---
title: "Bradford L. Thomas | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/bradford-l-thomas-7092"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Bradford L. Thomas

Florida First District Court of Appeal · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida First District Court of Appeal
- State: Florida
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, District Court of Appeal of Florida, 2005-present
- Judge on Florida’s First District Court of Appeal for 20 years, appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in 2005 and serving until his resignation on February 28, 2025
- Judge, First District Court of Appeal (2005–2025) — Appointed by Gov

### Education

- Florida State University in — B.A. (1977)
- University of Florida — J.D.

### Additional information

- Judge Thomas announced his resignation in January 2025, citing a 20-year distinguished career and thanking Governor Bush and colleagues for their service.
- Chief Judge — Served from July 2017 to June 2019
- Practitioner, 2004-2004
- Awards: Criminal Justice Service Award (Prosecuting Attorneys Association, 2000) and Special Recognition Award (Florida Sheriffs Association, 1999)
- Director, Florida House of Representatives Justice Council — 1997–1999
- Staff Director, Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee — 1996–1997
- Date of birth: 1954-01-11
- Prominent Florida appellate judge, former gubernatorial staffer, and legal scholar, recognized for his judicial service, policy work, and public advocacy on high-profile legal issues

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/7092/bradford-l-thomas/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7092/bradford-l-thomas/)
- [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7092/bradford-l-thomas/)
- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7092/bradford-l-thomas/)
- [Judge Bradford (Brad) L. Thomas / Previous Judges / Judges - - First District Court of Appeal](https://1dca.flcourts.gov/Judges/previous-judges/Judge-Bradford-Brad-L.-Thomas)
- [Judge Bradford L. Thomas Announces His Resignation ...](https://news.flcourts.gov/content/download/2446366/file/BLT%20Retire%20Announcement%20v.1.pdf)
- [Previous Judges](https://1dca.flcourts.gov/Judges/previous-judges)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7092/bradford-l-thomas/)
- [Judge Bradford (Brad) L. Thomas / Previous Judges / Judges - - First District Court of Appeal](https://1dca.flcourts.gov/Judges/previous-judges/Judge-Bradford-Brad-L.-Thomas)
- [Judge Bradford L. Thomas Announces His Resignation ...](https://news.flcourts.gov/content/download/2446366/file/BLT%20Retire%20Announcement%20v.1.pdf)

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