 4,000 recognized problem-solving courts across the U.S., and only 10 are designated as ‘mentor’ courts. We are the only one in Florida.”

The three-year designation was announced in December by All Rise, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing national best practice standards to problem-solving courts across the nation. Broward’s Felony Pre-Trial Drug Court was chosen from 100 applicants based on its innovation, engagement with the community, and commitment to the justice process.

“They are absolutely one of the best courts in the country,” said Vanessa Matthews, director of the All Rise Treatment Court Institute in Alexandria, VA. “This court has embodied what those principles are in the work they do as a mentor court, and the judge is beyond what we would ever expect a judge to do from the bench in his opportunities to provide people with avenues to succeed.”

This therapeutic court is designed to assist people with substance use disorders so they can successfully enjoy a substance-free life through positive change and choices. Above all, treatment courts promote help and recovery for the most vulnerable.

Broward’s Adult Felony Drug Court program is a standout among problem-solving courts because of its pro-active efforts to connect participants to services and move cases through the system quickly, which in turn saves lives by eliminating unnecessary delays in essential substance use treatments. This process also eliminates the need to spend money housing potential participants in jail.

Chief Judge Jack Tuter said the prestigious designation is a defining moment for the 17th Judicial Circuit.

"I am so very proud of the accomplishments of our drug court. For years the Court has assisted folks caught up in the awful effects of drug abuse. And this year the 17th Circuit was named one of the 10 mentor courts in the nation,” Judge Tuter said. “It’s a huge achievement.”

Here’s how drug court works: voluntary participants (usually charged with nonviolent criminal offenses which may or may not include a drug charge) are clinically assessed and agree to complete a substance use disorder treatment program built around an individualized case plan that includes random drug and alcohol testing. Substance use disorder treatment is ordered if necessary, and frequent status hearings are held before the judge to monitor progress. Relapse prevention plans include learning how to change criminal thinking into critical thinking. During the process, participants report to the Department of Corrections.

“What I like to say to the participants is there is no shame in our game here in our drug court,” Judge Davis said. “You can tell me anything and we will not judge you for it. If you tell us you have used fentanyl, we will do our best to help you.”

Successful completion from the program includes the dismissal of the charges, the retention of the individual’s driver's license, and the removal of impediments to employment, military service, living arrangements, and public benefits.

Currently about 250 people are enrolled in the program, no surprise for an area that is ground zero for substances like Flakka, Fentanyl, bath salts, Ketamine, and pink cocaine (Tusi), said Drug Court Manager Russell Edwards.

Collier County Drug Court Celebrates 25th Anniversary

From the Circuit Times Newsletter

The 25th Anniversary of the Collier County Adult Felony Drug Court was a powerful and inspiring event, held on September 17, 2024, in Courtroom 2A at the Collier County Courthouse. The celebration marked a quarter-century of life-changing work, initiated by the Honorable William L. Blackwell in 1999, to support individuals in overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives.

“It’s one of the most gratifying things that I personally ever did as a judge,” said Judge Blackwell.

Inspiring words by Judge Blackwell and current Drug Court Judge Janeice Martin highlighted the court’s dedication to the power of recovery, reflecting on the early days of the program and how it has evolved over time. Including being a national model for the last four years.

"Twenty-five years of men and women turning their lives around—making amends and restitution to those they have harmed, reuniting with their children, parents, and loved ones. Twenty-five years of clients who transitioned from taking to giving, helping the next suffering soul find their way to wellness, hope, and joy," said Judge Martin.

A highlight of the celebration was the testimonials from Drug Court graduates, sharing how the program transformed their lives. "No matter how far down the hole I went, there is hope here, and there is recovery here. There is a process we live by and so much help in our community. For me, it all started with Drug Court. Someone gave me a chance."

After the ceremony, a reception brought attendees together to celebrate the court's achievements and its impact.

2025 Pro Bono Service Awards

On January 16, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court held the Pro Bono Service Awards in conjunction with The Florida Bar. The annual awards program is a way to recognize and honor the lawyers, judges, law firms, and legal associations who freely give their time and expertise to ensure access to justice for those who otherwise could not afford it. During his welcome to the participants and guests in attendance, Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz said, “For the Court, this is always a heartwarming and inspiring event.”

"I’m happy to say that in the 2024 reporting period, Florida attorneys together provided more than 1.7 million hours of free legal service and contributed $11.6 million to legal aid groups. Both of these figures are increases from the year before,” Chief Justice Muñiz said. He encouraged all Florida lawyers to use their varied skills and talents to help in the best ways they are able.

