---
title: "Nicole Saunders | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/nicole-saunders"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-28"
---

# Nicole Saunders

Florida Fourth Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Fourth Judicial Circuit Court
- State: Florida
- Role: Circuit 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

### courtroom technology

Scope: courtwide

Duval courtrooms support digital trial evidence through displays, HDMI, Smart Boards, evidence carts, document projectors, and jury-box monitors; counsel may request equipment or training and should bring backup materials.

Evidence excerpt: courtrooms feature traditional and modern technology ... large screen "Smart Board" or an All-in-One Evidence Cart with Document Projector

[Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Technology](https://www.jud4.org/technology)
Source checked: 2026-07-28

### 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.jud4.org/circuit-and-county-judges-of-the-fourth-judicial-circuit)
- [Official roster](https://www.jud4.org/circuit-and-county-judges-of-the-fourth-judicial-circuit)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.jud4.org/circuit-and-county-judges-of-the-fourth-judicial-circuit)
- [Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.450, Media and Still Photography Coverage](https://ninthcircuit.org/florida-rule-judicial-administration-2450)
- [Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Technology](https://www.jud4.org/technology)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- 2023: Administrative law judge at the Division of Administrative Hearings in Jacksonville Her diverse experience includes litigation, administrative law, and advisory roles in government, providing a strong foundation for her judicial responsibilities
- 2020: Senior staff attorney for Florida Supreme Court Justice Jamie Grosshans
- judge on the 4th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida, a position she assumed following her appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis
- She previously served as an administrative law judge with the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings in Jacksonville

### Education

- University of Florida Levin College of Law in — J.D. (2016)
- She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jacksonville University, graduating Summa Cum Laude

### Additional information

- Her appointment to the circuit court was part of a statewide expansion of judicial positions under SB 2508 in 2025 Florida Politics
- focusing on disputes involving education and special education law.
- Nicole Saunders has navigated life from a wheelchair, which she credits with shaping her tenacity and drive.
- During law school, she clerked for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley and participated actively in the Trial Team, developing skills that would later support her judicial career.



## 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.
