12th Circuit Chief Judge Diana Moreland Receives 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence

Chief Judge Diana Moreland of Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit has been honored with the 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence. The award, presented during the Conference of Circuit Court Judges earlier this month, recognizes her commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and her steadfast dedication to the mission and integrity of the state’s judicial branch.

Elected to the bench in November 2004 and taking office the following January, Judge Moreland has been re-elected multiple times and began serving as Chief Judge in 2023. She has built a reputation as a leader both in the courtroom and in statewide judicial policy, guiding initiatives to improve trial court performance and accountability.

For more than a decade, Judge Moreland has chaired the Trial Court Performance and Accountability Commission, which develops policies for effective court operations, resource management, and performance measurement. From 2022 to 2024, she also chaired the Judicial Needs Assessment Committee, overseeing updates to how Florida determines the number of judges required to serve its growing population.

Judge Moreland’s career began after earning a B.S. from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 1984 and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 1987. Before her election to the bench, she worked as a defense attorney in the Bradenton area, gaining experience that would inform her years on the circuit court.

The Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, is given annually to one circuit court judge and one county court judge who demonstrate exceptional service to the judiciary and the public. Judge Moreland’s selection for the 2025 award highlights her enduring contributions to Florida’s legal system and her leadership within the 12th Judicial Circuit.