The awards fall into three categories: those presented by the chief justice, those given by the president of The Florida Bar, and one given by The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.

The 2025 Chief Justice Awards Recipients
The Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award
Thomas Zehnder, Orlando

Chief Justice’s Distinguished Federal Judicial Service Award
Judge Timothy Corrigan, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Chief Justice’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award
Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer, 15th Judicial Circuit

Chief Justice's Law Firm Commendation Award
Craig E. Rothburd, P.A.

Chief Justice's Voluntary Bar Association Award
Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association

The 2025 Florida Bar President's Pro Bono Awards Recipients
Virginia Buchanan, 1st Judicial Circuit
Jana McConnaughhay, 2nd Judicial Circuit
William Galione, 3rd Judicial Circuit
Fred Isaac, 4th Judicial Circuit
Wilda Pomales, 5th Judicial Circuit
Christy Pemberton, 6th Judicial Circuit
Carol Daniels, 7th Judicial Circuit
Eric Atria, 8th Judicial Circuit
Nicholas Shannin, 9th Judicial Circuit
Stephen R. Senn, 10th Judicial Circuit
Tenikka Jones, 11th Judicial Circuit
Whitney Glaser, 12th Judicial Circuit
Lisa Kilbride, 13th Judicial Circuit
Todd Brister, 14th Judicial Circuit
Michael Stern, 15th Judicial Circuit
Loriellen Robertson, 16th Judicial Circuit
Jenelle La Chuisa, 17th Judicial Circuit
Michael Kahn, 18th Judicial Circuit
Jane L. Cornett, 19th Judicial Circuit
Maria Alaimo, 20th Judicial Circuit
Jennifer Little, Out of State

The 2025 Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Service Award Recipient
Amber Kornreich, Miami

The Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association also awards one of their members, and Silvia Stefani Lopez Smith was recognized as the recipient of this year’s Kay Meyers Pro Bono Coordinator of the Year Award. Smith is the staff attorney of pro bono development for Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

Adoption Events Bring Families Together

Since 1995, November has been known as National Adoption Month. It serves as a time to bring awareness to the more than 100,000 children currently in foster care in the United States. It is also a chance to honor the many adoptive and kinship families that give these children a permanent place to call home.

The Saturday before Thanksgiving is also known as National Adoption Day. Courts in Florida and throughout the nation use this day, or another day of their choosing, to finalize adoptions and celebrate the creation of new families before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Second Judicial Circuit recognized National Adoption Day on November 14, 2024, and Judge Barbara Hobbs finalized the adoptions of nine children that day. After court, the new families were invited to attend a celebration at the Challenger Learning Center in Tallahassee.

With the court business behind them, the families spoke about their adoption journeys and what adoption has meant to their lives. The Johnsons have cared for son, Kayden, for years and were delighted to formally give him the family name. The Millers said they immediately knew they were the perfect fit for their new son, Tyson, and also had the medical skills to handle any of his needs. Many of the speakers also encouraged others to consider fostering and adoption and to follow their hearts.

The Tenth Judicial Circuit held a heartwarming adoption event at Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. The day brought smiles, tears, and new beginnings to 13 families who finalized the adoptions of 22 children. Judge Kelly P. Butz and Judge Torea Spohr each presided over official adoption proceedings onsite in their respective temporary courtrooms, transforming those spaces into heartfelt celebrations of love and family that left all in attendance deeply moved. Against the backdrop of the colorful and whimsical theme park, children and their adoptive parents shared moments of joy and excitement as they officially became families. Watching these children find their forever homes was a profoundly rewarding experience for everyone involved, making it a truly unforgettable day.

In addition to National Adoption Month events in November, many courts also participate in adoption events in December as a way to finalize adoptions and form new families before the end of the year.

The Fifth Judicial Circuit holds an annual adoption event known as Home for the Holidays. Judge Stacy M. Youmans presided over the adoptions of 18 children during the event at the Marion County Courthouse in December 2024.

Judges who preside over adoptions frequently say it is one of the best things they get to do in court. After seeing so many new happy families, it is easy to see why.

Additional photos from recent adoption events are in the Courts Around the State section of this newsletter.

A Supreme Evening 2025 Garners Record Support from Florida's Legal Community

Submitted by Mark Miller, Executive Director, Florida Supreme Court Historical Society

With more than 470 attendees, the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society saw a near-capacity crowd and a record-breaking level of sponsorships for their signature event, A Supreme Evening, on January 16. Justices, judges, lawyers, public officials, and faculty from Florida State University gathered at the FSU Dunlap Champions Club in Tallahassee to support the historical society.

