Justice Charles Canady, the longest-serving current member of the Florida Supreme Court, announced his resignation 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 on the bench for 17 years, stated that it has been a “great privilege” to serve the people of Florida. His resignation is effective in 2026.
In his announcement made on October 30, 2023, Canady, 71, expressed gratitude for his time on the court and mentioned the need to transition to another form of public service. He will also assume the position of tenured professor at the Hamilton School, an institution focused on promoting traditional educational values.
This departure opens a significant opportunity for Governor Ron DeSantis, who has already appointed five of the seven current justices on the court. Canady was appointed to the Supreme Court in August 2008 by then-Governor Charlie Crist, who shifted party affiliations from Republican to Democrat after his tenure.
During his time on the court, Canady served as chief justice three times and has been recognized for his conservative judicial philosophy. He has often dissented from decisions made by what was perceived as a liberal-leaning court prior to DeSantis’ appointments, which have shifted the court towards a more conservative stance.
Canady’s political background includes serving in the state House of Representatives from 1984 to 1990 and later being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992. He chose not to seek reelection in 2000 after serving four terms, adhering to a personal commitment not to serve more than eight years. After his congressional career, he returned to Florida and joined the administration of former Governor Jeb Bush as general counsel before being appointed to the 2nd District Court of Appeal.
In addition to his judicial career, Canady is noted for his involvement in significant political events, including the 1999 impeachment trial of former President Bill Clinton. As a lawmaker, he gained a reputation as a staunch opponent of abortion, famously coining the term “partial birth abortion” and authoring legislation aimed at banning the practice.
Justice Canady’s wife, Jennifer Canady, was elected to the state House in 2022 and is positioned to become the House speaker following the 2028 elections. Their political family background is significant; Charles Canady was raised in a politically connected household in Polk County, where his father served as an aide to the late Senator and Governor Lawton Chiles.
Transitioning to academia marks a long-held interest for Canady, who previously considered pursuing a career in political science. Reflecting on his legal career, he noted in a 2010 interview that he had never regretted his decision to become a lawyer, emphasizing his commitment to the law and the importance of the separation of powers in his judicial philosophy.
The Hamilton School is part of a broader movement by Republican state leaders to promote traditional education, distancing itself from contemporary initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The school’s mission is described on its website as preparing students to think critically and lead with purpose, emphasizing the foundational ideas that sustain a free society.
Canady’s move reflects a significant shift within Florida’s political and educational landscape, as he takes on a new role that aligns with his conservative values while contributing to the evolving direction of academic instruction in the state.
