TALLAHASSEE, FL - On July 16, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announces four judicial appointments:

Jason Jones, of Tallahassee, to serve as Judge on the Second Judicial Circuit Court

Jones has served as a County Court Judge for Leon County since 2020. Previously, he served as the General Counsel for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida State University. Jones fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Wheeler. 

Aaron Hubbard, of Largo, to serve as Judge on the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court

Hubbard has served as a County Court Judge for Pinellas County since 2022. Previously, he served as an Assistant State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University and his juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Hubbard fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jirokta. 

Javier Pacheco, of Bonita Springs, to serve as Judge on the Lee County Court

Pacheco has been a Partner at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP since 2015. Previously, he was an Associate at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Ohio State University and his juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University. Pacheco fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Swett. 

John Reed, of Shalimar, to serve as Judge on the Okaloosa County Court

Reed has served as a General Magistrate for the First Judicial Circuit since 2023. Previously, he was a Partner at Remol Reed, PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida and juris doctor from the University of Florida. Reed fills the judicial vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Schlechter.