The Vote’s in Your Court is your go-to resource for information on judicial elections and merit retention in Florida. It includes answers to frequently asked questions about judicial and merit retention elections, judicial candidate voluntary self-disclosure statements, and information about District Court of Appeals judges and Florida Supreme Court justices up for merit retention.

The qualifying period for Judicial Offices (i.e., Justice(s) of the Supreme Court, District Court of Appeal Judges, Circuit Court Judges, and County Court Judges*)

• Noon, Monday, April 20, 2026 – Noon, Friday, April 24, 2026
• The Division will begin accepting qualifying documents on April 6, 2026. See Section 99.061(8), F.S.

*Note: Candidates for county court judges qualify with their respective county Supervisor of Elections. All other judicial candidates file with the Florida Division of Elections as the filing officer.

Key Resources

Note: The below resources will be updated for the 2026 elections in April 2026

Download the Guide

Guide for Florida Voters

This easy-to-read, nonpartisan guide explains the role of judges, judicial elections, and the merit retention process. The Florida Bar distributes a printed version of this guide (Spanish and Creole versions as well as English) to supervisors of election offices and other partners across Florida. Visit TheVotesInYourCourt.com to learn more.

Information about candidates for merit retention

Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in nonpartisan elections every six years so voters can determine whether they should remain on their courts for another six-year term.

Judicial Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements

The Florida Bar offers judicial candidates for county and circuit seats the opportunity provide information directly to voters about themselves and their backgrounds in preparation for an election.

Voter & Candidate Resources

• Florida Supreme Court Page on Merit Retention: Detailed information about merit retention for justices and judges.
• Florida Department of State Division of Elections website.
• Voter Assistance Hotline: Toll Free 1.866.308.6739  (in English and Español), available Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with extended hours on the day registration ends and on Election Day for statewide elections.
• Sources of Authority and Guidance: Links to laws, rules, and opinions governing candidates running for judicial office
• Canon 7 of the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct: Guidelines on political activity for judges.

Your participation in judicial elections and merit retention votes is crucial to maintaining a fair and effective judiciary.