---
title: "Edward H. Merrigan, Jr. | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/edward-h-merrigan-jr"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Edward H. Merrigan, Jr.

Florida Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court
- State: Florida
- Role: Circuit 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.17th.flcourts.org/02-circuit-criminal/)
- [Official roster](https://www.17th.flcourts.org/02-circuit-criminal/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.17th.flcourts.org/02-circuit-criminal/)
- [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

- Merrigan joined the bench in 2009 by then‐Governor Charlie Crist as a Broward County Circuit Judge, later elevated to circuit judge in 2014 by Governor Rick Scott
- Circuit judge in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida (Broward County), presiding over Division FE, VF, and MVC in the Circuit Criminal Division

### Education

- B.A. in Business Administration from Lenoir‐Rhyne College, a J.D. from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College

### Additional information

- He was re‐elected in 2016 and 2022
- Before joining the judiciary, Merrigan had a 31‐year career in the U.S. Army, rising to Major General and serving as Commanding General of the 84th Training Command.
- Merrigan’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Clusters), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and others



## 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.