The 17th Judicial Circuit is pleased to announce that Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnathan D. Lott will fill the vacancy left by Circuit Judge John Murphy III, who resigned on August 1st after 20 years on the bench. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Lott to the bench on Nov. 25th.

“Judge Lott will serve the 17th Judicial Circuit with distinction and we welcome him aboard,” said Chief Judge Jack Tuter. “Judge Lott will take Judge Francis Viamontes division in the Family court and begin his service on January 1, 2025.” Judge Viamontes will move to a felony criminal division.

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