Volusia Exposed | Courts & Government

Judicial appointments

State commission forwards six names for opening on Florida’s Fifth DCA

The finalists were selected after the Judicial Nominating Commission interviewed nine applicants for the appellate vacancy created by Judge Jordan Pratt’s elevation to the federal bench.

By Volusia Exposed staff  |  July 8, 2026

Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commission has forwarded six finalists to the governor for an opening on the Fifth District Court of Appeal, following interviews with nine applicants on June 19.

The vacancy arose when Judge Jordan Pratt was elevated to the federal bench. Under Florida’s judicial-selection process, the governor will choose the next Fifth DCA judge from the commission’s list of nominees.

The six finalists

The interviews were recorded and the candidates’ applications have been made available to the public. The materials offer voters and court observers a closer look at the attorneys and judges seeking a place on one of the state’s appellate courts.

Public records and interviews

Editor’s note: This article is based on the commission-related materials and interview links published with the original page.