JUST IN: Governor DeSantis Appoints Five New Judges Across Florida Courts!

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Five Judicial Appointments Across Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – September 12, 2025 – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis today announced five key judicial appointments across the state, filling vacancies in multiple judicial circuits and county courts.

Julie “JC” Hill – Tenth Judicial Circuit Court
Julie “JC” Hill, of Winter Haven, was appointed to the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court. Hill has served as an Assistant State Attorney in the circuit since 2012 and previously worked as an Assistant Public Defender in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctor from Chase College of Law. Hill will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Spohr.

Allison Fox – Polk County Court
Allison Fox, also of Winter Haven, has been appointed to the Polk County Court. Fox has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Tenth Judicial Circuit since 2013 and earlier worked as a Program Attorney in the Guardian Ad Litem Program of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Smith College and her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Fox will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Green.

Randall Daugustinis – Seventh Judicial Circuit Court
Randall Daugustinis, of St. Augustine, will serve as a Judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. Daugustinis has been an Assistant State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit since 2020 and previously worked in the Tenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa and his juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Warren.

Benjamin Rich – St. Johns County Court
Benjamin Rich, of St. Augustine, has been appointed to the St. Johns County Court. Rich has served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit since 2010 and earlier worked as an attorney with McCune Law P.A. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Rich will replace Judge Blocker, who was elevated to a higher judicial role.

Derek Lewis – Monroe County Court
Derek Lewis, of Key West, has been selected to serve on the Monroe County Court. Lewis has led Derek A. Lewis P.A. as Managing Attorney since 2021 and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. Lewis fills the vacancy left by the elevation of Judge Morgan.

Governor DeSantis’ appointments strengthen the judicial system across Florida, bringing experienced prosecutors, defenders, and attorneys into critical roles throughout the state.

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FAQs on Governor Ron DeSantis’ Judicial Appointments

Q1. How many judges did Governor Ron DeSantis appoint in this announcement?
Governor DeSantis appointed five judges across different judicial circuits and county courts in Florida.

Q2. Who is Julie “JC” Hill and what position was she appointed to?
Julie “JC” Hill was appointed as a Judge on the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court. She has served as an Assistant State Attorney since 2012.

Q3. Which new judge will serve on the Polk County Court?
Allison Fox, of Winter Haven, has been appointed to serve as Judge on the Polk County Court.

Q4. Who was appointed to the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court?
Randall Daugustinis, of St. Augustine, has been appointed as Judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Q5. Which counties received new judicial appointments in this round?
The appointments were made in Polk County, St. Johns County, Monroe County, and the Tenth and Seventh Judicial Circuits.

Q6. Why were these judicial vacancies created?
The vacancies were created due to resignations, retirements, and elevations of previous judges.