“Our mission is to preserve the history of Florida’s highest court and educate the public about the courts’ vital role in protecting personal rights and freedoms,” said Historical Society President Fred Karlinsky as he addressed the crowd. “By being here tonight, you all make our important work possible.”

The event included a reception, dinner, and an impressive lineup of speakers and guests. Jacksonville attorney Hank Coxe, past president of the Historical Society and The Florida Bar, returned as master of ceremonies.

“We are extremely pleased with our record-breaking level of sponsorships and sold-out attendance,” commented Historical Society Executive Director Mark Miller. “And a huge part of what makes the night so special is Hank Coxe’s role as the master of ceremonies, which he does with expert skill and humor to keep the program on track and on time.”

As part of the evening’s featured program, Justice Jamie Grosshans moderated a fireside chat with renowned Georgetown Law professor Randy Barnett. Barnett is the Patrick Hotung Professor of Constitutional Law at the Georgetown University Law Center and the Faculty Director of the Georgetown Center for the Constitution.

Reflecting on his journey from a felony prosecutor in Chicago to a leading constitutional scholar, Barnett shared how he came to embrace originalism—the movement to identify, restore, and defend the original meaning of the Constitution. He also discussed how the judicial landscape has changed over the past 30 years, noting that judges and justices are now paying more attention to the Constitution’s text.

The evening doubled as a celebration for Florida State University Professor Emeritus Charles “Chuck” Ehrhardt, who was presented with the Susan Rosenblatt Lifetime Achievement Award, the Historical Society’s highest honor. While accepting the award to a standing ovation, Ehrhardt remarked that “there’s no other group” he’d rather work with than lawyers and judges.

Ehrhardt’s remarkable 58-year career at FSU has solidified his reputation as a legal legend in Florida. He is known as the undisputed authority on Florida evidence, and his book on the subject is widely referenced by judges, lawyers, and law students across the state.

Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz discussed the recent amendments to Florida’s civil justice system during his “State of the Court” update at the event.

“In a nutshell, the thrust of the changes is to require active judicial case management from the very outset of a case, to impose meaningful deadlines and require adherence to those deadlines, and to make the discovery process more fair,” Chief Justice Muñiz said.

Following the Chief Justice’s remarks, former Justice Robert J. Luck’s official Florida Supreme Court portrait was unveiled. The portrait is part of a series of seven portraits of former and current justices that are currently being commissioned by the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society.

Judicial Elections

The 2024 general election included numerous judicial elections across the state. When Florida Supreme Court justices appear on a ballot, it is for a "merit retention" vote. Justices are initially appointed to the Court by the Governor, but voters decide whether they should remain in office after appointment. New justices face their first merit retention vote in the next general election that occurs more than one year after their appointment. In 2024, Justice Renatha Francis and Justice Meredith L. Sasso faced their first merit retention votes, and both justices were retained in office. They will now serve six-year terms before being up for election again.

Judges serving in Florida's District Courts of Appeal are subject to the same merit retention votes as the justices. All 23 district court of appeal judges on the 2024 ballot were also retained in office. 

In the circuit and county courts, dozens of incumbent judges were reelected to their positions in both contested and uncontested elections throughout Florida. The candidates who won judicial elections and became new circuit court judges in Florida are listed below in alphabetical order.

Judge Jason Edward Bloch
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Heloiza Correa
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Ashley Wells Cox
Fourth Judicial Circuit

Judge Erin Daly
Fifth Judicial Circuit

Judge Jenn Dubbeld
Sixth Judicial Circuit

Judge LaShawnda K. Jackson
Ninth Judicial Circuit

Judge Barbara Kissner-Kwatkosky
Fifth Judicial Circuit

Judge Kathryn R. Land
Third Judicial Circuit

Judge Marie Elizabeth Mato
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Nicole Pearlman
Sixth Judicial Circuit

Judge Tracey L. Redd
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Alicia Peyton Robinson
Ninth Judicial Circuit

Judge Kristen Smith-Rodriguez
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit

The candidates who won judicial elections and became new county court judges in Florida are listed below in alphabetical order.

