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title: "Michael B. Chavies | KnowJudges"
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# Michael B. Chavies

District Court of Appeal of Florida · Judge

## Profile

- Court: District Court of Appeal of Florida
- State: Florida
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- 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, 1993-present

### Education

- Rutgers University–Newark — J.D. (1975)

### Additional information

- Best Lawyers in America (Commercial Litigation, 2026) and Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated Top Attorneys.
- Chavies has 13 years of service on the civil bench, presiding over hundreds of bench and jury trials in nearly every courtroom in Florida.
- Public records list Michael B. Chavies as a judge in Florida, with a background in both judicial service and private legal practice.
- Also noted for his mentorship programs aimed at advancing minority legal careers.
- His legal career includes representing a wide range of clients — from national retailers and insurance companies to private clubs and international developers — in complex commercial, real estate, and insurance litigation.
- He is a Partner in the Litigation Department at Akerman LLP, where he is also a member of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
- Law360 “Minority Powerbroker” series recognition for leadership and influence in the legal community.
- Former Board Member for Jobs for Miami and current President & Chair of the Orange Bowl Committee Board of Directors.
- Past board member of the Alzheimer’s Association and member of the American Bar Association’s Appellate Rules Committee.
- Admitted to The Florida Bar and other relevant jurisdictions.

## 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/6851/michael-b-chavies/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6851/michael-b-chavies/)
- [District Court of Appeal of Florida current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/6851/michael-b-chavies/)
- [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/6851/michael-b-chavies/)

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