Governor Appoints Kristine Van Vorst to Eighth Judicial Circuit Court

TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed Kristine Van Vorst of Gainesville to serve as a judge on the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Moseley.

The Eighth Judicial Circuit serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties. The court handles a wide range of cases, including major criminal trials, civil disputes exceeding $50,000, family law matters, probate, juvenile cases, and appeals from county courts.

Van Vorst has served as an Alachua County Court judge since 2017, presiding over misdemeanor criminal cases, county civil matters, traffic infractions, and small claims disputes. Prior to her election to the county bench, she worked as a general magistrate for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, where she handled cases referred by circuit judges, including family law and child support enforcement proceedings.

A double graduate of the University of Florida, Van Vorst earned both her bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from the school. Her legal career in Gainesville spans more than two decades, with experience in both the public and private sectors before joining the judiciary.

The governor’s office did not announce an official start date, but Van Vorst’s appointment will become effective upon completion of the judicial transition process. The Florida Constitution grants the governor authority to fill judicial vacancies through appointment, with appointees subject to standing for election in the next general cycle that occurs more than one year after their appointment.

Van Vorst’s elevation to the circuit bench will leave a vacancy in the Alachua County Court, which will be filled through the same appointment process.

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