Florida - Thursday December 29, 2022: Governor Ron DeSantis has made three judicial appointments to the Sixth District Court of Appeal. The appointments fill the three vacancies on the court that were created by the enactment of HB 7027 which takes effect on January 1, 2023.
HB 7027 re-vamps Florida’s appellate courts by creating the 6th District Court of Appeal and revising the jurisdictions of the 1st District Court of Appeal, the 2nd District Court of Appeal and the 5th District Court of Appeal.
Jared Smith, of Lakeland, to serve as Judge on the Sixth District Court of Appeal: Smith has served as a Judge on the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court since September 2019 after his appointment by Governor DeSantis. Previously, he served as a Judge on the Hillsborough County Court, a partner in private practice, and a Judge Advocate for the United States Air Force. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Fort Hays State University and his law degree from Washburn University.
Joshua Mize, of Winter Park, to serve as Judge on the Sixth District Court of Appeal: Mize has served as a Judge on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court since February 2021 after his appointment by Governor DeSantis. Previously, he was the owner of Mize Law, PLLC and worked as an associate attorney at Bush Ross, P.A., Akerman LLP, and Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Florida.
Keith White, of Maitland, to serve as Judge on the Sixth District Court of Appeal: White has served as a Judge on the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court since February 2011. Previously, he was the president and shareholder of Keith F. White, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and his law degree from Florida State University.