In the upcoming general election on November 5, voters in the Jacksonville area and Hernando County will weigh in on the retention of seven judges from the 5th District Court of Appeal (5th DCA). This court plays a crucial role in the Florida judicial system, serving as the first line of review for potential errors made by local judges in a region populated by over five million residents. Though these merit retention votes may be overshadowed by significant national elections, they carry substantial implications for the local judicial landscape. The 5th DCA is responsible for reviewing appeals from several judicial circuits, including the Fourth, Fifth, Seventh, and Eighteenth Circuits, which encompass Jacksonville and surrounding counties.
Among the judges on the ballot is Joe Boatwright, who served as a Putnam County judge from 2013 until his appointment to the appeals court by Governor Ron DeSantis in late 2022. His background is diverse, having worked as an assistant state attorney and in private practice. He holds multiple degrees, including a law degree from Catholic University of America, and is affiliated with the Federalist Society, a prominent conservative legal organization. Boatwright’s experience spans various legal roles that showcase his qualifications for the appellate bench.
Eric Eisnaugle is another key figure, having transitioned from being a member of the Florida House of Representatives to a 5th DCA judge after his appointment by former Governor Rick Scott in 2017. A graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, Eisnaugle has a solid foundation in law, having worked in respected law firms prior to his judicial career. His background in legislative affairs may offer a unique perspective to the bench, making him a notable candidate for retention.
Harvey Jay, originally from Jacksonville, also merits attention. With a law degree from the University of Florida, he forged a successful path as a civil trial attorney before receiving judicial appointments from both Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis. His journey took him from the Duval County Circuit Court to the 1st District Court of Appeal and ultimately to the 5th DCA in January 2023, following the restructuring of appellate district boundaries. His extensive judicial experience in multiple roles within Florida’s courts positioned him as a seasoned judge deserving of voter support.
Paige Kilbane and John MacIver are also among those on the ballot for merit retention. Kilbane was appointed to the 5th DCA after a career that included service as both a prosecutor and a private attorney. Her judicial career began in Palm Beach County, with subsequent promotion to the 5th DCA in early 2023. MacIver, a graduate of Northwestern University, has held multiple roles within state government, including general counsel positions and chair of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. His varied professional experiences and legal expertise provide him with a rich background suitable for appellate work.
Jordan Pratt and Adrian G. Soud round out the group of judges up for retention. Pratt has experience in federal law enforcement and has worked with a nonprofit focused on religious liberties before his 2023 appointment to the 5th DCA. Soud, a civil law practitioner and elected circuit judge since 2008, has managed a range of cases, also receiving his appointment to the 5th DCA in late 2022. Both possess unique experiences that contribute to the diversity and depth of the 5th DCA’s judicial panel.
In summary, the judges from the 5th District Court of Appeal poised for retention votes bring a wealth of experience and distinct paths to the judiciary. Each judge is recognized for their previous roles, legal education, and affiliations, particularly with the Federalist Society. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the merit retention process provides an opportunity to evaluate the performance and qualifications of these judges, underscoring the importance of informed voting in the judicial system.