Justice Canady Leaves Florida Supreme Court for UF Academic Position
Justice Charles Canady has announced his departure from the Florida Supreme Court. He will assume a role as director and tenured professor at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. This transition marks the conclusion of his 17-year tenure on the state’s highest court.
Announcement Details
Canady shared his decision via a statement released on November 17. He stated, “It has been my great privilege to serve the people of Florida as a justice of the Supreme Court.” He expressed gratitude for his time on the court and mentioned his eagerness to begin this new chapter in public service starting in 2026.
Background of the Hamilton School
The Hamilton School, located in Gainesville, aims to educate future leaders about the foundations of Western and American civilization. Canady thanked UF Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini and Interim President Don Landry for the opportunity to take on this new role.
Current Court Status
As of now, Canady has not submitted his resignation and remains on the court. Spokesperson Paul Flemming confirmed that details regarding his final day have yet to be disclosed. At 71 years old, Canady is the longest-serving member of the Florida Supreme Court, having been appointed in 2008 by former Governor Charlie Crist.
Impact of His Departure
Canady’s departure opens the possibility for Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a sixth justice to the seven-member court. This change would leave only Justice Jorge Labarga as the sitting justice not appointed by DeSantis.
- Last reported salary for Supreme Court justices: $258,957
- Canady would face mandatory retirement at age 75.
- His wife, state Rep. Jennifer Canady, is expected to take over the Florida House as speaker after the 2028 elections.
Charles Canady: A Brief Biography
Canady received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College in Pennsylvania in 1976 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1979. He began his career in private practice before entering politics, serving three terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990.
From 1993 to 2001, he represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was a member of the House Judiciary Committee and chaired the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution. After leaving Congress, he became the general counsel to Governor Jeb Bush and was later appointed to Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal.
In his role on the Supreme Court, he served three two-year terms as chief justice in 2010, 2018, and 2020. Canady is married and has two daughters, marking a rich personal and professional life as he embarks on this new journey at the University of Florida.
This story will continue to develop as more details emerge about Justice Canady’s transition and future endeavors.
