Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Alan Lawson as the 86th Justice to the Florida Supreme Court.
- Gov. Scott appoints Alan Lawson to Florida Supreme Court
- Lawson previously served as Chief Judge of Florida's 5th District Court of Appeal
- The appointment will take effect Dec. 31
Justice Lawson previously served as the Chief Judge of Florida's 5th District Court of Appeal.
Governor Scott said, “I am incredibly honored today to appoint Alan Lawson as the 86th Justice to the Florida Supreme Court. Justice Lawson has devoted the past 20 years of his life to serving the State of Florida and I am confident he will serve the Florida Supreme Court with the utmost honor, integrity and humility. Throughout his career, Justice Lawson has focused on defending the constitution, strictly adhering to the rule of law and not legislating from the bench."
A state nominating panel interviewed 11 applicants for the job on Monday, before coming up with a list for Gov. Scott.
Some high-profile names were passed over for consideration, including State Attorney Brad King, the lead prosecutor for five central Florida counties, and State Rep. Larry Metz.
The spot on the court came open becasue Justice James Perry is stepping down on Dec. 30. for retirement.
This is Gov. Scott's first appointment to the Florida Supreme Court and is effective on Dec. 31.
Justice Alan Lawson said, “I am humbled and honored today to be appointed as the 86th Justice to the Florida Supreme Court and would like to thank Governor Scott for his leadership and faith in me to serve on our state’s highest court. I will bring to the bench the respect, integrity, and experience upon which I have built my career. I look forward to working with my fellow associates on the Court to uphold the Constitution of the State of Florida and protect the future of our great state.”