News & Information

JNC seeks applicants for two judicial vacancies

The Twelfth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been asked to provide Gov. Ron DeSantis with nominees for vacancies for judgeships in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court. Specifically, the Commission has been tasked with making recommendations for potential judges for the Circuit Court in and for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit created by the enactment of Senate Bill 2508 and for the Sarasota County Court, created by the retirement of Judge David Denkin.

Order to Convene

Chief Judge Diana Moreland honored with 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence

On August 4, 2025, Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Diana Moreland was presented with the Florida Supreme Court’s 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, honoring her service to and leadership within Florida’s judicial branch.

Sarasota club puts Judge Briggs into 4-H Hall of Fame

Retired Sarasota County Judge Barbara Briggs has been selected for induction into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is July 31st in Gainesville. Judge Briggs, who retired in 2010, has continued to serve her community and helped foster a new generation of 4-H students.

Circuit to receive three new judicial positions

Court leaders are excited to announce that with Governor DeSantis finalizing the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 state budget, we are on track to welcome a new county judge in Manatee and two new circuit judges to the bench. All three positions will be appointed by the governor, so we encourage attorneys to apply when the Judicial Nominating Committee convenes.

Local art adorns hallway in updated exhibit

Judges and members of the Manatee County Bar Assocation mingled with local artists at a recent art exhibition at the Manatee County Judicial Center. Guests enjoyed light refreshments while viewing the latest installation of art by the Westminster Point Pleasant Neighborhood residents.

Process Server application period runs now through Aug. 31

The application period to become a certified process server in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit begins today. Applicants must complete the online application, provide the application fee and upload all necessary documents between July 1 and August 31, 2025, to be approved for the certification period of September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026.

Judges, Sarasota Bar honor scholarship recipient

Judges Kevin Bruning, Rochelle Curley, Stephen Walker and Charles Williams, along with members of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) Council for Diversity and Inclusion recently attended a reception to honor the 2025 Richard R. Garland Scholarship recipient, Aryione’ Bass.

New AO updates circuit's court reporting plan

Chief Judge Diana Moreland has entered Administrative Order 2025-09.2, which updates the circuit’s court reporting plan. Court users will continue to see Official Court Reporters in felony trials and capital cases, as well the Digital Court Recording system, but we are excited to introduce a new court reporting method.

Juneteenth: A day of recognition, restoration and celebration

The next court holiday is Juneteenth, a curious sounding day and one that holds great importance in our nation’s history.

Magistrates needed in Sarasota

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court is seeking licensed attorneys to fill two magistrate positions in Sarasota County: a family magistrate in Venice and a civil magistrate in Sarasota. These quasi-judicial officers are responsible for conducting hearings, entering recommended orders to the family or civil judge and presiding over Baker Act and Marchman Act hearings.