Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Okaloosa County Court Judge Jack Schlechter to serve as a judge on the First Judicial Circuit Court on Monday, with his new role beginning next Monday.

• Schlechter, a Niceville resident who has served as county court judge since January 2022, will transition to Walton County following a reorganization of judicial seats within the circuit.

“I’m excited for the new challenges,” Schlechter said. “I love working in county court, but I’m also excited about the different work that I’ll be doing in circuit.”

The appointment follows Judge Bergosh’s retirement in Pensacola, after which Chief Judge Miller reassigned the position to Walton County based on case numbers. The First Judicial Circuit encompasses Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties.

Rep. Patt Maney, a former longtime Okaloosa County judge, praised the appointment.

• “I am extremely proud of Judge Schlechter’s service to our community as an assistant state attorney and as judge of the Okaloosa County Court and am grateful to Governor DeSantis for appointing Judge Schlechter as a circuit court judge,” Maney said. “While his appointment is a recognition of his knowledge, integrity, work ethic and fairness it is also an affirmation of his potential for further service.”

In his county court role, Schlechter has overseen a diverse docket including criminal cases, civil disputes, landlord-tenant issues, traffic infractions, Baker Acts, and mental health court. His new circuit court position will handle cases involving felonies, civil disputes exceeding $50,000, family law, and probate matters.

Before his judicial career, Schlechter spent 10 years as an Assistant State Attorney in the First Judicial Circuit, followed by work as an attorney at AnchorsGordon, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.

“I think we’re lucky to live in a great area and I’ve really enjoyed serving the people of this area through different roles,” Schlechter said. “I’m looking forward to continue to serve the people of this area as a circuit judge.”