In a significant move to bolster Florida’s judicial system, Governor Ron DeSantis recently made seven judicial appointments. This decision was announced at the end of the week, marking a notable moment in the state’s legal landscape.

Among these appointments, two judges received promotions, while five others were newly appointed to their respective positions. The promotions include:

  • Kimberly Bocelli: Elevated from Lee County Judge to Judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court, covering DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. She fills the vacancy left by Judge Mary Evans and was selected from a pool of 11 applicants.
  • Nicole Saunders: Promoted from Administrative Law Judge to Judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Clay, Duval, and Nassau Counties. Her appointment is rooted in SB 2508, legislation aimed at increasing the number of judges in Florida.

New Judicial Appointments

The new judges appointed by Governor DeSantis are as follows:

  • Sarah Bell: Appointed as Judge of the Nassau County Court. She previously served as an Assistant Attorney General and Assistant State Attorney at the 4th Judicial Circuit.
  • Benjamin Boylston: Now Judge of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court, which includes Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties. He previously worked as a partner in a law firm.
  • Turner Rouse: Takes over as Judge of the Charlotte County Court, succeeding Judge John Burns. Rouse has experience as an Assistant State Attorney and has been in private practice since 2020.
  • Shanae Pickens: Appointed as Judge of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court. She has been serving as an Assistant State Attorney since 2022.
  • Jason Smith: Now Judge of the Hernando County Court, with a background in private practice dating back to 2005.

These appointments reflect Governor DeSantis’s commitment to enhancing Florida’s judicial system, ensuring that the courts are equipped to handle the growing demands of the state’s legal issues.

Legislative Background

One of the key pieces of legislation that facilitated these appointments is SB 2508, which was introduced to increase the number of judges in Florida. This legislative effort was discussed in detail on June 2, 2025, when the bill was placed in conference for further deliberation. The Appropriations Conference Committee, which plays a critical role in budgetary decisions, is chaired by Senator Hooper, with a diverse group of members including Berman, Boyd, Brodeur, Gruters, Passidomo, and Rouson.

This committee, along with various other specialized groups, is responsible for reviewing and approving budgetary allocations for different sectors, including the judiciary. The push for more judges stems from the growing need for a more efficient legal system that can effectively handle the increasing caseload.

For additional insights into Governor DeSantis’s judicial appointments and the supporting legislation, you can read more at Florida Politics and the details of SB 2508 at Florida Senate.

These recent appointments are a pivotal step forward in ensuring that Florida’s judicial system remains robust and responsive to the needs of its residents.