Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady announced he will resign and, beginning in 2026, serve as director of the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. The state‑funded center, established in 2022, focuses on the foundations of Western and American civilization. Canady, a former Republican lawmaker and three‑term chief justice who joined a decision supporting Florida’s six‑week abortion restriction, will leave a vacancy Gov. Ron DeSantis will fill.
Justice Charles Canady to Leave Florida Supreme Court in 2026 to Lead UF’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education
Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady announced he will resign and, beginning in 2026, serve as director of the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. The state‑funded center, established in 2022, focuses on the foundations of Western and American civilization. Canady, a former Republican lawmaker and three‑term chief justice who joined a decision supporting Florida’s six‑week abortion restriction, will leave a vacancy Gov. Ron DeSantis will fill.
02:40 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady to Leave Bench to Lead UF Classical Education Center
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady announced he will step down from the court and begin serving in 2026 as director of the University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education.
The Hamilton School, created in 2022 with recurring state funding, says its mission is to teach and research the "foundations of Western and American civilization." In a statement released by the court, Canady said he looks forward to leading the center’s academic and civic programs.
Canady has a long record of public service. He served as a Republican state lawmaker, as a member of Congress and as general counsel to then‑Gov. Jeb Bush before joining the Florida Supreme Court in 2008. He later served three terms as the court’s chief justice.
As a lawmaker, Canady was known for his anti‑abortion views. On the high court he joined an opinion that helped clear the way for Florida to restrict most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy; that legislation was co‑sponsored by his wife, Republican state Rep. Jennifer Canady.
Canady’s departure will create a vacancy on the seven‑member court that Gov. Ron DeSantis — who has appointed five of the court’s current justices — will fill.
Reporting by Kate Payne for The Associated Press. Report for America is a nonprofit that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.