A circuit court judge in Broward County, Florida, is set to be suspended starting next week following a recommendation from an advisory panel associated with the state Supreme Court. The panel deemed the judge unfit for service, citing reasons such as making “exceptionally bad jokes,” demonstrating bias, and having poor attendance.
Documents from the court indicate that the Investigative Panel of the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (FJQC) is taking steps to suspend Broward Circuit Court Judge Gary Farmer, who previously served as a Florida state senator and is affiliated with the Democratic party. His suspension, which will be without pay, comes ahead of a formal disposition hearing.
The suspension becomes effective 11:59 p.m. Monday.
The decision comes about a month after the FJQC recommended Farmer’s suspension.
The panel also highlighted an incident from August 15, 2024, where Judge Farmer allegedly made remarks such as, “Spring is here. I got so excited I wet my plants,” and “What did the shirt say to the pair of pants? Wassup britches!”
“Apparently, these are some of what you referred to as your ‘exceptionally, exceptionally bad jokes,’” the court filing said.
Along with telling “exceptionally bad” jokes, Farmer was accused of devoting his full time and attendance to his judicial duties after exceeding the 30 days of judicial leave he is allowed to take.
He was also accused of failing to respect and comply with the law by denying due process to litigants and lawyers and demonstrating a bias or predetermination for certain cases.
Farmer did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.
Still, Farmer’s attorney filed a response with the court after a suspension was recommended, saying Farmer “generally admits to having made the jokes or remarks.”
The Florida Supreme Court building in Tallahassee. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)
“These jokes were said to lighten tension, reduce stress for criminal defendants, and show a sense of humanity,” the attorney wrote. “They generally are G-rated dad jokes that are corny but not offensive and were not degrading to the solemnity of the proceedings.”
The attorney added that some of the jokes were “racy.” After reflecting on the matter, Farmer found they were “inappropriate.”
Farmer apologized for the “racy” jokes during a probable cause hearing, the attorney added, noting he was again apologizing for the jokes.
As for the “In Living Color” jokes, Farmer claimed he forgot his microphone was still on, though he recognized the remarks were inappropriate and apologized.
The Florida Supreme Court’s commission suspended Farmer without pay.
