Julie Taylor was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 11 to succeed Duval County Judge Ronald Higbee, who is retiring from the bench effective June 30.
She was one of five nominees submitted to DeSantis on May 7.
Since 2017, Taylor, 50, has been general counsel for the 4th Judicial Circuit Court. In 2021, she was appointed special magistrate and civil traffic infraction hearing officer.
In her 4th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission interview, Taylor said her experience in traffic court would be valuable as a county judge because it allows her to preside over people who represent themselves without an attorney.
“I’ve learned patience and how to control the calendar and the court,” Taylor said.
Taylor received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1992 and her J.D. from Samford University Cumberland School of Law in 1996. She was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1996.
Her legal career includes assistant public defender, private practice and assistant state attorney in the 4th Circuit, where she was director of county and juvenile court before becoming the court’s general counsel.