Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the appointment of four judges to various courts in Florida. These appointments aim to fill vacancies created by resignations and legislative enactments.
Lauren Sweet, from Stuart, has been appointed as a judge on the St. Lucie County Court. Sweet has been an Assistant General Counsel for the School Board of St. Lucie County since 2022 and previously served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and earned her juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Sweet will replace Judge Nelson, who resigned.
Ryan Love, based in Pace, will serve as a judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court. Love has worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Florida since 2008 and was formerly an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit. He holds a bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a juris doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. Love fills the vacancy left by Judge Wells' resignation.
David Stevens, hailing from Niceville, is appointed to the First Judicial Circuit Court as well. Stevens has been serving as Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney in this circuit since 2023 and was previously the owner of Stevens Law Firm, PLLC. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his juris doctor from Regent University School of Law. His appointment addresses a vacancy resulting from HB 5401's enactment.
Matthew Gordon, residing in Pensacola, will take up a position as a judge on the Santa Rosa County Court. Gordon has been an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit since 2006. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and received his juris doctor from Florida State University. Like Stevens, Gordon's appointment fills a vacancy created by HB 5401.