The Florida Bar

The Vote’s in YOUR COURT

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The Vote’s in Your Court is a resource for voters regarding judges and judicial elections. It includes the “Guide for Florida Voters,” an easy-to-read, nonpartisan brochure about the courts, the role of judges and the merit retention process.

Visit the Florida Division of Elections website or call 1-866-308-6739 for more information. You can also send an email.

Election dates for 2024 are:

  • Presidential Preference Primary Election: March 19
  • Primary Election: August 20
  • General Election: November 5

The materials below were for the 2022 election.

Guide for Florida Voters

The Guide for Florida Voters (Una Guía Para Los Votantes De Le Florida) answers questions such as:

Printed guides available in both English and Spanish are distributed to supervisors of elections offices and public libraries across the state.

Click on image to download the PDF

Judicial Elections

County court candidates run in nonpartisan, contested elections for six-year terms. Circuit court judges serve six-year terms and are elected by voters of the circuits in nonpartisan, contested elections.

Judicial Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements

Judicial Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements give county and circuit court judicial candidates the opportunity to share information about their education, credentials and other relevant details with voters.

Map showing Florida's 20 judicial districts by county

Merit Retention

Supreme Court justices and District Courts of Appeal (DCA) judges are appointed by the governor. Newly appointed judges go on the ballot for the first time within two years after appointment. If the voters retain them, they then go on the ballot again every six years.

Voter & Candidate Resources