Judge Anthony B. Miller has been appointed to the 2nd Judicial Circuit. He fills the vacancy created by Judge Martin Fitzpatrick, who was appointed as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Florida.
Miller’s first judicial appointment came last June when Gov. Ron DeSantis selected him as one of five Leon County Court judges. He previously served as General Counsel for the Agency for State Technology.
Miller expressed his gratitude in a Facebook post announcing the appointment:
“I’m humbled by Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment and confidence in me to serve on the circuit bench. It’s been a privilege to serve on the Leon County Bench and I now look forward to working with the Chief Judge and my fellow judges on the Circuit Bench, especially during the unprecedented challenges we face with COVID 19.”
Miller is a long-time resident of Leon County. He earned his undergraduate degree from FAMU and his law degree from FSU. He is married with three children.
A second opening on the court is taking a little longer to fill. The Judicial Nominating Commission for the Second Circuit will interview two additional applicants for nomination to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge James Hankinson, who is retiring on June 30th.
The commission interviewed 14 candidates for both openings on Thursday. The additional interviews will take place on Thursday, April 9th:
- Lance E. Neff – Trial lawyer, United States Army
- J. Layne Smith – County Judge, Second Judicial Circuit
The commission will submit up to 6 nominees to the governor to fill Hankinson’s seat.
