The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to increase the number of judges in certain judicial circuits and counties. Specifically, it raises the number of circuit judges in the Second, Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth circuits, with the total number of judges in each circuit being adjusted accordingly. Additionally, the bill increases the number of county court judges in Bay, Clay, Hernando, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and Sumter counties, reflecting similar increases in their respective totals.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the structure of the District Courts of Appeal by increasing the number of judges in the Sixth District from 9 to 11, while establishing a mechanism to reduce the number of judges in the Second District from 15 to 13 over time, contingent upon vacancies. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is tasked with notifying relevant officials about any events that would lead to a reduction in judgeships. The bill also includes a declaration of important state interest and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 2508 Filed: 35.06