Downloads
HB 5401 — Judges
by Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and Rep. Brannan and others (SB 2514 by Appropriations Committee)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Appropriations Committee (AP)
The bill amends ss. 26.031 and 34.022, F.S., to establish two new circuit court judgeships (one in the First Judicial Circuit and one in the Twentieth Judicial Circuit) and seven new county court judgeships (three in Orange County, two in Hillsborough County, one in Santa Rosa County, and one in Columbia County).
The Supreme Court issued Order No. SC2023-1586, dated November 30, 2023, certifying the need for one additional circuit court judge (Twentieth Circuit) and five additional county court judges (three in Orange County and two in Hillsborough County).
The bill conforms to HB 5001, the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Appropriations Act, which includes $3,749,038 in General Revenue funding, and authorizes 20 full-time equivalent positions with an associated salary rate of $2,219,713, for the newly established judgeships and associated judicial assistants and attorney staffing.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor’s signature, these provisions take effect July 1, 2024.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 109-0