---
title: "Thomas D. Winokur | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/thomas-d-winokur"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Thomas D. Winokur

Florida First District Court of Appeal · District Court of Appeal Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida First District Court of Appeal
- State: Florida
- Role: District Court of Appeal 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://1dca.flcourts.gov/judges/Judge-Thomas-D.-Winokur)
- [Official roster](https://1dca.flcourts.gov/judges/Judge-Thomas-D.-Winokur)
- [Florida appellate courts official judge directories official judicial roster](https://1dca.flcourts.gov/judges/Judge-Thomas-D.-Winokur)
- [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

- Began his legal career in private practice in Live Oak, Florida, before serving in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1992 to 1995 Florida Courts.
- Following his military service, he served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Florida Office of the Attorney General
- Judge Winokur emphasizes clarity in legal briefs, advising that arguments should be comprehensible on first reading and accessible to those unfamiliar with the specific area of law

### Education



### Additional information

- He was appointed by then-Republican Governor Rick Scott and has since been retained in judicial elections, most recently in 2022, for a term ending January 2, 2029
- Joined the First District Court of Appeal on June 11, 2015, officially taking office on July 6, 2015, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Nikki Ann Clark.
- focusing on criminal appeals and capital litigation
- handling over 800 cases before the First District Court of Appeal and more than 40 cases in the Florida Supreme Court Florida Courts
- His career reflects a combination of military, private practice, and public service experience, making him a significant figure in Florida’s judiciary
- He values professionalism and collegiality in court proceedings and aims to maintain a respectful environment during oral arguments
- Winokur grew up in Tampa, Florida, and earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Florida.



## 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.