On Thursday, July 17, 2025, the Florida Supreme Court approved a disciplinary agreement addressing multiple violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct by Judge Stefanie C. Moon of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The court accepted a second amended stipulation and findings from the Judicial Qualifications Commission, imposing a 10-day unpaid suspension, a $2,115.40 fine, and a public reprimand.

The disciplinary action resolves three separate cases against Judge Moon. In the first incident, while wearing her judicial robe and presiding on the bench, she questioned an attorney about not responding to her request to join her re-election committee. This occurred immediately after a hearing, raising concerns from the attorney about potential bias affecting his clients.

In a second case, Judge Moon engaged in improper ex parte communication with a mental health therapist involved in a divorce case before her court. Finally, between 2020 and 2024, she made approximately $2,000 in financial contributions to political organizations and candidates, including ActBlue and the campaigns of President Biden and Vice President Harris.

These actions violated several provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which require judges to maintain public confidence in judicial integrity and impartiality, avoid ex parte communications about pending cases, and refrain from making political contributions. The Florida Supreme Court noted that the record supports Judge Moon’s acknowledgment of these violations.

The court highlighted the unusual nature of the case, as it involves distinct violations in unrelated incidents. The Commission had previously cautioned Judge Moon in 2019 for improper campaign activities. Despite this, the recommended discipline reflects her cooperation, remorse, and acceptance of responsibility.

The suspension will take effect within 30 days of the court’s opinion and as determined by the Chief Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The $2,115.40 fine matches the amount of her improper political contributions. Judge Moon is also required to appear before the Florida Supreme Court for a public reprimand at a date set by the court’s clerk.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.