At the Polls, the Vote’s in Your Court
Making Informed Decisions about Florida Judicial Elections and Merit Retention
Your Ballot Matters:
The Importance of Voting for Judges
Tempted to skip voting the judges on the ballot on election day? According to a 2024 Sachs Media voter survey, only 47% of Florida voters feel confident about judicial elections and the merit retention process. The Vote’s in Your Court provides educational tools and resources to help you make informed decisions about judicial candidates.
Judges make decisions that impact our lives daily, from interpreting laws to resolving disputes. Your vote helps ensure the judiciary remains fair, impartial, independent, and accountable.
Key Election Dates and Deadlines
Primary Election 2026
- Deadline to request mail-in ballot: August 6, 2026
- Early voting period: August 8 – 14, 2026
- Election Day: August 18, 2026
General Election 2026
- Deadline to register to vote: October 5, 2026
- Deadline to request mail-in ballot: October 22, 2026
- Early voting period: October 24 – 31, 2026
- Election Day: November 3, 2026
The Role of Florida Judges
The Florida judiciary interprets and applies laws to ensure justice. Judges play a critical role by interpreting and applying the law, overseeing fair and impartial trials, and protecting citizens’ rights.
Types of Cases Handled
Judges make critical decisions every day on a wide range of issues, including:
Traffic
Small Claims
Landlord-Tenant
Personal Injury
Criminal
Death Penalty
Guardianship
Types of Judges
There are several types of judges within the court system that have different responsibilities. In Florida, both county court and circuit court judges are trial judges and preside over trials and hearings. Florida has a mandatory retirement age for judges and justices, occurring on their 75th birthdays.
COUNTY JUDGE
Hear criminal misdemeanors and civil cases in which the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less.
CIRCUIT JUDGE
Hear criminal felonies, domestic relations, juvenile matters, probate issues, and civil cases in which the disputed amount is greater than $50,000.
APPELLATE COURT JUDGES
Judges on the six District Courts of Appeal review the decisions of the lower trial courts.
FLORIDA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES
The Florida Supreme Court justices review death penalty appeals, appeals from the appellate courts, resolve conflicts among appellate courts, and manage Florida’s court system.
What Do Judges Do?
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Preside over trials and hearings
- Determine what testimony and evidence are allowed in court
- Sentencing and judgments
- Ensure jurors understand the law
- Decide cases in non-jury trials
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Impartiality
- Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Upholding justice
How Florida Chooses Its Judges:
Elections and Merit Retention
Judicial Elections vs. Merit Retention: What’s the Difference?
- Judicial elections are held for trial court judgeships, where two or more candidates qualify to be on the ballot. Merit retention applies to governor-appointed appellate judges and Supreme Court justices, who face a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote from the public to remain in their position.
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Judicial races will appear on the primary election ballot
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Voters select their preference for judge
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If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes will appear on the ballot in the general election
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The candidate that receives the majority of the votes will serve a six-year term
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Trial judges are subject to judicial election contests every six years.
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Trial judges will be automatically re-elected if no other candidate qualifies to challenge the judge.
Applies to:
County judges
Circuit judges
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The Judicial Nominating Committee screens candidates and makes recommendations to the governor
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Judges and justices are selected and appointed by the governor
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Within three years after appointment, newly appointed judges go on the general election ballot for the first time.
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Voters will select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on the ballot to determine if the judge is retained
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If judges are retained, they serve a six-year term
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Judges will be placed on the general election ballot every six years in merit retention elections
Applies to:
Appellate judges
Florida Supreme Court justices
Voting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’: What Does it Mean?
- Merit retention ensures experienced judges continue based on performance. A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote determines whether they should stay in their position. A majority of voters decide the election’s outcome.
Both methods are crucial for maintaining a fair, competent, and impartial judiciary in Florida.
Learn More About the Judges on Your Ballot
- You can learn more about judicial candidates by reviewing their voluntary disclosure forms, which detail the judges’ qualifications, experience, and background (link when available), or their past case decisions at www.flcourts.org. To find out which candidates will be on your ballot and obtain relevant campaign documents, visit the Candidates & Committees section of the Florida Division of Elections website.
Florida’s Court System Explained
Florida’s court system ensures justice and fairness for all citizens. It includes different levels, each with specific roles and responsibilities:
Florida Supreme Court
This is the highest court, handling significant cases like death penalty appeals and constitutional questions. It also oversees lawyer discipline and professional regulation. For the court to make a decision, at least five of the seven justices must be present, and at least four must agree with that decision.
How many? The Chief Justice and six Justices.
District Courts of Appeal
There are six districts, each with a District Court of Appeal. These courts review trial court decisions and appeals. Each case is reviewed by a panel of three judges.
How many? 73 judges
Trial Courts
Circuit Courts
Circuit courts handle felony criminal cases and civil cases, including family law cases.
County Courts
County courts deal with everyday issues like traffic offenses and small claims.
