---
title: "Paul Bailey | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/paul-bailey"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Paul Bailey

Florida First Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida First 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

### 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/paul-bailey/)
- [Official roster](https://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/legal-professionals/judges/paul-bailey/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://www.firstjudicialcircuit.org/legal-professionals/judges/paul-bailey/)
- [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

- Prior to his judicial appointment, Bailey worked as a shareholder at Welton Law Firm since 2015 and held the role of a law clerk for the Third District Court of Appeal The Florida Bar.

### Education

- Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia — J.D.

### Additional information

- Walton Beach, Florida, was appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the First Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties, beginning his service in 2024.
- This appointment filled the judicial vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Linda Nobles
- As a circuit court judge, Bailey presides over cases including felony criminal matters, civil cases exceeding $50,000, family law, probate, and juvenile cases.
- His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College
- Bailey’s appointment was notable because he was selected over ten other applicants, including experienced litigators, public defenders, a state attorney, and a sitting federal immigration judge.
- His appointment to the First Judicial Circuit Court places him in a key role handling significant civil and criminal cases in northwest Florida
- Paul Bailey’s career reflects a combination of private legal practice, appellate clerkship experience, and institutional involvement through the UWF Board of Trustees.
- His ties to the University of West Florida Board of Trustees, where he served alongside Zack Smith, the chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission that forwarded his name, were highlighted as influential in his selection.



## 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.