TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After nearly two decades on the state’s highest court and a lifetime of public service, Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles T. Canady has announced that he will retire at the end of 2025, closing an extraordinary chapter in Florida’s judicial history.
Justice Canady, known for his principled jurisprudence, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law, reflected on the milestone with gratitude and optimism for the future.
“It has been my great privilege to serve the people of Florida as a justice of the Supreme Court for the last 17 years. I will always deeply value my years on the Court. But the time has come to move on to another position of public service. I am looking forward to beginning 2026 as the Director and a tenured professor at the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. I’m very grateful to UF Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini and Interim President Don Landry for this opportunity. And I am eager to begin my work with the outstanding students and faculty at the Hamilton School.” — Justice Charles T. Canady
A Legacy of Public Service
Born in Lakeland, Florida, in 1954, Justice Canady built a career defined by integrity, scholarship, and an unshakeable sense of duty. A graduate of Haverford College (B.A., 1976) and Yale Law School (J.D., 1979), he began his legal career with Holland & Knight before joining the Lakeland firm of Lane, Trohn, et al., where he practiced for nearly a decade.
His commitment to public service emerged early. From 1984 to 1990, he served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, followed by four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001. During his entire tenure in Congress, he served on the House Judiciary Committee, including three terms as Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution—roles that shaped his deep understanding of constitutional law and public policy.
Following his congressional service, Justice Canady became General Counsel to Governor Jeb Bush before being appointed to the Second District Court of Appeal in 2002.
A Defining Tenure on Florida’s Highest Court
On August 28, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist appointed him to the Florida Supreme Court. Since taking office on September 8, 2008, Justice Canady has made a lasting impact on Florida’s judicial system. His colleagues elected him to serve as Chief Justice—first from 2010 to 2012, and again beginning in 2018 and 2020—making him one of the rare Justices to hold the position three times.
His tenure was marked by clarity of thought, fairness, and a deep respect for the constitutional framework. His leadership during periods of significant statewide change and judicial transition helped anchor the Court with stability and purpose.
A New Chapter in Civic Education
As he steps into his next role as Director and tenured professor at the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, Justice Canady will continue his lifelong dedication to public service—this time by preparing the next generation of civic leaders.
With his retirement, Florida bids farewell to a jurist whose influence will be felt across the state for decades to come and welcomes the beginning of his next meaningful contribution to civic life.
