---
title: "William S. Orth | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/william-s-orth"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# William S. Orth

Florida Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Florida Eighteenth 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://flcourts18.org/directory/)
- [Official roster](https://flcourts18.org/directory/)
- [Florida Judicial Branch circuit court administration official judicial roster](https://flcourts18.org/directory/)
- [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

- 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, having been appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021 to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Marlene Alva
- Prior to his judicial appointment, Orth practiced law extensively in family and criminal law, working as a partner at the Law Office of William S. Orth (2009–2021) and Bigney & Orth, P.A. (2000–2009).
- He also held the role of an assistant state attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit from 1998 to 2000

### Education



### Additional information

- Orth obtained a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati in 1995, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1998, serving as editor of the Journal of International Law during his studies
- Highly experienced legal professional with a strong background in criminal and family law, extensive community involvement, and a current judicial role in multiple divisions of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
- Altamonte Springs Rotary Club (past president), Lake Mary Rotary Club, and J. Douglas Williams YMCA (chair), He is also a graduate of Leadership Seminole, Class 23



## 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.