Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady to Lead University of Florida’s Classical Education School
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Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady announced on November 17th his departure from the state’s highest court to assume a new role heading the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida, beginning in 2026. The move sets the stage for a significant shift in the court’s composition and offers Florida Governor Ron DeSantis an opportunity to further shape the judiciary.
A Legacy on the Bench
Canady, currently the longest-serving member of the Florida Supreme Court with a tenure dating back to 2008, described his time on the bench as a “great privilege.” He stated, “It has been my great privilege to serve the people of Florida as a justice of the Supreme Court for the last 17 years,” adding, “I will always deeply value my years on the Court.” Despite the announcement, a court spokesperson, Paul Flemming, confirmed that Canady “has not submitted his resignation” and remains a sitting justice.
The 71-year-old jurist, appointed by then-Governor Charlie Crist, would have been subject to mandatory retirement at age 75. His departure, however, comes before that point, coinciding with the anticipated rise of his wife, state Representative Jennifer Canady, to the speakership of the Florida House in 2028, should the GOP maintain its majority. Her potential ascension would mark a historic moment as the first woman speaker of the chamber.
DeSantis Gains Opportunity to Reshape Court
Canady’s exit will allow Governor DeSantis to appoint his sixth justice to the seven-member court, leaving only Jorge Labarga as a justice not selected by the two-term governor. This development underscores DeSantis’s growing influence over the state’s judicial landscape. The salary for the departing justice was last reported at $258,957, while Canady’s compensation from the University of Florida has not yet been disclosed.
New Role at Hamilton School
The Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education, based in Gainesville, aims to provide instruction centered on the “foundations of Western and American civilization.” Canady expressed his enthusiasm for the position, stating, “I am looking forward to beginning 2026 as the director and a tenured professor…and I am eager to begin my work with the outstanding students and faculty at the Hamilton School.” He also conveyed his gratitude to University of Florida Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini and Interim President Don Landry for the opportunity.
A Distinguished Career
Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Canady enjoyed a distinguished career in public service and law. He received his undergraduate degree from Haverford College in 1976 and his law degree from Yale Law School in 1979. He practiced law with Holland & Knight before serving three terms in the Florida House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990. He then represented Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2001, chairing the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution from 1995 to 2001. Following his time in Congress, he served as general counsel to Governor Jeb Bush and was later appointed to Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal in 2002. He served as chief justice of the Florida Supreme Court three times, in 2010, 2018, and 2020.
Canady and his wife have two daughters.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
