---
title: "Rhonda Peoples-Waters | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/rhonda-peoples-waters"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Rhonda Peoples-Waters

Duval County Court · County Judge

## Profile

- Court: Duval 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.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)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Rhonda Peoples-Waters made history in 2019 when she won the County Court Judge Group 6 race, unseating incumbent Judge Erin Perry with 58% of the vote, becoming the first African American woman elected to the judicial bench in Duval County

### Education


### Additional information

- Before assuming the bench, Peoples-Waters operated her own law office, which she closed in preparation for her judicial role.
- Licensed attorney in Florida and maintains a profile with the Florida Bar, which provides basic professional information about her credentials and practice history
- As a County Court Judge in Duval County, Peoples-Waters presides over a variety of cases, including criminal and civil matters, and oversees courtroom procedures in accordance with Florida law.
- Prior to her election, she had made 18 attempts to secure a judicial position, including 17 applications for gubernatorial appointments and one prior election
- Her term as a County Court Judge lasts six years before she is eligible for re-election.
- She also participates in initiatives to ensure fair and efficient administration of justice in her jurisdiction



## 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.