Bill > H5401

This bill increases the number of judges in several Florida judicial circuits and counties to address potential judicial workload and capacity needs. Specifically, the bill amends Florida Statutes to add judges in multiple judicial circuits, including increasing the number of circuit judges in the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Judicial Circuits by varying amounts (typically 1-2 additional judges per circuit). Similarly, the bill increases the number of county court judges in several counties, including Bay, Clay, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Palm Beach, and Sumter Counties, with most counties gaining 1 additional judge. The bill includes a declaration that it serves an important state interest and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, which suggests the changes are intended to improve judicial efficiency and responsiveness in these specific regions of Florida by providing more judicial resources to handle case loads.

Budget and Finance

Justice Budget Subcommittee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/5401