---
title: "Kerra A. Smith | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/kerra-a-smith"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Kerra A. Smith

Escambia County Court · County Judge

## Profile

- Court: Escambia County Court
- State: Florida
- Role: County 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.firstjudicialcircuit.org/legal-professionals/judges/kerra-smith/)
- [Official roster](https://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/legal-professionals/judges/kerra-smith/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/legal-professionals/judges/kerra-smith/)
- [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

- Judge Smith values impartial interpretation and application of the law

### Education


### Additional information

- Joined the judiciary in 2016 by Governor Rick Scott and serves in the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, which includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties.
- Graduate of the University of West Florida’s Legal Studies-Pre-Law program and the Florida State University College of Law.
- focusing on fairness rather than advocacy for any party.
- Judge Smith’s courtroom emphasizes structured communication and procedural compliance.
- Mediation is required for all jury trials and judge trials exceeding two hours, and case management conferences are scheduled to ensure proper trial preparation.
- ADA accommodations and interpreter services are available upon request
- As a circuit judge, she presides over cases including felony criminal matters, domestic relations, probate, guardianship, juvenile cases, and civil suits exceeding $50,000.
- Before her judicial appointment, she held multiple legal positions, including assistant state attorney, assistant general counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, assistant general counsel for the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, and assistant county attorney.
- She has also contributed to the Florida Bar Examination as a writer and grader, held the role of a referee in attorney disciplinary proceedings, and mentored new judges



## 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.