Governor Ron DeSantis announces five new judicial appointments across multiple Florida counties today
Tallahassee, Florida – In a significant move impacting Florida’s judicial landscape, Governor Ron DeSantis has announced five new judicial appointments. The appointments, spanning multiple counties and circuits, mark a notable expansion of the state’s judiciary and fill vacancies created by recent legislative actions and judicial promotions.
Among those named is Jeremiah Hawkes of Tallahassee, who will serve as Judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court. Hawkes brings a wealth of legal experience, having served as Senior Counsel for Bass, Sox, & Mercer since 2022 and previously as General Counsel for the Florida Senate. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from Florida State University. He is stepping into a role opened by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508.
Also from Tallahassee, Carlos Rey has been appointed to the Leon County Court. Rey has been deeply involved with the Florida Senate, serving as General Counsel since 2023 and as a Senior Attorney since 2020. Prior to his Senate work, he was an Assistant General Counsel for the Florida Department of State. Like Hawkes, Rey holds both his bachelor’s and law degrees from Florida State University. His appointment follows the elevation of Judge Jones, leaving the seat on the county court open.
The Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court will see the addition of Judge Cristina Correa from Coral Gables. Judge Correa has served as a County Court Judge in Miami-Dade County since 2020. Before that, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her juris doctor from Florida International University. Her appointment also fills a vacancy created by Senate Bill 2508.
Miami’s judicial bench will further expand with two appointments to the Miami-Dade County Court. Jose Rohaidy, an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit since 2019, will join the court. Before his time as a prosecutor, he worked as an associate at Zumpano Patricios, P.A. Rohaidy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a juris doctor from St. Thomas University. Like Correa, he fills a seat established under Senate Bill 2508.
Joining Rohaidy on the Miami-Dade bench is Jennifer Levin. Levin has been a partner at Stone, Glass & Connolly, L.L.P. since 2024, and prior to that, she was an associate at Martinez Morales Law. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her juris doctor from Florida International University. Levin’s appointment also addresses a judicial vacancy created by Senate Bill 2508.
Governor DeSantis’ latest round of appointments reflects an ongoing effort to ensure Florida’s courts remain fully staffed amid a growing caseload. The selected judges bring a mix of legislative experience, prosecutorial backgrounds, and private practice expertise, highlighting a broad range of qualifications suited to the state’s diverse judicial needs.
Legal analysts note that these appointments could influence court decisions across the state, particularly in areas impacted by recent legislation. “These judges bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of Florida’s legal system,” said one observer familiar with the appointments. “Their varied backgrounds will allow them to handle a wide spectrum of cases effectively.”
As these five judges prepare to assume their new roles, Florida’s residents can expect to see their influence in both county and circuit courts. With vacancies filled by experienced legal professionals, the state aims to maintain a steady, reliable judicial process. Governor DeSantis’ appointments are part of a broader trend in recent years of ensuring that Florida’s courts are equipped to handle growing legal demands efficiently and competently.
