---
title: "Emerson R. Thompson | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/emerson-r-thompson-7094"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Emerson R. Thompson

Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal · Judge

## Profile

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

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Current Role: Senior Judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit, since 2008
- Judge, District Court of Appeal of Florida, 1993-present
- Fifth District Court of Appeal (1993–2008): Appointed in 1993; held the role of Chief Judge 2000–2003
- Ninth Judicial Circuit (1980–1993): held the role of Circuit Judge
- Earlier Roles: Judge, Orange County Court (1976–1980)
- Assistant State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit (1973–1976)

### Education

- University of Florida — B.A.
- Florida State University — J.D.

### Additional information

- Judge, 1992-1992
- Chief Judge 1989–1991
- Emerson R. Thompson, Jr. is a senior judge in the Florida judicial system, with a career spanning over three decades in trial, appellate, and leadership roles

## 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/7094/emerson-r-thompson/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7094/emerson-r-thompson/)
- [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7094/emerson-r-thompson/)
- [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/7094/emerson-r-thompson/)
- [Senior Judges](https://5dca.flcourts.gov/Judges/Senior-Judges)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7094/emerson-r-thompson/)

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