A Florida judge accused of making inappropriate courtroom remarks and behaving unprofessionally toward public defenders will not receive a public reprimand after the Florida Supreme Court declined to approve the recommended discipline. Instead, the court returned the matter to a Judicial Qualifications Commission hearing panel for further proceedings.
Decision
The Florida Supreme Court issued its unanimous decision on Thursday, rejecting the recommendation that Ninth Circuit Judge John Jordan III receive a public reprimand.
The ruling did not provide an explanation for rejecting the recommendation. Instead, the court ordered the case to be sent back to the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) hearing panel for a final resolution.
Charges
The Judicial Qualifications Commission filed disciplinary charges against Judge Jordan in March, citing two separate incidents that it said violated Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct.
The commission concluded that Jordan’s conduct warranted a public reprimand, a recommendation that Jordan accepted.
| Case Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Judge | John Jordan III |
| Court | Ninth Judicial Circuit |
| Counties Served | Orange and Osceola |
| Recommended Discipline | Public reprimand |
| Supreme Court Action | Recommendation rejected and case returned |
Courtroom
One of the incidents occurred on July 28, 2025, during a battery case involving a 33-year-old Black woman.
While discussing possible punishment with the defendant’s great-uncle, Judge Jordan asked whether the family owned farmland where she could work. He then asked the great-uncle whether he had ever “chopped cotton” and briefly described the work before moving on with the hearing.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission concluded that the comments fell below the standards expected of Florida judges.
Conduct
The second incident took place during jury selection in April 2025.
According to the disciplinary filing, two public defenders complained that Judge Jordan was rushing the proceedings. During the exchange, Jordan repeatedly told both attorneys to “shut up.”
After the attorneys requested a mistrial because of his conduct, Jordan initially denied the request before later declaring a mistrial and stating that another judge would handle the case.
Findings
The Judicial Qualifications Commission stated that Judge Jordan’s actions violated several provisions of Florida’s Code of Judicial Conduct.
According to the commission, the incidents were inconsistent with the standards of professionalism, impartiality, and courtroom decorum expected of members of the judiciary.
Mitigating
The disciplinary filings also identified several factors considered in the recommendation.
These included:
- Judge Jordan had no prior disciplinary history.
- He admitted the misconduct.
- He expressed remorse.
- He accepted responsibility for his actions.
- He agreed with the recommendation of a public reprimand.
Career
Judge Jordan has served on Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit since 2011 after being appointed by former Governor Rick Scott.
He was reelected without opposition in both 2014 and 2020.
Before joining the circuit court, Jordan served as an Orange County judge beginning in 2005.
Next
Although the Florida Supreme Court declined to impose the recommended public reprimand, the disciplinary matter remains unresolved.
The case will now return to the Judicial Qualifications Commission hearing panel, which will determine the next steps in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order. No timeline for a final resolution has been announced.
FAQs
Why did the Florida Supreme Court reject the reprimand?
The court did not provide a reason in its decision.
Who is Judge John Jordan III?
He serves on Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.
What conduct led to the disciplinary case?
Courtroom remarks and interactions with public defenders.
Is the disciplinary case over?
No. The matter was returned to the JQC hearing panel.
When did Judge Jordan join the circuit court?
He was appointed to the circuit court in 2011.
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