12TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Chief Judge Diana Moreland Recipient of Judicial Excellence Award
Twelfth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Diana Moreland is the 2025 recipient of the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, honoring her service to and leadership within Florida’ s judicial branch. On behalf of Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, Justice Jorge Labarga recognized Judge Moreland during a ceremony at the education program of the Conference of Circuit Court Judges of Florida.
Judge Moreland“ upholds the highest standards of judicial professionalism and is unwavering in her dedication to the mission and integrity of Florida’ s judicial branch,” a letter in support of her nomination for the award noted.
Moreland was first elected to the bench in 2004 and has been re-elected to the circuit court subsequently. She has held many leadership positions for Florida’ s courts. Judge Moreland has served as chief judge for the 12th Judicial Circuit since 2023. Her service as chair of the Trial Court Performance and Accountability Commission for more than a decade is a highlight among her many contributions to the judicial branch and her community. The commission proposes policies to encourage the effective functioning of trial courts throughout the state by developing resource management, performance measurement, and accountability programs. From 2022 to 2024, Judge Moreland served as chair of the Judicial Needs Assessment Committee, working to update the model used to determine the number of judges needed statewide.
“ Chief Judge Moreland’ s integrity is beyond reproach. Her dedication to the rule of law is unshakable. … Her willingness to sacrifice her time for the betterment of herself and others is proven. Her leadership both locally and at the statewide level exemplifies the qualities sought to be recognized by this prestigious award,” another letter in support of her nomination noted.
She earned her law degree from Stetson University College of Law, then worked as an assistant public defender and in private practice before her election to the bench.
“ Chief Judge Moreland’ s steadfast leadership at the( Trial Court Performance and Accountability Commission) over the years has resulted in the completion of many difficult projects of importance for the justice system that enhance trust, confidence, and accountability of the public in the courts,” a fellow judge wrote in support of her nomination for the award.
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence. The county judge recipient, Judge Gary Flower, was announced in July. �
The recipient of the Judicial Excellence Award also receives a flag flown over Florida’ s Supreme Court Building in her or his honor.
Image courtesy of Senior Judge Lee Haworth
4 | THE DOCKET- SEPTEMBER 2025