How to Evaluate Judges

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Appeals court judges and Florida Supreme Court justices are appointed by the governor from lists submitted by Judicial Nominating Commissions, appointed by the governor.  Every six years these judges are placed on the ballot so voters can determine whether they should remain on the courts for another six years.  These are called "merit retention" races.

If a judge is not retained, a new judge will be appointed by the governor.

​Five members of the Florida Supreme Court are on the ballot. 

​ In addition, Lake, Marion and Sumter County residents will vote on the 6 judges in the Fifth District Court of Appeal.

The Florida Bar provides information that can help you make an informed decision including

• Biographies of the judges on the ballot
• Results of a Florida Bar Merit Retention Poll  These are the ratings of in-state Florida Bar members of the  judges and justices of whom they have direct knowledge.

You can find the most recent decisions of the Florida Supreme Count on their website.

The National Association of Women Judges created the following documents that suggest questions to consider when evaluating  qualifications for judicial candidates.

1. For suggested criteria for evaluating a judicial candidate and resources for more information, read How to Judge a Judicial Candidate.
2. Evaluating Appellate Judges provides more considerations specific to  retention races.

Trial judges are elected in non-partisan races in the Primary; Appellate judges appear on the General Election ballot in retention elections.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in their government.  
The information on this page is part of our efforts to educate citizens.  
​The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.