--- title: "Linda Ann Wells | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/linda-ann-wells-7114" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-10-07" --- # Linda Ann Wells Florida Third District Court of Appeal · Judge ## Profile - Court: Florida Third District Court of Appeal - State: Florida - Role: Judge - Service status: former - Last verified: 2026-06-30 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Biography ### Professional career - Judge, District Court of Appeal of Florida, 2003-present - Judge on the Florida Third District Court of Appeal from 2003 to 2017, serving as its first female Chief Judge from 2011 to 2013 - | BP-Initials-UPDATED.png | | | --- | | | | | Linda Ann Wells | | | Wells.jpg | | | Former Judge | | | Florida Third District Court of Appeal | | | Tenure | | | 2003-2017 | | | Chief | 2011-2013 | | Successor | Norma S. Lindsey | | Elections and appointments | | | Appointed by | Gov - In 2009, she was selected as Chief Judge-Elect, and on July 1, 2011, became the court’s first female Chief Judge - In 1994 she became an equity partner of the firm Holland & Knight ### Education - A native of Louisiana who lived in Florida most of her life, Wells obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the University of Florida in 1969 and a J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 1977, where she was Notes and Comments Editor on the Law Review. - University of Florida — B.A. ### Additional information - Since 1996, Wells has been certified by the Florida Bar in Appellate Practice and was awarded an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. - Judge Wells announced in February 2017 that she would retire on March 31, 2017 - She was retained by voters in 2004, 2010, and 2016. - She held the role of Chief Judge until 2013, when she was succeeded by Norma S. Lindsey. - President of the Florida Conference of District Court of Appeal Judges (2012–2013) - Florida Supreme Court’s Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Civil Cases (2003–2008) and the Select Committee on Justice Teaching (2006–2008). - Joined the Third District Court of Appeal in 2003 by then-Governor Jeb Bush. - Practitioner, 2002-2002 - prof, 2002-2002 - In 1996, she joined the firm Russo, Wells & Associates. - After law school, Wells joined the law firm of Fine, Jacobson. - She later became chief district legal counsel for the Florida Department of Children & Families, District 11. ## 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/7114/linda-ann-wells/) - [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7114/linda-ann-wells/) - [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7114/linda-ann-wells/) - [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/7114/linda-ann-wells/) - [Linda Ann Wells - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Linda_Ann_Wells) - [Judges Who Have Served on the Court](https://3dca.flcourts.gov/judges/all-judges) - [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/7114/linda-ann-wells/) - [Linda Ann Wells - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Linda_Ann_Wells) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/linda-ann-wells-7114", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/linda-ann-wells-7114", "name": "Linda Ann Wells | KnowJudges", "description": "Linda Ann Wells, Florida Third District Court of Appeal. 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