Judge Kathleen E. Angione
Broward County Court

Judge Christopher Benjamin
Miami-Dade County Court

Judge Lourdes Casanova
Palm Beach County Court

Judge Woody R. Clermont
Broward County Court

Judge Mariano Corcilli
Miami-Dade County Court

Judge Mary Lou Cuellar-Stilo
Hillsborough County Court

Judge William Dorman
Glades County Court

Judge Christine D. Edwards
Hillsborough County Court

Judge Corey B. Friedman
Broward County Court

Judge Clarissa E. Harrell
Brevard County Court

Judge Julie C. Johnson
Baker County Court

Judge Shayla Lee
Duval County Court

Judge Sean Lux
Charlotte County Court

Judge Lauren N. Peffer
Broward County Court

Judge Michael Powell
Charlotte County Court

Judge LaShawn Riggans
Leon County Court

Judge Jonathan A. Skinner
Brevard County Court

Judge Amber Thomas
Citrus County Court

Judge Michelle Urbistondo
Miami-Dade County Court

2025 Chief Judge Elections

Each of Florida's 20 judicial circuits has a chief judge who serves as the administrative officer of the courts within the circuit. Chief judges direct the formation and implementation of policies and priorities for the operation of all courts within the circuit, consistent with branch-wide policies. They have administrative supervision over all judges and court personnel within the circuit, and they are responsible to the chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court.

In odd numbered years, chief judges are elected to serve a two-year term by a majority of the active circuit and county court judges within the circuit. The chief judge elections for 2025 have taken place, and the following judges will begin or continue service as chief judge starting July 1, 2025.

Chief Judge John F. Simon, Jr., elected for the First Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Francis J. “Frank” Allman reelected for the Second Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Melissa G. Olin reelected for the Third Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Lance M. Day reelected for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Daniel B. Merritt, Jr., reelected for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Shawn Crane reelected for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Leah R. Case reelected for the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge William E. Davis elected for the Eighth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Lisa T. Munyon reelected for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge James A. Yancey reelected for the Tenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan elected for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Diana L. Moreland reelected for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Christopher C. Sabella reelected for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Christopher N. Patterson reelected for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Glenn Kelley reelected for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Timothy Koenig elected for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips elected for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Melanie Chase elected for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge Charles A. Schwab reelected for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.
Chief Judge J. Frank Porter reelected for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.

Statewide Judicial Updates

The following updates include information from September 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. Entries are listed in alphabetical order.

Judicial Appointments

Judge Matthew Gordon
Santa Rosa County Court

Judge Jeremy Griner
Hillsborough County Court

Judge Heather Guarch
Orange County Court

Judge Charles Garrett Hill
Columbia County Court

Judge Darrell Hill
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Jennifer Johnson
Hillsborough County Court

Judge Johnathan D. Lott
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Judge Ryan Love
First Judicial Circuit

Judge Rachael Loukonen
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge A. Christian Miller
Seventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Mark Miller
Orange County Court

Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe
Second District Court of Appeal

Judge Laura Moody
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit

Judge James Morgan III
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

Judge M. Katherine Mullinax
Palm Beach County Court

Judge Trent Reichling
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Jack Schlechter
First Judicial Circuit

Judge Tracy Smith
Bay County Court

Judge David Stevens
First Judicial Circuit

Judge Lauren Sweet
St. Lucie County Court

Judge John C. Waters
Tenth Judicial Circuit

Retirements and Resignations

Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr.
Leon County Court

Judge Paul Alessandroni
Charlotte County Court

Judge Judy Atkin
Brevard County Court

Judge Peter Bell
Charlotte County Court

Judge Gary L. Bergosh
First Judicial Circuit

Judge Ted Booras
Palm Beach County Court

Judge Robert F. Diaz
Broward County Court

Judge Wayne M. Durden
Tenth Judicial Circuit

Judge Matthew Foxman
Seventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Kenneth Friedland
Brevard County Court

Judge Joseph C. Fuller, Jr.
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Luis Garcia
Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

Judge Jenifer M. Harris
Ninth Judicial Circuit

Judge Evellen Jewett
Orange County Court

Judge Robert W. Lee
Broward County Court

Judge Myriam Lehr
Miami-Dade County Court

Judge Steve Leifman
Miami-Dade County Court

Judge Jack Lundy
Glades County Court

Judge David C. Miller
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Terri-Ann Miller
Broward County Court

Judge Michelle T. Morley
Fifth Judicial Circuit

Judge John Murphy III
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Judge Terence R. Perkins
Seventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Teresa Pooler
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Gary L. Sanders
Fifth Judicial Circuit

Judge Louis H. Schiff
Broward County Court

Judge Lee Ann Schreiber
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge James D. Sloan
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Margaret O. Steinbeck
Twentieth Judicial Circuit

