Florida Judge Faces Public Reprimand for Election Misconduct

A Florida judge is set to receive a public reprimand from the state Supreme Court after admitting to four violations of impartiality rules during her re-election campaign. Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Jennifer Cruz Dubbeld's campaign for re-election in 2024, which she won by fewer than 1,000 votes, came under scrutiny by Florida's Judicial Qualifications Commission.

Dubbeld acknowledged the violations during a hearing in 2025. The Florida Supreme Court unanimously decided she must appear before them for a public reprimand, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The specific date for this appearance has not yet been scheduled.

Among the infractions, Dubbeld was cited for disparaging an opponent on Facebook, writing, "Actual courtroom experience matters, just as being straight forward and not misrepresenting qualifications (as some have done)." She also collected donations at campaign events and distributed flyers with QR codes that linked to a site accepting financial contributions. Additionally, her campaign featured photographs of her with other candidates who had active political opposition, an act contrary to the non-partisan obligations of judicial candidates. Misleadingly using photos of public officials and lawmakers on her campaign website who had not endorsed her also constituted a violation.

Gregory Coleman, chair of the Judicial Qualifications Commission, stated in a report that Dubbeld "expressed remorse and regrets" for her actions. He noted that her conduct and that of her campaign "violated Canon 7 in that they [misled] the public, raised an appearance of impropriety, and reflected poorly on judicial independence."

The commission recommended a public reprimand by the Florida Supreme Court and a 20-day suspension without pay. Dubbeld's re-election victory was narrow, with a margin of less than 1,000 votes out of more than 600,000 cast in the competitive general election against civil attorney Nick Fiorentino.