FL H5301

Reduces the number of circuit court judges in the Ninth Judicial Circuit from 45 to 43 judges.

Increases county court judges in Alachua (4 to 5), Brevard (8 to 11), Charlotte (2 to 3), Collier (5 to 6), Escambia (4 to 5), Leon (4 to 5), Monroe (3 to 4), Pasco (5 to 7), Polk (9 to 10), and Putnam (1 to 2) counties.

Decreases county court judges in Hillsborough County from 19 to 17 judges.

Treats all newly created judicial positions as vacancies to be filled through the 2018 general election with candidate qualifying between the 50th and 46th day before the primary election.

Terms for new circuit and county court judges begin January 8, 2019, with the act taking effect July 1, 2018.