Judge Jennifer Taylor
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit

Judge Bradford L. Thomas
First District Court of Appeal

In Memoriam

Judge Barry M. Cohen
Palm Beach County Court

Judge Robert L. Doyel
Tenth Judicial Circuit

Chief Judge Richard W. Ervin III
First District Court of Appeal

Judge Thomas M. Gallen, Jr.
Twelfth Judicial Circuit

Judge Vincent T. Hall
Second District Court of Appeal

Judge Raymond Joseph Hare
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Judge William Johnson
Eleventh Judicial Circuit

Judge Charles N. Prather
Ninth Judicial Circuit

Judge Edward Harlan Ward
Thirteenth Judicial Circuit

Awards and Honors

Judge Lauren L. Brodie
Twentieth Judicial Circuit
2022 William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award, The Florida Bar

Judge Laura C. Burkhart
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
2025 Distinguished Jurist of the Year, South Palm Beach County Bar Association

Justice John D. Couriel
Florid Supreme Court
Appellate Judge of the Year, Cuban American Bar Association

Judge Jason Dimitris
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Vanguard Award, Miami-Dade Bar Association Young Lawyers Section

Judge Ivan F. Fernandez
Third District Court of Appeal
Behind the Gavel Award, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law

Judge Samantha Schosberg Feuer
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
2025 Distinguished Judicial Service Award, Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz

Judge Josephine Gagliardi
Lee County Court
Leadership Award, Southwest Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America

Judge Laura Gonzalez-Marques
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Circuit Judge of the Year, Cuban American Bar Association

Judge Monica Gordo
Third District Court of Appeal
Behind the Gavel Award, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law

Judge Robert M. Gross
Fourth District Court of Appeal
2024 Palm Beach County Jurist of the Year, Palm Beach County Justice Association

Judge David A. Haimes
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year 2024, American Board of Trial Advocates, Fort Lauderdale chapter

Judge Carroll Kelly
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
2024 Libby Hines Award, American Judges Association

Judge Robert W. Lee
Broward County Court
Award of Excellence, Florida Judicial Management Council

Judge Steve Leifman
Miami-Dade County Court
Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., Award of Excellence, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Judge Howard O. McGillin, Jr.
Seventh Judicial Circuit
Outstanding Military Achievement Award, Military Officers Association of America, Ancient City Chapter

Judge Bronwyn C. Miller
Third District Court of Appeal
Ronald Reagan Freedom and Democracy Award, St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law
Spirit of Philanthropy Award, Association for Fundraising Professionals

Judge Jason J. Nimeth
Fifth Judicial Circuit
2024 Professionalism Achievement Award, Lake-Sumter State College

Judge Victoria del Pino
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
2024 Maxine Cohen Lando Award, KidSide

Judge Teresa Pooler
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
2024 Justice Award, League of Prosecutors

Judge Ari Abraham Porth
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
2024 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz

Judge Jackie Powell
Broward County Court
President's Award, Caribbean Bar Association

Judge Orlando Prescott
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
2024 William E. Gladstone Award for Judicial Leadership, Florida Department of Children and Families

Judge Jason Reding Quiñones
Miami-Dade County Court
Florida Patriot Award, Cuban American Bar Association

Judge Michael A. Robinson
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Justice Peggy A. Quince Judicial Excellence Award, Virgil Hawkins Florida Chapter National Bar Association

Judge Cymonie Rowe
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year, American Board of Trial Advocates, Palm Beach County chapter

Judge Margaret H. Schreiber
Ninth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year Award, Central Florida Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates
2025 James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award, Orange County Bar Association

Judge Stephanie Silver
Miami-Dade County Court
Vanguard Award, Miami-Dade Bar Association Young Lawyers Section
County Judge of the Year, Cuban American Bar Association

Judge Lisa Small
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Jurist of the Year, Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers

Judge Lisa Walsh
Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Joan Dempsey Klein Award, National Association of Women Judges

Judge Martha C. Warner
Fourth District Court of Appeal
2024 Palm Beach County Jurist of the Year, Palm Beach County Justice Association

Judge Daliah Weiss
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Diversity Impact Award, South County Bar Association

Judge Elijah H. Williams
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Archbishop Edward McCarthy Annual Award, St. Thomas More Society of South Florida

Courts Around the State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judge Martha Warner and Judge Dorian Damoorgian will retire from the Fourth District Court of Appeal on September 30, 2025.  Judge Warner served the Fourth DCA for 33 years after serving as a circuit court judge for three years. Judge Damoorgian served the Fourth DCA for 17 years after serving as a circuit court judge for eight years.

 

Published under the direction of Director of Public Information Susan Emmanuel.

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