ACLU of Florida drops lawsuit after Gov. DeSantis fills Tallahassee judicial vacancy
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida has withdrawn a lawsuit against Gov. Ron DeSantis now that he has filled a Tallahassee-area circuit judgeship.
The civil-rights group filed what's known as a petition for writ of mandamus with the Florida Supreme Court on July 3. It's a court order that compels an elected official to perform a certain action. The suit contended that DeSantis blew a constitutional deadline of June 29.
But on July 10, DeSantis appointed Jason Jones , a Leon County judge, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Judge Robert Wheeler, rendering the case moot.
Previously: DeSantis sued by ACLU over missing deadline to appoint new Tallahassee-area judge
In his letter to Jones, DeSantis said the appointment – in the Big Bend's 2nd Judicial Circuit – "is evidence of my utmost confidence in your ability to serve with excellence and distinction."
The ACLU represented Maite Garcia, a Tallahassee-based attorney who was interested in running for the seat. Circuit judges who are appointed must run as no party-candidates in the next general election. They then serve six-year terms.
Among other things, circuit judges handle felony and juvenile cases and civil lawsuits worth $50,000 or more . County judges hear misdemeanors, small claims cases, traffic infractions and landlord-tenant disputes, among other matters.
According to the Office of the State Courts Administrator , as of the 2024-25 budget year, circuit judges were paid $196,898.04 per year and county judges were paid $186,034.08 yearly.
The 2nd Judicial Circuit, based in Tallahassee, includes Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla counties. And Jones' elevation to the circuit bench means another opening that DeSantis will have to fill.
This story contains previously published material. Jim Rosica can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com . Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL .
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Lawsuit moot after DeSantis names new circuit judge in Tallahassee
