The Florida Bar

Circuit Judge Candidate Voluntary Self-Disclosure Statements

The Florida Bar offers judicial candidates the opportunity to provide information about themselves and their backgrounds to the public in preparation for an election. Candidates attest to the accuracy of the information in the voluntary self-disclosure statements, but the disclosures should not be viewed as endorsements by The Florida Bar.

2024

This election cycle, 191 circuit judges were elected or re-elected without opposition, and 16 contests were decided in the August election. In two races — 6th Circuit, Group 14, and 9th Circuit, Group 15 — the top vote getter did not garner more than 50 percent of the vote, with runoff races to be decided in the November general election.

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Map showing Florida's 20 judicial districts by county
Click on the image to find your Circuit.

6th Circuit, Group 14

Jennifer Dubbeld

Personal Statement

I have served as an Assistant Public Defender for 17 years, and I have extensive litigation experience. I am in the courtroom litigating almost every day of the week. I have the hands-on courtroom experience required of a trial judge. I am known throughout the courthouse for always being prepared, professional and straightforward.

My daily courtroom experience assisting clients, negotiating with opposing parties and artfully arguing in front of judges gives me the necessary insight of the courtroom that is needed from a trail court judge. I have extensive litigation experience which includes effectively and clearly articulating a position, thinking on my feet, and dealing with adversity in a calm and effective manner, which are all qualities that are important for a judge to have. Just as judges don’t get to pick the cases that appear before them, as an Assistant Public Defender, I never get to pick my cases. I always objectively analyze each case prior to deciding how to proceed, and I never let my personal feelings or beliefs interfere with the Constitutionally prudent advice that I provide to my clients. I am a strong Constitutionalist that protects our individual rights and liberties daily. I have extensive experience dealing with difficult situations and difficult parties, as criminal law can be very emotional at times. I always maintain professionalism and ethics, regardless of who my client is.

It is critical that a judge possesses the proper demeanor and the ability to maintain this demeanor in the most difficult situations in court. Throughout my numerous jury trials and thousands of court hearings, I have proven my ability to navigate battles, pitfalls and quick decision making that are inherent in our system of justice.

Throughout my 17 years as an Assistant Public Defender, I have earned the respect of numerous judges, law enforcement personnel, clerks, court reporters, private attorneys and opposing counsel. My knowledge, skills, and courtroom experience are invaluable, and this places me in a unique position to continue to maintain the integrity of our Judicial System and become a reliable judge.


Nick Fiorentino

Personal Statement

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Thank you for taking the time to research the judicial candidates in this race prior to casting your vote.

Throughout my 21 years of practice, I have learned to listen to all sides, analyze the information presented and then react after a full understanding. I have tried to focus my practice on problem resolution for my clients so that heading to a courtroom is not the first choice but a last. All methods of resolution should be explored before trial and a judge should help the parties in that regard. I have received training to be a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator in Family Law, a Qualified Parent Coordinator for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, a Florida Arbitrator and a FINRA Arbitrator.

When a matter is before a judge, it is important to have judges who will apply the law as written by the Legislature and approved by the Governor, unaffected by their personal views while treating each side with respect. The ultimate responsibility of a Judge is to uphold the U.S. and Florida Constitution and apply the law consistently and fairly. My experience as an attorney will be a benefit if elected to serve on the bench as I have the skills to efficiently evaluate what has been presented to me, treat those before me with respect and apply the law to the facts before me.

I am not only well versed in the practice of law, but also the business of law. I have managed the finances of my current practice for over 15 years. My practice includes 3 attorneys (including myself) and support staff. I understand the responsibility of having to manage a case load while maintaining the practice itself. I have been able to balance these tasks for the benefit of my clients and my employees along with serving our local bar associations and the community. Whether it is through my practice or volunteering, there is no job that is beneath me. I will put in the work necessary to get the job done for the citizens of Pasco and Pinellas County.

I have the temperament, experience and character necessary to be a circuit court judge and will uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary. If elected, I will ensure that all people of the Sixth Circuit who appear in my courtroom will be treated with dignity and respect.

9th Circuit, Group 15

Alicia Peyton

Personal Statement

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As a native Central Floridian, I understand the compassion and respect that it takes to serve this community; the place my family and I call home. With more than 15 years of criminal and civil litigation experience, my training and background have prepared me to serve our community in this position. I have tried more than 30 cases in this circuit and argued countless motions in criminal and civil courts. I truly believe that the members of the judiciary rent, in essence, the people’s seat. This seat should be cloaked in humility, the beginning and end of the two-way street of respect. A judge should be the epitome of blind justice, affording the same access and respect to this community, no matter the value of the clothes on a person’s back or the place where they lay their head at night. These are the qualities that I learned from my parents growing up; that everyone deserves the same modicum of respect; that value isn’t predicated on a person’s net worth or societal affiliations, but rather on the basic premise to treat others how you would want them to treat you. As a member of the judiciary, I intend to administer a fair and just result for cases no matter a person’s background, with compassion and respect.