Bill > S2508

This bill increases the number of judges in various judicial circuits and county courts across Florida, specifically adding judges in the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Judicial Circuits. In county courts, the bill increases the number of judges in Bay, Clay, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and Sumter Counties. Additionally, the bill increases the number of judges on the Sixth District Court of Appeal from 9 to 11 judges. Notably, for the Second District Court of Appeal, the bill introduces a mechanism to gradually reduce the number of judges from 15 to 13 by not filling vacancies that occur after July 1, 2025, with the Chief Justice required to notify key government officials about each reduction. The bill declares this judicial restructuring as an important state interest and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, which suggests a planned, phased approach to expanding judicial resources in Florida.

Appropriations (Senate)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/2508