The Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission has been convened by Governor Ron DeSantis to select and submit the names of two highly qualified candidates. These vacancies were created following Judge John Conrad’s resignation and Judge J. Logan Murphy’s appointment to the Hillsborough County Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Bench.
According to a press release by the Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, applications for the two vacancies are due before 5 p.m. on June 28, 2024. They must be submitted to Max Amster, Chair of the Thirteenth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, at Veridis Management LLC.
To be considered, candidates must be a member of the Florida Bar for the preceding five years and a registered voter. Applicants must also reside in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit at the time of appointment.
Candidates may download the "Judicial Appointment Application 2022" from the Office of the Governor website. The application package submitted must include a digitally signed copy of the fully completed application in PDF format and another digital signed copy with personal information not subject to public disclosure redacted as permitted by Section 119.071, also in PDF format.
Interviews for the vacancies will be conducted during the week of July 15, 2024, at a soon-to-be-announced location.
Conrad’s resignation went into effect on February 29, 2024. He served the court for nearly 18 years.
Governor DeSantis appointed Murphy to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court Bench in March. A county court judge since 2021, Murphy filled the vacancy created by Judge Ronald Ficarrotta’s retirement.