In short: Florida judges are investigated by the Judicial Qualifications Commission under Article V, section 12 of the Florida Constitution. If the JQC finds misconduct, the Florida Supreme Court decides the sanction: reprimand, fine, suspension without pay, removal, or lawyer discipline. Public reprimands are delivered in person before the Court and are posted on this channel.
The videos below are something most Floridians never see: sitting judges standing before the Florida Supreme Court to be publicly reprimanded.
Who Polices Judges
The Judicial Qualifications Commission is created by Article V, section 12 of the Florida Constitution. Its investigative panel reviews complaints and decides whether probable cause exists. If it does, formal charges are filed and the matter becomes public. A hearing panel then hears the evidence and recommends findings and a sanction.
The Supreme Court Decides
The Florida Supreme Court reviews the JQC’s findings and may accept, reject, or modify them. Available discipline includes:
- Public reprimand, delivered in person.
- A fine.
- Suspension without pay.
- Removal from office.
- Lawyer discipline, which can follow a judge off the bench.
What Gets Judges Disciplined
The cases in the videos include:
- Ex parte communications, including in a veterans treatment court and an email that froze hundreds of cases.
- Failing to report gifts and travel.
- Partisan political activity and misleading campaign conduct in nonpartisan judicial races.
- Using the judicial title to influence police.
- Inaccurate answers on a judicial application.
- Habitual lateness and demeaning treatment of lawyers and litigants.
What Gets Judges Removed
Removal is reserved for conduct showing present unfitness to hold office. The arguments below show the Court weighing that line.
Filing a Complaint
Anyone can file a complaint with the JQC. It isn’t a substitute for an appeal: disagreeing with a ruling is not misconduct. The JQC handles ethics violations, not legal error.
Watch: the videos behind this article
Florida Supreme Court Issues Public Reprimand to Judge Brenda C. Wilson | SC94-587
A Judge Used His Title to Avoid Arrest — Florida's High Court Responds | Re: Judge Richardson
Ex Parte Contact in Veterans Court — and a Public Reprimand
More Short Videos on This Issue
Watch the Real Appellate Arguments
These are recordings of Florida Supreme Court proceedings in judicial discipline cases, posted on the channel. An argument is not a ruling: read the written opinion before relying on any outcome.
Inquiry Concerning Judge Luzzo — When Can Florida Remove a Sitting Judge? | SC00-197
Judge PUBLICLY REPRIMANDED on Live TV! Ethics & Campaign Misconduct | Decker | SC14-383
Frequently Asked Questions
Who disciplines judges in Florida?
The Judicial Qualifications Commission investigates and prosecutes; the Florida Supreme Court decides the discipline.
What discipline can a Florida judge receive?
Reprimand, fine, suspension without pay, removal from office, or lawyer discipline.
Can I file a complaint against a Florida judge?
Yes, with the JQC. Disagreement with a ruling is not misconduct; that is what appeals are for.
Are JQC proceedings public?
Investigations are confidential. Once formal charges are filed, the proceedings become public.
Talk to a Florida appeal lawyer
Weidner Law, P.A. handles Florida appeals from St. Petersburg. If you need an appeal lawyer in St. Petersburg, call (727) 954-8752 or email weidner@mattweidnerlaw.com.
Read the law yourself, free: the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Appellate Procedure, and Judicial Administration are all on floridarules.net.
This article is general information about Florida law, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it, watching the videos, or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case turns on its own facts, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.
