Cases and background information for

Judge John M. Harris

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About this Court Position
About this Court Position

Candidate Background

Judicial Background

  • 2018 - present: Judge, 5th District Court of Appeal. Appointed by Governor Rick Scott.
  • 2006 - 2018: Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit Court. Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush.* He ran unopposed in 2008 and 2014.
  • 2002-2006: County Judge, Brevard County. Appointed by Governor Jeb Bush.*

Additional Background

Before he became a judge, Harris had about 11 years of experience as an attorney. In that time, he argued 100 non-jury trials and 300 cases for administrative bodies (government agencies). He focused on business and commercial litigation, including employee disputes, evictions, collections, and asset/business acquisition. Other civil specializations include estate planning, insurance law, construction law, governmental and family law. He also represented his clients in an appeal, if needed.

In 1997 he was an adjunct professor at UCF, teaching a course in legal research. He is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Judicial Mentor.

This judge is a member of the Federalist Society.

Expected Retirement

2042

This judge is a textualist, who uses an interpretation of the Constitution that is advocated by the Federalist Society.

additional resources

Note: Some sources, like the Orlando Sentinel, Florida Today, and Tampa Bay Times, have a limited number of free articles.

* Appointed instead of running for election because of a vacancy between election cycles.