FL H1097

Requires Florida Senate confirmation of judicial appointments to the Supreme Court and district courts of appeal, with a 180-day deadline for confirmation votes.

Eliminates the constitutional requirement that judicial nominating commissions provide the Governor with a list of three to six candidates; allows the Governor to appoint any qualified person subject to Senate approval.

If the Senate does not confirm a nominee within 180 days, the nomination is deemed unconfirmed and the Governor must make another nomination.

Consolidates judicial nominating commissions to one per judicial circuit for trial courts, eliminating separate commissions for the Supreme Court and district courts of appeal.

Applies Senate confirmation requirements to circuit court and county court judges in jurisdictions using merit selection and retention.