DeSantis Strengthens Justice System with Four New Judge Appointments

Bonita Springs, Florida, USA - On July 16, 2025, Florida’s landscape of justice witnessed notable changes as Governor Ron DeSantis announced four new judicial appointments aimed at filling key vacancies across the state’s courts. This move underscores the governor’s ongoing commitment to shaping the judiciary as he continues to make significant legal decisions that impact residents statewide.

The appointed judges bring a wealth of experience and local knowledge to their roles. Jason Jones, a native of Tallahassee, steps in as Judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court. Having served as the County Court Judge for Leon County since 2020, Jones has a solid foundation in legal matters, previously acting as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University, he takes on this new challenge following the retirement of Judge Wheeler.

The New Judges

Next, Aaron Hubbard from Largo has been appointed to the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. Since 2022, he has served as County Court Judge for Pinellas County. With a background as an Assistant State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Hubbard possesses a strong legal acumen, complemented by his academic achievements, including a Bachelor’s degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He fills the position left vacant by Judge Jirokta’s retirement.

From Bonita Springs, Javier Pacheco steps forward as Judge on the Lee County Court. Pacheco has been a partner at the prestigious law firm Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP since 2015, bringing significant legal expertise to the bench. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University. He will fill the vacancy left by Judge Swett’s resignation.

Lastly, John Reed from Shalimar has been appointed as Judge on the Okaloosa County Court. With experience as a General Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit since 2023 and a former partner at Remol Reed, PA, Reed is well prepared to take on this new role. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, filling the spot after Judge Schlechter’s elevation.

Building the Judiciary

Governor DeSantis’s portfolio of judicial appointments has been expansive, with a total of 49 judges appointed from 2019 to 2023, according to Ballotpedia. His appointments have stirred conversation throughout Florida, reflecting a strategic approach to reshape the judiciary. Notably, the governor has previously made high-profile appointments such as Robert J. Luck to the Florida Supreme Court, a position he secured after significant vacancies were created by the retirements of established justices like Barbara Pariente, R. Fred Lewis, and Peggy Quince, due to mandatory retirement ages, as reported by USA Today.

Through these recent appointments, it is clear that the governor is committed to ensuring that Florida’s judicial system remains robust and well-staffed with qualified individuals. As the new judges take their positions, they bring not just credentials and experience, but also a connection to the communities they will serve, thus embodying the principles of justice and local governance essential for a thriving legal system.