Governor Ron DeSantis announces four new judicial appointments for Florida’s courts in key judicial districts
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four new judges to serve on courts across the state of Florida. The appointments, which were revealed this week, fill existing judicial vacancies created by retirements, resignations, and promotions in various counties. These decisions continue the governor’s trend of selecting judges with extensive backgrounds in both public service and private legal practice.
The first appointment named by Governor DeSantis is Jason Jones of Tallahassee, who will now serve as a judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court. Jones has served as a County Court Judge for Leon County since 2020, bringing valuable judicial experience to his new position. Before stepping onto the bench, Jones worked as the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and later completed his juris doctor at Florida State University. Jones will be filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Wheeler.
The second appointment is Aaron Hubbard of Largo, who has been selected to serve as a judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. Hubbard currently holds a seat as a County Court Judge for Pinellas County, a position he has occupied since 2022. Before his time on the bench, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Hubbard’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. His appointment fills the opening created by the retirement of Judge Jirokta.
Javier Pacheco of Bonita Springs has been named to serve as a judge on the Lee County Court. Pacheco brings years of experience in private legal practice to the position, having served as a partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP since 2015. Prior to becoming a partner, he also worked as an associate with the same firm. Pacheco completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio State University and earned his juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University. He will be stepping into the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Swett.
Rounding out the appointments is John Reed of Shalimar, who will now serve as a judge on the Okaloosa County Court. Reed has been working as a General Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit since 2023, giving him firsthand experience in judicial proceedings and courtroom management. Before becoming a magistrate, Reed practiced law as a partner at Remol Reed, PA. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from the University of Florida. Reed’s appointment fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Schlechter.
These appointments reflect a range of professional backgrounds from public service to private practice, aligning with Governor DeSantis’ focus on bringing experienced legal minds to the judiciary. Each appointee has demonstrated a commitment to the legal profession through their previous work, whether in courtrooms, legal offices, or public agencies.
As Florida continues to face a growing population and increasing demands on its court system, the addition of these judges is expected to strengthen the state’s judicial capacity and ensure timely justice for its residents. Governor DeSantis’ office has emphasized the importance of these appointments in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of Florida’s courts.
With these selections, the governor continues to shape the state’s judicial landscape with individuals who have a proven record of service and a strong understanding of Florida’s legal system.
