In the upcoming November 2026 general election, voters in South Florida will decide on the retention of several appellate judges, including one Florida Supreme Court justice and multiple judges from the Third and Fourth District Courts of Appeal.
Florida Supreme Court
Justice Carlos G. Muñiz, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2019, is up for merit retention. Prior to his appointment, Justice Muñiz served as general counsel for the U.S. Department of Education and held various positions within Florida’s state government. Voters statewide will determine whether he continues his tenure on the bench.
Third District Court of Appeal
The Third District Court of Appeal, headquartered in Miami, serves Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Judges facing merit retention in this district include:
- Kansas R. Gooden: Appointed in 2023, Judge Gooden previously practiced appellate law in the private sector.
- Monica Gordo: Serving since 2019, Judge Gordo was a circuit court judge in Miami-Dade County before her appellate appointment.
- Fleur Jeannine Lobree: Appointed in 2019, Judge Lobree has experience as an assistant state attorney and in private practice.
- Thomas Logue: On the bench since 2012, Judge Logue has a background in appellate law and served as an assistant county attorney in Miami-Dade.
- Bronwyn Catherine Miller: Appointed in 2018, Judge Miller previously served as a circuit court judge and assistant state attorney.
Fourth District Court of Appeal
Based in West Palm Beach, the Fourth District Court of Appeal covers Palm Beach, Broward, St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Judges up for retention include:
- Alan O. Forst: Appointed in 2013, Judge Forst has experience in both private practice and federal service.
- Mark W. Klingensmith: Serving since 2013, Judge Klingensmith was a circuit court judge and city commissioner prior to his appellate role.
- Johnathan D. Lott: Appointed in 2020, Judge Lott has a background in civil litigation and served as a circuit court judge.
- Shannon K. Shaw: On the bench since 2021, Judge Shaw previously worked as an assistant attorney general and in private practice.
- Caroline Cahill Shepherd: Appointed in 2022, Judge Shepherd has experience in both criminal prosecution and defense.
Florida’s merit retention system allows voters to decide whether these judges should continue serving on the bench. A majority “yes” vote retains the judge for another six-year term, while a “no” vote results in a vacancy filled through the judicial nominating process.
For more detailed information on each judge’s background and judicial philosophy, voters are encouraged to consult official court websites and resources provided by The Florida Bar.