Florida
Florida’s highest court is the Supreme Court of Florida. The court has six justices and one chief justice, who is selected by the supreme court justices for a two-year term. (Source: Florida Constitution).
Judicial Selection
The governor appoints a candidate to the Supreme Court of Florida from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. After at least one year on the court, a justice may stand for a six-year term in an unopposed yes/no retention vote at the time of Florida’s next general election. Justices may stand for additional terms in the same retention process. When a seat on the court opens in the middle of a justice’s term, the governor appoints a judicial candidate from a list provided by a judicial nominating commission. There are no term limits. The mandatory retirement age is 75, but a justice who has served one half of their term can complete the rest of the term.
State Constitution
Florida has had six constitutions adopted between 1839 and 1968. As of January 1, 2026, it had 141 amendments. (Data on file with John Dinan, Wake Forest University.)
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How State Courts Can Help Deflect the Supreme Court’s Latest Blow to Multiracial Democracy
State courts need not import a federal doctrine directing judges to avoid issuing rulings that could change election rules in the runup to an election.
Texas Parental Rights Amendment Threatens to Invalidate Child Abuse Laws
During oral arguments in a child abuse case, some Texas Supreme Court justices seemed open to the possibility that the amendment protected parental violence against children.
“State Capture” and the Role of State Courts
State constitutions offer powerful tools for combatting control of state and local institutions by private interests.
Redistricting Litigation Heats Up
In the wake of Callais, state courts are weighing a growing number of redistricting disputes.
The Aftermath of Callais
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling will embroil state courts in a new wave of battles over gerrymandering and voting rights.
Anti-Choice States Target Organizations Providing Information About Abortion
Attorneys general in Florida, Missouri, and South Dakota sued pro-choice organizations under state consumer deception and RICO laws.
State Courts Offer Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Courts in almost two dozen states have rejected the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning that discrimination based on pregnancy is not sex discrimination.
How Are State Judges Selected?
Thirty-eight states use elections as part of their system for choosing high court judges.