Applicants Sought for Two Twelfth Circuit Judgeships

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for vacancies for judgeships in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Specifically, the Commission has been tasked with recommending two potential judges for the Circuit Court in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, as created by Senate Bill 2508, and with addressing Judge Lon Arend's retirement.

Additionally, the Commission has been tasked with recommending candidates for the open Manatee County Court position created by Senate Bill 2508.

Applicants must have been a member of the Florida Bar for the preceding five years, a registered voter, and a resident of the territorial jurisdiction of the Court at the time of assuming office.

Applications may be downloaded from The Florida Bar’s website and the Office of the Governor.

All people interested in applying must deliver the following separately for each vacancy:

1. A PDF version of the complete application, along with a current, color photograph to:
Hunter G. Norton, Chair, 12th Circuit JNC
240 S. Pineapple Ave, 9th Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
hnorton@shumaker.com

2. A redacted version of the application excluding all exempt information under Chapter 119, F.S., or other applicable public records law to hnorton@shumaker.com.

All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. EST on February 6, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: All questions in the application must be answered fully and completely. Applications should include current and accurate contact information for judges, co-counsel, opposing counsel, and references, as those individuals will likely be contacted.

INTERVIEWS: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, with additional interviews possible on Monday, March 2, 2026. All interviews will be conducted at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205.

Members of the bench, Bar, and public are encouraged to contact Commission members regarding applicants for judicial positions. A complete listing for each member is available on the Florida Bar’s Website www.floridabar.org.