Duval County Court Judge Gary P. Flower received the 2025 Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence from Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz.
Duval County Judge Gary P. Flower, described as a valued colleague and mentor, admired leader within the branch, and a significant contributor to his community, is the 2025 recipient of the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence. The award was presented to Judge Flower during the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida annual meeting.
“Over the course of his 25 years of service as a Duval County Court judge, Judge Flower has shown a genuine dedication and commitment to improving the judicial branch, and its jurists, with a special emphasis on judicial education,” one of his colleagues wrote in a nominating letter.
Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz presented the award to Judge Flower. Muñiz said the nominating materials for Judge Flower showed how he exemplifies the professional responsibilities of a judge and the standards expected of the legal profession.
“Judges have a duty to live up to the highest ideals of public service. We all are trying to achieve excellence, to be supportive colleagues, and to always put service to the people first,” Chief Justice Muñiz said. “Judge Flower clearly demonstrates these qualities. He has shown himself to be a judge all of us can look to as a model of professionalism and commitment to our highest standards.”
Fellow judges highlighted his wisdom, professionalism, and generosity in mentoring others.
“To say Judge Flower has had an immeasurable impact through his teachings and mentorship on a vast portion of the state judiciary would be an immense understatement,” wrote another colleague in support of his nomination. “It is my opinion that such teachings and mentorship will be Judge Flower’s legacy for years to come.”
Judge Flower has been on the county court since 2000. He has served as administrative judge of county courts four times, including during the pandemic. He served as president and chair of education for the Conference of County Court Judges, as well as co-department head for the Advanced College of Judicial Studies and he serves on the faculty of the Florida Judicial College. He is a member of the Judicial Qualifications Commission. He is also active in his community, serving on the Mayor’s Victim’s Assistance Advisory Council, the Boys and Girls Club of America Board of Directors, and as program chair of the Jacksonville Historical Society, among many civic roles.
Judge Flower started his legal career as an assistant state attorney. He was appointed a magistrate and child support hearing officer and then was in private practice before joining the bench. He earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law.
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015 and bestowed annually, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence. The circuit judge recipient will be announced in August.