---
title: "August Bonavita | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/august-bonavita"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# August Bonavita

Palm Beach County Court · County Judge

## Profile

- Court: Palm Beach County Court
- State: Florida
- Role: County Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### media and still photography

Scope: statewide

Electronic media and still-photography coverage is allowed in Florida public trial and appellate proceedings under Rule 2.450's equipment and conduct standards, always subject to the presiding judge's control of decorum, distractions, and fair administration.

Evidence excerpt: Subject at all times to the authority of the presiding judge to: (i) control the conduct of proceedings before the court; (ii) ensure decorum and prevent distractions; and (iii) ensure the fair administration of justice in the pending cause, electronic media and still photography coverage of public judicial proceedings in the appellate and trial courts of this state shall be allowed

[Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.15thcircuit.com/judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.15thcircuit.com/judges)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.15thcircuit.com/judges)
- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Appointment: Judge Bonavita joined the Palm Beach County Court by former Governor Charlie Crist in 2009
- His diverse experience includes both defense and prosecution, which he believes enhances his ability to judge cases fairly
- He aims to balance his previous experiences on both sides of the law to ensure justice is served

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Seton Hall University in 1985 and later obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992

### Additional information

- He has since been re-elected to six-year terms in 2010 and 2016, winning re-election without opposition
- Personal Life: Judge Bonavita was born on November 5, 1963, and is of Italian American descent.
- Judicial Role: Currently serving in the Criminal Division, Judge Bonavita emphasizes the importance of considering each case on its own merits.
- Career Path: Before becoming a judge, Bonavita worked in various legal roles, including as an Assistant Public Defender and in the Criminal Appeals Division of the Florida Office of the Attorney General.
- He enjoys playing the piano in his free time and is committed to making a positive impact in his community through his work



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-f9444c394a89ab9f4ffde994) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450). Collected 2026-07-26.