On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Action News Jax reported that Putnam County Court Judge Anne Marie Gennusa resigned from her position following accusations of improper behavior in the courtroom.

The resignation comes before the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), which investigates allegations of judicial misconduct, could issue a ruling on her case. The JQC had previously found probable cause that Gennusa had improperly held numerous individuals in criminal contempt of court since her appointment to the bench in 2023.

In a letter addressed to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Gennusa stated her intention to return to private practice and establish law offices in Palatka and St. Augustine. Her resignation is scheduled to take effect on October 31.

The allegations against Gennusa stem from multiple incidents, including a misdemeanor battery case in January. According to the JQC report, Gennusa allegedly provoked the defendant during the hearing before holding him in criminal contempt. The report also stated that she used sarcasm towards the alleged victim and intervened in the conversation between the victim and the prosecutor from the State Attorney’s Office Seventh Judicial Circuit.

R.J. Larizza, the State Attorney for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, which includes Putnam, St. Johns, Volusia, and Flagler counties, condemned Gennusa’s actions. In a statement to Action News Jax’s Ben Becker, Larizza described the incident as “a disturbing example of abuse of Judicial power and authority.”

Further investigation by the JQC revealed an incident in November 2023 where Gennusa held a mother of three children in criminal contempt during a truancy hearing. The children had missed school because one of them had witnessed the murder of their grandfather by their father. The mother was subsequently sentenced to ten days in jail.

In another case in November 2023, a man appearing in court for driving on an invalid license was sentenced to 60 days in jail after uttering an obscenity towards a deputy.

The JQC concluded that Gennusa had conducted improper contempt proceedings, failed to adhere to due process, and lacked the patience, dignity, and courtesy expected of judges. They also stated that she failed to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the judiciary’s integrity and impartiality. Gennusa acknowledged that her conduct was below standard and did not comply with the law regarding contempt powers.

Following Gennusa’s resignation and the recent retirement announcement of Judge Libby Morris, who served on the bench for 25 years, the Judicial Nominating Committee (JNC) is expected to convene. The JNC will make recommendations to Governor DeSantis to fill both judicial vacancies.

 

 

Source: Action News Jax