County Court
County court judges are elected by voters and serve 6 year terms. At the end of each term, if they are not challenged, they win the election automatically.
Job Details
They oversee the majority of non-jury trials in Florida. Most of their cases involve traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and civil disputes of $30,000 or less. They are eligible for assignment to the Circuit Court.
Judicial candidates must be impartial. They are not allowed to run on a platform or declare a party affiliation.
Appointment Process
While county judges are meant to be elected, sometimes a vacancy is created from a judge leaving their position. The county courts are contained within a circuit court, and use the circuit court's Judicial Nominating Commission.