---
title: "Barbara-Jo Bell | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/barbara-jo-bell"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Barbara-Jo Bell

Hernando County Court · County Judge

## Profile

- Court: Hernando 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.circuit5.org/contact-information/circuit-wide-directory/)
- [Official roster](https://www.circuit5.org/contact-information/circuit-wide-directory/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.circuit5.org/contact-information/circuit-wide-directory/)
- [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

- judge on the Hernando County Court, filling the vacancy left by Judge Kristie Healis, who moved to the Fifth Judicial Circuit

### Education

- Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa
- Law degree from Stetson University

### Additional information

- Governor Ron DeSantis announced her appointment on August 5, 2022, and she officially assumed her judicial post shortly thereafter.
- Prior to her judicial appointment, Bell worked as an assistant state attorney in the Fifth Judicial Circuit and previously held the role of an assistant public defender, giving her experience on both sides of the legal system.
- Her professional profile highlights her contributions to the legal field and her expertise in handling a variety of cases, reflecting a well-rounded legal career
- Her career reflects a strong foundation in both prosecution and defense, providing her with a broad perspective on legal proceedings in Hernando County
- Judge Bell is a member of the Florida Bar, and her professional credentials and licensing information are publicly available through the Florida Bar directory.



## 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.