Florida Judge Torea Spohr Resigns After Weeks of Absence from Bench

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, The Florida Bar announced that Circuit Judge Torea Spohr of the 10th Judicial Circuit submitted her resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis in a letter dated April 29, effective July 15.

The letter provided no explanation for her decision. Spohr’s absence from the bench began on April 29, prompting Chief Judge James Yancey to issue a special order on May 1 reassigning her felony division to Circuit Judge Jalal Harb.

Yancey received a corrected version of Spohr’s resignation letter within the last 10 days.

Spohr, who continues to receive her salary until July 15, was elected in 2020 to serve Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties. She earned her law degree from Barry University’s Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in 2009 and previously worked in the Public Defender’s Office and private practice.

Spohr has no recorded disciplinary issues.

On May 28, the Judicial Nominating Commission began accepting applications to replace Spohr and retiring County Judge Mary Catherine Green.

Source: The Florida Bar