On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Judicial Qualifications Commission of Florida issued an order granting a 30-day extension to Nancy Jacobs, judge of the Florida 13th Circuit Court, to file a response to the notice of formal charges.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Nancy Jacobs,” with case no. SC23-1303.

The charges cited Florida Code of Judicial Conduct 1, 2A, 2B, 3B(2), 3B(4), 3B(7), 7A(3)(a-d), and 7A(3)(e)(i-iv).

On September 14, 2023, the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission filed a formal complaint against Jacobs, alleging misconduct during her 2022 campaign. The charges include neglecting campaign social media content, making inappropriate remarks about her opponent, and soliciting a lawyer to run against another judge. The commission found probable cause for formal proceedings to be instituted against Jacobs, who faces charges of violating the Florida Code of Judicial Conduct. The charges have raised questions about Jacobs’ fitness to hold her position, and the Florida Planned Parenthood PAC, which endorsed her during her campaign, has expressed regret for their support. Jacobs has admitted to the conduct outlined in the charges and has been notified of her right to file a written answer.

The report states:

“Judge Jacobs has admitted to the conduct outlined in the charges, acknowledging that each violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. She has been notified of her right to file a written answer within twenty days of service of the notice.”

On September 26, 2023, Judge Nancy Jacobs, through her counsel, filed a motion for an extension of time to file a response to the notice of formal charges issued by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission. The motion, filed under Rule 17 of the Commission’s Rules, requests a 30-day extension to file the response. The motion asserts that counsel for Judge Jacobs requires additional time to review the matter and prepare a response and that there is good cause for granting the request. The motion also includes a certificate of service, stating that a true and correct copy of the motion has been filed via the court’s electronic filing portal and sent to all counsel of record, as well as the Executive Director and General Counsel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission.

In response, the Judicial Qualifications Commission of Florida issued an order granting Judge Jacobs’ motion. The order was issued by Gregory W. Coleman, the FJQC Hearing Panel Chair, pursuant to FJQC Rule 7(b). Judge Jacobs’ responsive pleading is now due on or before November 3, 2023. The order was sent to various parties, including the Executive Director and General Counsel of the FJQC, as well as counsel for Judge Jacobs.

Judge Jacobs attended the University of Miami School of Law, graduating in 1985. Judge Jacobs’s courtroom is located at 301 N. Michigan Ave., Room 2016 Plant City, Florida 33563, Courtroom #2, and can be reached at (813) 272-6137. Her info can be found on fijud13.org.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.