FL S1188

Authorizes the Governor to prospectively fill judicial vacancies in courts where retention elections apply, rather than waiting until the current term expires.

Creates "prospective vacancy" status when a justice or judge is ineligible for retention or fails to qualify for retention, allowing the Governor to appoint a successor before the current term concludes.

Requires judicial nominating commissions to nominate three to six candidates within 30 days of a prospective vacancy, with the Governor making the appointment within 60 days.

Establishes that prospective appointments begin upon expiration of the departing justice's or judge's term and end following the next general election occurring at least one year after appointment.

Applies to judicial offices subject to retention elections but not to circuit or county court judge positions filled through public election.