Florida Supreme Court Shake-Up: Justice Charles Canady’s Retirement Opens Door for Another DeSantis Appointment

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Justice Charles Canady has announced his intention to step down from the Florida Supreme Court in 2026.

Appointed by then-Governor Charlie Crist in 2008, Canady revealed on Monday that he will transition to a new role as director of the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.

“My years on the Court have been incredibly fulfilling, but it is time to embark on a new journey in public service,” Canady stated in his announcement.

In his letter, Canady expressed gratitude to UF Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini and Interim President Don Landry for providing this opportunity.

At the age of 71, Canady has a distinguished career history, having served in both the Florida House and the U.S. Congress, before taking on roles as general counsel and an appeals court judge under former Governor Jeb Bush.

While in Washington, Canady became known for his strong stance against abortion, notably coining the term “partial birth abortion” and authoring the initial congressional bill aimed at banning the procedure.

He also was one of the congressmen who helped prosecute former President Bill Clinton’s 1999 impeachment trial.

Canady is married to State Rep. Jennifer Canady, R-Lakeland.

With Canady’s retirement, Gov. Ron DeSantis will have to choose his replacement. The state’s judicial qualifying commission will give DeSantis a list of potential nominees to choose from.

This also means DeSantis will have chosen six of the seven Florida Supreme Court justices by the end of his time in office. Only Justice Jorge LaBarga is left among the justices chosen by DeSantis’ predecessors. He was also appointed by Gov. Crist in 2008.

Justices, once appointed, are subject to a retention vote every six years, which gives Florida voters the chance to take them off the bench if they wish. The governor then appoints a new one.

Justices are also required to retire once they turn 75.

Information from News Service of Florida contributed to this story.