On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen resigned from her position, effective December 31, concluding a 15-year tenure on the bench. Her decision comes months after she faced suspension and reprimand by the Florida Supreme Court in June for engaging in improper campaign activities during her 2022 re-election bid.

Judge Cohen’s resignation letter was submitted last month to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Broward Chief Administrative Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips. In the letter, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Florida and uphold the principles of justice. She also acknowledged the professionalism and leadership of her colleagues, stating that her decision, while difficult, was made with deep appreciation for the trust placed in her over the years.

Mardi Levey Cohen was initially elected as a county judge in 2010 and successfully secured re-election in both 2016 and 2022. The controversy that led to her reprimand stemmed from actions taken during the 2022 campaign. She was accused of disseminating unverified information received via email, purportedly from a relative of her opponent, lawyer Kaysia Earley.

Furthermore, Judge Cohen admitted to sending a letter to a Lauderhill church whose leaders supported Earley. This letter contained a complaint that Levey Cohen had previously filed with the IRS, challenging the church’s tax-exempt status due to Earley’s campaign activities held there.

Judicial candidates in Florida, while elected, are subject to strict regulations to preserve the integrity of the judicial office. Partisanship, for instance, is explicitly forbidden. Levey Cohen shared the information regarding Earley with a Broward Democratic Club.

Prior to her judicial career, Levey Cohen served as an assistant state attorney and an assistant attorney general. The news of her resignation was initially reported by JAABlog, a website focused on courthouse news and gossip. Judge Cohen is married to Dale Cohen, who previously held the position of Broward Chief Administrative Judge.

 

 

Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel