Governor DeSantis to Fill Circuit Judge Vacancy in Florida

News Summary

Governor Ron DeSantis is set to select a new circuit judge for Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit from a list of six finalists. The judicial nominating commission released this list following interviews conducted on April 30. The new appointment will replace retired Judge Robert Wheeler, with the selected candidate required to run as a no-party candidate in the next election. Circuit judges play a critical role in managing felony, juvenile, and high-value civil cases, with significant salary implications.

Tallahassee, Florida – A slate of six finalists has been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for consideration to fill the vacant circuit judge position in Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit. The judicial nominating commission (JNC) for the circuit conducted interviews with the candidates on April 30, and the list of finalists was released on the same day.

Governor DeSantis now has up to 60 days to make his appointment. Once appointed, the new judge will serve a six-year term and will be required to run as a no-party candidate in the next general election. This process ensures that circuit judges maintain their impartiality and do not represent any specific political party during their tenure.

The new appointee will replace retired Circuit Judge Robert Wheeler, who previously held the position after being appointed by former Governor Rick Scott in 2016. Judge Wheeler served as a county judge prior to his appointment as a circuit judge. The 2nd Judicial Circuit, with its base in Tallahassee, encompasses the counties of Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla.

Circuit judges play a pivotal role in the judicial system, handling felony and juvenile cases, as well as civil lawsuits that exceed $50,000 in value. The importance of this position is underscored by the salary for circuit judges, which, as of the 2024-25 budget year, will be approximately $196,898.04 annually, according to the Office of the State Courts Administrator.

A total of thirteen candidates applied to fill this judgeship vacancy. The selection process initiated by the JNC aimed at appointing individuals who meet the qualifications and demonstrate the capability required for such a significant role within the judicial system. The interviews took place at the Judge Charles A. Francis Leon County Court Annex, which is situated in Tallahassee.

Ryan Newman, general counsel for the Governor, indicated that DeSantis prefers to receive the maximum number of nominees, which is six, to ensure a robust selection for the vacancy. This adds a level of thoroughness to the selection process undertaken by the judicial nominating commission.

In addition to the vacancy in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, Governor DeSantis is also tasked with appointing a new judge for the 1st District Court of Appeal. The governor received a list of finalists for that position on April 4, highlighting the recent judicial transitions occurring within the state.

Once a new circuit judge is appointed, they will join a significant group of judges who are tasked with interpreting the law and ensuring justice. The process by which judges are appointed and retained involves running for re-election in nonpartisan races at the end of their six-year term, further emphasizing the non-political nature of their roles.

This situation is part of a broader context in which judicial appointments play a key role in the governance and legal frameworks of state and local jurisdictions. The selection process reflects the importance of upholding judicial independence, which is a cornerstone of the American legal system.

The finalized list of candidates for this judgeship, along with their qualifications and backgrounds, is primarily sourced from The Florida Bar and online searches, providing transparency in the selection process.

For further inquiries regarding the judicial nominations or the current status of the appointment process, contact Jim Rosica via email at jrosica@tallahassee.com or on Twitter at @JimRosicaFL.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: DeSantis to Appoint New Judge
• Tallahassee.com: Who Will DeSantis Pick as the Next Judge
• Gainesville.com: Gov. DeSantis to Review Florida 1st DCA Picks
• FLGov: Judicial Nominating Commission Appointments
• Wikipedia: Judges of Florida