Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a series of judicial appointments on Friday, filling seven bench vacancies and one commission seat across several Florida circuits. The appointments draw from a mix of private practice, current judgeships, and state attorney offices to address openings created by retirements, resignations, and recent legislative changes.
In the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Kimberly Bocelli of Fort Myers moves up from her current role as a Lee County Court Judge to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Evans. Bocelli, a University of Florida graduate, previously served as a General Magistrate.
To fill a vacancy on the Charlotte County Court following Judge Burns’ retirement, DeSantis tapped Turner Rouse, a Punta Gorda-based firm owner and former Assistant State Attorney.
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The Fifth Judicial Circuit will see two new faces following the enactment of Senate Bill 2508. Shanae Pickens, an Assistant State Attorney in Ocala, and Benjamine Boylston, a Leesburg attorney and firm owner, were both appointed to circuit judge positions.
Additionally, Jason Smith, a partner at Smith Cors Law in Spring Hill, was named to the Hernando County Court under the same legislative expansion.
Further north, Nicole Saunders of Fleming Island transitions from her role as an Administrative Law Judge to the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. Sarah Bell, an Assistant Attorney General from Fernandina Beach, will join the Nassau County Court.
Finally, the Governor appointed Rachael Crews, a shareholder at GrayRobinson P.A. in Maitland, to the Ninth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission for a term ending in July 2028.
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