Elijah Smiley at a glance
- Current role
- Circuit Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Florida · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Elijah Smiley
Circuit Judge · Florida Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Biography
Professional career
- Bay County Judge 1995 to 2006 Circuit Judge 2007 to Present Chief Judge July 2015 to 2019 Legal Experience: Managing Attorney, Legal Service of North Florida Staff Attorney, Northwest Florida Legal Services Assistant Public Defender Private Law Practice
- He was chosen as a circuit judge on September 5, 2006, and subsequently re-elected in 2012 and 2018
- Before becoming a judge, Smiley held multiple legal positions: he was a Managing Attorney for Legal Service of North Florida, a Staff Attorney for Northwest Florida Legal Services, an Assistant Public Defender, and practiced in private law practice.
Education
- Multiple degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Government and a Bachelor in Accounting from Florida State University, where he graduated cum laude in accounting.
- Florida State University College of Law and a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Florida — J.D.
Additional information
- Bay County Court from 1995 to 2006 and joined the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in 2007.
- Has served in the Florida judicial system for three decades, including roles as a County Judge, Circuit Judge, and Chief Judge.
- His extensive legal background contributed to his expertise in civil and probate law
- He currently presides over civil and probate divisions, including Probate & Trusts, Guardianships, Baker Acts, Marchman Acts, and Jimmy Ryce cases
- He is also a Certified Public Accountant and has been a member of the Florida Bar for 40 years
- Born and raised in Gulf County, Florida, Smiley graduated with honors from Port St.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Media And Still Photography
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.
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 allowedFlorida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage
Florida Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court
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 ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked August 1, 2026.
Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster ↗Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage
Statewide source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage ↗