On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court informed Broward County Judge Woody Clermont that he would be publicly reprimanded following a recommendation from the Judicial Qualifications Commission. The disciplinary action stems from an incident on April 11, 2025, where Clermont represented a friend at a first appearance proceeding after an arrest for domestic violence.
Clermont admitted to negotiating with the prosecuting assistant state attorney, arguing for a proposed bond, and offering character testimony on behalf of his friend. While the presiding judge and the assistant state attorney were aware of Clermont’s judicial status, the Commission found no evidence that it influenced their handling of the case.
The Commission concluded, with Judge Clermont’s agreement, that his actions violated Canons 1, 2A, 2B, and 5G of the Code of Judicial Conduct. These canons emphasize upholding the integrity of the judiciary, avoiding the appearance of impropriety, and prohibiting judges from using their office to advance private interests, acting as character witnesses, or practicing law. The Court agreed that Clermont’s admissions supported the Commission’s legal conclusions.
The Commission and Judge Clermont jointly requested a public reprimand as the appropriate discipline, noting Clermont’s lack of prior disciplinary history and his remorseful and cooperative conduct throughout the proceedings. The Florida Supreme Court accepted the recommendation and ordered Judge Clermont to appear before the Court for the administration of the reprimand.
Clermont is scheduled to appear before the Florida Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. for the public reprimand.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
