Justice Charles Canady, the longest-serving current member of the Florida Supreme Court, has announced his departure from the bench to take on a new role as director of the Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida. Canady, who has served as a justice for 17 years, expressed gratitude for his time on the court, labeling it a “great privilege” to serve the people of Florida.
Starting in 2026, Canady will also hold a tenured professorship at the Hamilton School, a position he views as another opportunity for public service. His departure means that Governor Ron DeSantis will have the chance to appoint a replacement for Canady, who was originally appointed in 2008 by then-Governor Charlie Crist.
A native of Lakeland, Florida, Canady has had a distinguished political career. He previously served in the state House from 1984 to 1990 and was a U.S. Congressman for four terms starting in 1992. He later joined former Governor Jeb Bush’s administration as general counsel before his appointment to the 2nd District Court of Appeal and subsequently to the Florida Supreme Court.
Throughout his tenure, Canady became known for his conservative viewpoints, often dissenting in cases from a liberal majority court prior to DeSantis’ conservative overhaul of the court that began in 2019. He has legislative experience with a significant focus on issues such as abortion, and he notably participated in the impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton in 1999.
His wife, state Rep. Jennifer Canady, is poised to become the House speaker in 2028, further solidifying the Canady family’s influence in Florida politics. Originally from a politically active family, Charles Canady had considered a career in academia but chose to pursue law instead, leading to a successful legal and judicial career.
At the Hamilton School, which is part of statewide efforts led by Republican leaders to shift educational focus toward traditional curricula, Canady will likely emphasize critical thinking and foundational American ideals. The school promotes itself as a leader in educational reform, encouraging deep exploration, thoughtful discourse, and purposeful leadership among its students.
Canady’s transition to academia represents a significant move in both his career and the ongoing evolution of Florida’s educational landscape, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering traditional educational values.