Governor Ron DeSantis announces the appointment of Matt Walsh to lead the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has chosen a seasoned law enforcement veteran to take the helm of Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Matt Walsh, who brings nearly three decades of experience in public safety, will step into the role of Secretary, tasked with overseeing programs and policies aimed at protecting young people in state custody while guiding them toward better futures.
“With nearly 30 years of law enforcement experience, Matt will serve Florida well as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice,” Governor DeSantis said in his announcement. “He will continue the great work of the department to ensure the safety of those in their custody and care and improve outcomes for Florida’s at-risk youth.”
Walsh’s appointment comes as DJJ continues to focus on rehabilitation, family engagement, and community partnerships to reduce recidivism and provide support for troubled youth. Known for his leadership within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Walsh has built a career defined by tackling complex challenges and bringing together diverse agencies to achieve shared goals.
“Thank you, Governor DeSantis, for entrusting me with the appointment of Florida’s Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice,” Walsh said following the announcement. “I look forward to working with DJJ’s dedicated staff and partners to build stronger youth, stronger families, and safer communities in Florida.”
For the past several years, Walsh served as FDLE’s Deputy Executive Director, where he oversaw the Public Safety Command. This division included the Capitol Police, the Protective Services Division, Criminal Justice Information Services, information technology systems, high-tech cybercrime units, targeted violence prevention programs, and officer wellness initiatives. His broad range of responsibilities gave him experience managing both operational demands and long-term strategic initiatives.
Walsh began his law enforcement journey at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked directly in the community before moving into investigative roles. In 2003, he joined FDLE, serving in leadership positions in Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. His work involved investigating violent crimes, homicides, public corruption, and organized criminal activity. Walsh also worked with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, further broadening his expertise in multi-agency operations.
In 2020, Governor DeSantis appointed Walsh as Interim Sheriff for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a role that required immediate leadership during a transition period for the agency. His ability to step into high-pressure situations and maintain stability has been a recurring theme in his career.
Former DJJ Secretary Eric Hall expressed confidence in Walsh’s ability to lead the department forward. “Florida’s juvenile justice system is in great hands with Matt Walsh,” Hall said. “I look forward to the great work he and the DJJ team will continue to do to build on the success of enhancing public safety in serving Florida’s youth and families.”
As Secretary of DJJ, Walsh will oversee an agency that plays a critical role in Florida’s criminal justice system, focusing on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation for young offenders. His leadership will guide efforts to balance accountability with opportunities for personal growth, ensuring that youth in the system receive the resources they need to turn their lives around.
Walsh’s extensive background in law enforcement, coupled with his track record of interagency collaboration, positions him to lead DJJ through both immediate challenges and long-term reform initiatives. For Florida’s youth and families, the hope is that his experience will translate into stronger support systems and safer communities statewide.
