Governor Ron DeSantis appoints Lauren Blocker and Michele Simonsen to Florida courts

Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has made two key judicial appointments, naming Lauren Blocker and Michele Simonsen to new roles in Florida’s courts. The announcement, made on Wednesday, adds experienced legal professionals to the bench in the Seventh Judicial Circuit and Volusia County.

Lauren Blocker, of Ponte Vedra, has been appointed to serve as a judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court. She is currently a County Court Judge for St. Johns County, a position she has held since 2021. Prior to her time on the bench, Blocker served as Corporate Counsel for Fidelity Information Services, LLC. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law.

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Blocker’s appointment comes as a result of the retirement of Judge Foxman. Her experience in both corporate law and the courtroom is expected to bring a balanced perspective to the circuit bench.

Michele Simonsen, of New Smyrna Beach, has been selected to serve as a judge on the Volusia County Court. She brings more than two decades of experience as an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, where she has served since 1998. Simonsen also has experience on the defense side, having previously worked as an Assistant Federal Public Defender with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

Simonsen is a double graduate of the University of Florida, earning both her undergraduate degree and juris doctor from the institution. She will be filling the vacancy created by the recent elevation of Judge Miller.

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Both appointments reflect Governor DeSantis’s ongoing commitment to placing experienced and well-qualified individuals on Florida’s judicial benches.

These selections are part of the governor’s broader strategy to ensure Florida’s courts are staffed with judges who are deeply familiar with the law, have varied experience, and are prepared to serve the public with fairness and integrity.