Judges

This bill increases the number of judges in specific Florida judicial circuits and counties as outlined in amended statutes. It raises circuit judge counts (e.g., from 26 to 27 in the First Circuit, 34 to 35 in the Fifth Circuit) and county court judge positions (e.g., Duval County from 17 to 20, Hillsborough from 25 to 26). The changes apply to designated judicial circuits and counties listed in Sections 26.031 and 34.022 of Florida Statutes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026, with no additional policy mechanisms beyond staffing adjustments. This is a procedural change to judicial staffing levels, not a substantive policy shift.