Judge, Fifth District Court of Appeal (Merit Retention) - John M. Harris
My vote power
Retention race
Election date
November 3, 2026 · General election
The Judge, Fifth District Court of Appeal (Merit Retention) - John M. Harris general election in Seminole County, Florida is on November 3, 2026. Voters decide yes or no on keeping John M. Harris in office.
What does this office do?
- Deciding trials in the county
- Ruling on evidence and setting sentences in criminal cases
- Deciding family, probate, and civil disputes
Affects: Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Civil Rights,
John M. Harris
Nonpartisan · Incumbent · Official site
John M. Harris has been a judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal since Gov. Rick Scott appointed him in 2018. Before that he spent 16 years as a county and circuit judge in Brevard and Seminole counties and twice served as chief judge.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 3 records
Sat on a three-judge appeals panel that struck down Titusville's voter-approved 'right to clean water' charter amendment, ruling that a 2020 state law blocks it.
December 29, 2024
Source: spacecoastdaily.com · researched September 25, 2026
Was appointed to the Fifth District Court of Appeal by Gov. Rick Scott while serving as chief judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit.
July 27, 2018
Source: spacecoastdaily.com · researched September 25, 2026
Was elected by his fellow judges as chief judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, which covers Brevard and Seminole counties, overseeing 42 judges.
February 25, 2013
Source: spacecoastdaily.com · researched September 25, 2026
Sources: floridabar.org · 5dca.flcourts.gov
Last updated September 24, 2026.