News Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Matt Walsh as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. With extensive experience in law enforcement and a commitment to improving outcomes for at-risk youth, Walsh aims to enhance community safety and rehabilitation efforts. He previously served as Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and has a strong background in both law enforcement and mental health initiatives. His appointment signals Florida’s continued commitment to addressing juvenile justice challenges.
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed Matt Walsh as the new Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). The appointment was announced on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, following the vacancy left by former Secretary Eric Hall, who recently took a position as the president of Pasco-Hernando State College.
Walsh brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). He joined FDLE in 2003, where he focused on law enforcement efforts throughout the state. His appointment is aimed at improving outcomes for at-risk youth, an area DeSantis underscored as vital for community safety and justice system efficacy.
In addition to his role at FDLE, Walsh also had a brief tenure as the Interim Sheriff of Clay County in 2020, appointed by DeSantis himself. His law enforcement career began at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. Over the years, he has held leadership positions in several prominent Florida cities, including Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. Walsh’s investigative experience spans violent crimes, homicide, public corruption, and organized crime.
Walsh’s credentials also include collaboration with federal law enforcement. He served on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, showcasing his breadth of experience in public safety and security. Furthermore, he has been proactive in mental health initiatives, having founded the FDLE’s Critical Incident Stress Management and Peer Support Team, which supports law enforcement officers in managing stress and mental wellness.
In his new role at DJJ, Walsh has articulated a strong commitment to working collaboratively with the department’s staff to enhance community safety and promote effective rehabilitation for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. He has expressed a forward-looking vision for addressing challenges faced by at-risk youth in Florida.
Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Southern Vermont University and a master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. His educational background complements his extensive real-world experience in law enforcement and community service.
The position of DJJ Secretary became available in June 2025 when former Secretary Eric Hall moved to his new role at Pasco-Hernando State College. Timothy Niermann had been serving as the acting DJJ Secretary since Hall’s departure, ensuring continuity in leadership during the transition.
Former Secretary Hall commended Walsh’s appointment, asserting confidence in his leadership capabilities to spearhead improvements within Florida’s juvenile justice system. The governor’s endorsement and the subsequent community support reflect the belief that Walsh’s experience and dedication can lead to positive changes for Florida’s youth.
In summary, Matt Walsh’s elevation to the post of DJJ Secretary signifies a continued commitment by the state of Florida to address the needs of at-risk youth while enhancing safety in communities statewide. As Walsh officially takes on his new responsibilities, stakeholders within the juvenile justice system await initiatives that will arise from his experience and vision.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Florida Governor’s Office
- Florida Politics
- Florida Phoenix
- Miami Herald
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juvenile Justice
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.
