After a round of interviews, 12 candidates were sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to fill the vacancies left by retired judges Linda Nobles and Jan Shackelford.
Both Shackelford and Nobles retired as circuit judges, positions that now must be filled by appointment. The Judicial Nominating Commission, which interviewed 14 candidates March 20, sent 12 of those names to DeSantis.
The 12 candidates sent to DeSantis include:
“The Commission sincerely thanks the members of the bench, bar and public who took time to provide feedback about the applicants,” the JNC said.
How are circuit judges selected in Florida?
According to The Florida Bar, circuit court and county court judges normally are elected in nonpartisan races for six-year terms.
“If a circumstance arises where there is a mid-term vacancy, the governor fills the position by appointment, through a merit selection process, after receiving recommendations from a judicial nominating commission.
“To retain their seats at the end of their terms, judges must be reelected. Judges who were appointed through vacancies must sit for election at the end of the remainder of those terms.”
Where is the First Judicial Circuit?
Florida’s First Judicial Circuit encompasses Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
What are judges paid in Florida?
According to an appropriations bill signed into law in 2025, the salaries of Florida judges in fiscal year 2025-26 are:
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: First Judicial Circuit judge candidates narrowed to 12
Reporting by Benjamin Johnson, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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