News Summary
The Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit is looking for candidates to fill the vacancy left by the late Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson. Applications must be submitted by July 3, with interviews scheduled for July 14, 15, or 21. The commission seeks highly qualified nominees to uphold the important responsibilities of the judicial system.
Tallahassee, Florida – The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) for Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit is actively seeking candidates to fill the vacancy left by the late Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson, who passed away earlier this year in a tragic accident. The commission has set a deadline for applications, which must be submitted by 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Caloca-Johnson dedicated nearly 30 years to her role as a circuit judge, focusing primarily on family law. She tragically died in a single-vehicle accident in Gulf County on May 4, 2023, at the age of 61. Her contributions to the judicial system and the community have left a lasting impact.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed the need for “highly qualified nominees” to take on the responsibilities of this important judicial role. The JNC is tasked with reviewing the applications and will hold a meeting by telephone at 5 p.m. on July 3, 2025, to assess the candidates and assign vetting duties.
Interview Process and Timeline
Following the application review, interviews for potential nominees are scheduled to take place in person on July 14, 15, or 21, 2025. These interviews will occur in Tallahassee, with further details regarding the specific location and schedule expected to be provided to candidates.
About the 2nd Judicial Circuit
The 2nd Judicial Circuit encompasses Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties. Circuit judges in this district handle a variety of cases, including felony and juvenile matters, as well as civil lawsuits valued at $50,000 or more. The new judge will join their esteemed colleagues in presiding over significant legal issues affecting the community.
Importance of Appointment
Filling the vacancy left by Judge Caloca-Johnson is considered a vital task, as the judicial system plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, as well as ensuring fair and just proceedings for all individuals. The selected candidate will not only need to exhibit a high degree of legal knowledge and expertise but also a strong commitment to serving the community.
Individuals interested in applying must meet specific qualifications set forth by the JNC and adhere strictly to the established deadline. The commission emphasizes the importance of selecting a nominee who reflects the values and needs of the 2nd Judicial Circuit.
Conclusion
The JNC’s efforts to replace Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson are part of the ongoing process of maintaining an effective judicial system in Florida. Community members and legal professionals alike will be closely watching the selection process as the JNC aims to find a highly qualified candidate to carry on the important work left by Judge Caloca-Johnson.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Circuit Judge Dawn Caloca-Johnson Tragically Passes Away
Governor DeSantis to Fill Circuit Judge Vacancy in Florida
Tallahassee Prepares for Circuit Judge Selection Process
Thirteen Candidates Compete for 1st District Court of Appeal Seat
Frank Allman Reappointed as Chief Judge of 2nd Judicial Circuit
Florida Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence in Tragic Case
Tallahassee Ethics Board Seeks New Member
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Gov. DeSantis to Appoint New Judge
- GB Tribune: Who’s on the Ballot
- NBC News: Live Updates on Trump’s Cabinet Picks
- Washington Post: Biden Supreme Court Reform
- WTXL: Judges with Ties to Big Bend for Supreme Court Justice Seat
- Wikipedia: Judicial Nomination in the United States
- Google Search: Circuit Judge Florida
- Google Scholar: Florida Judicial System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judge
- Google News: Florida Judicial Appointments
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
