Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee

The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee renders written advisory opinions to inquiring judges and judicial candidates regarding the application of the Code with respect to specific instances of contemplated judicial and nonjudicial conduct. 

JEAC Website

Code of Judicial Conduct

The Code of Judicial Conduct establishes standards of ethical conduct for judges and candidates for judicial office.  Written inquiries should be addressed to the Committee Chair, Judge Lucas, by e-mail at JEAC@flcourts.gov

See Member List. The enabling authority for the Committee can be found in the Opinions issued by the Florida Supreme Court on this subject.

Enforcement of the Code of Judicial Conduct

Enforcement of the Code of Judicial Conduct is a function of the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC). For more information and access to the JQC’s online complaint form, see www.floridajqc.com.

JEAC Elections Subcommittee

The Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee has created a standing subcommittee on elections to assist the full committee in providing expedited responses to time-sensitive campaign-related questions. Members of the JEAC serving on the Elections Subcommittee are the Hon. Miguel de la O, Mr. Mark Herron, Esq., the Hon. Nicholas Lopane, and the Hon. James H. Peterson, III.   

Written inquiries may be directed to the subcommittee chair, Mark Herron, Esq., by e-mail at JEACElections@flcourts.gov.

Judicial Campaign Conduct Forums for 2024

The Supreme Court of Florida and The Florida Bar Board of Governors, in concert with the state’s trial court chief judges and the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, have scheduled Judicial Campaign Conduct Forums in 5 cities statewide during the week following the close of qualifying. A virtual statewide presentation will also be held.  All incumbent and non-incumbent candidates facing opposition in elections for judicial office will be expected to participate personally in one of the forums scheduled on Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.  See Forums Schedule.

Presenters will emphasize the nonpartisan character of judicial elections and detail for candidates, committee chairs, campaign managers, staff, and others critical information regarding requirements under Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Presenters will also stress the seriousness with which the Court views any abuse of the elections process and the consequent impact of campaign misconduct on public trust and confidence in the judicial branch.

KEY DATES - 2024

QUALIFYING                                              April 22 – April 26, 2024 
(determined pursuant to section 105.031(1), Florida Statutes, beginning no earlier than noon on the 120th day and ending not later than the 116th day before the primary election)

FORUMS                                                       May 2 and 3, 2024 
(set Thursday and Friday following the close of qualifying)  

PRIMARY                                                      August 20, 2024  
(set on the Tuesday 10 weeks prior to the general election in accordance with section 100.061, Florida Statutes)

GENERAL ELECTION                                    November 5, 2024 
(set the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year in accordance with section 100.031, Florida Statutes)

An Aid to Understanding Canon 7

Prepared by the Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee and published by the Office of the State Courts Administrator, An Aid to Understanding Canon 7 is a guide designed to help candidates for judicial office understand the ethical obligations imposed upon them by Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.