Scott Powers
Florida’s U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson have co-introduced a bill to add 10 new federal judge benches to the Sunshine State.
The Republican and Democrat are co-sponsoring the Florida Federal Judicial Relief Act to add three new judge positions in Florida’s Northern District, six in the Middle District, and one in the Southern District.
The bill also would make permanent an temporary judgeship for the Southern District of Florida.
These proposals are based on the recommendations of the Judicial Conference of the United States, which is the national policy-making body for the federal courts and makes recommendations on judgeships every two years.
“The overwhelming caseload facing our judges is an undue burden for both our judicial system and the people of Florida,” Rubio stated in a news release. “By following the recommendations of the Judicial Conference in authorizing these judgeships, we can help ensure a more efficient judicial system. I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Nelson and look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to authorize these important judgeships for Florida as it will have short and long term benefits for our judges and residents.”
“Florida’s federal courts are some of the busiest in the country,” Nelson stated. “This bill will help provide Floridians with better access to our legal system.”
