On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court rejected an amended stipulation and disciplinary recommendations submitted by the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) regarding an inquiry into Circuit Judge Stefanie C. Moon of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

The court’s decision, outlined in case SC2025-0071, pertains to JQC cases 2024-452, 2024-506, and 2025-161. The court indicated it would approve a revised stipulation that includes a 10-day suspension without pay, a public reprimand, and a fine as recommended by the JQC.

However, if Judge Moon and the JQC do not agree to this proposed discipline and submit the required documentation, the case will proceed to a final plenary hearing before the JQC’s Hearing Panel.

The inquiry stems from an amended stipulation filed on April 4, 2025, by the JQC’s Investigative Panel and Judge Moon, pursuant to Article V, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution and Rule 6(k) of the JQC’s rules. The stipulation addressed allegations in the three JQC cases. Notices of Investigation were issued to Judge Moon on August 9, 2024, and February 24, 2025. Hearings were held in Tampa on October 25, 2024, and in Jacksonville on March 28, 2025, where Judge Moon, represented by counsel, testified under oath. The Investigative Panel found probable cause for formal charges after each hearing.

In the stipulation, Judge Moon admitted to inappropriate conduct that violated Canons 1, 2A, 3B(7), 5A, and 7A of the judicial code. She expressed remorse, acknowledging that her actions negatively impacted perceptions of judicial elections. The stipulation, accompanied by formal charges and disciplinary recommendations, noted that Judge Moon took immediate responsibility during the investigation and her sworn testimony. She agreed to a fine and a public reprimand and waived her right to a plenary hearing if the court accepts the findings. The stipulation emphasized that its terms and negotiations would remain inadmissible if the court rejected the agreement, requiring a final hearing. Both parties agreed that oral arguments were unnecessary given the case’s record and the nature of the charges.

The Florida Supreme Court’s rejection now places the resolution of the case on whether Judge Moon and the JQC will agree to the court’s proposed disciplinary terms or proceed to a formal hearing.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.