---
title: "Edward Nicholas | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/edward-nicholas"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Edward Nicholas

Florida Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Twelfth 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.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [Official roster](https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.jud12.flcourts.org/Documents/Administrative-Orders/Administrative-Order-Viewer/aid/685)
- [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

- As of June 1, 2026, he serves as the Administrative Judge for the Unified Family Court across DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties
- Judge Nicholas has held assignments in the Juvenile and Civil Divisions and has been instrumental in programs such as the Parent Mentoring Program, which supports families involved in Dependency Court

### Education

- B.A. in English from Iona College in 1981 and a J.D. from Stetson University College of Law in 1987

### Additional information

- His retirement coincides with the election of new circuit judges to fill his seat starting January 2027 Edward Nicholas is recognized for his dedication to judicial professionalism, community engagement, and family-focused court initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the 12th Judicial Circuit Court and the broader Florida legal community
- Judge Edward Nicholas has announced his retirement effective December 2026, concluding a judicial career of over 24 years.
- Edward Nicholas was elected to the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in 2002 and took office in January 2003, later being re-elected in 2014.
- Judge Nicholas has presided over significant local cases, including property and taxation disputes.
- overseeing policy and procedural implementation circuit-wide.
- He also serves as Administrative Judge for the Family Division in Manatee County and handles Hague Convention cases



## 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.