Florida's Circuit Courts are trial courts with general jurisdiction. The majority of jury trials in Florida take place in the circuit courts. Circuit courts hear all criminal and civil matters not within the jurisdiction of county courts, including criminal felonies, juvenile delinquency and dependency, divorce, probate, guardianship, and civil matters over $50,000.The Ninth Judicial Circuit is one of 20 judicial circuits in the state. Serving Orange and Osceola counties, the Ninth Circuit covers over 2,000 square miles and serves more than 1.3 million residents, making it one of the largest circuits in Florida.In 2024/2025, a circuit judge's salary is $196,898.
Civic Positions/Experience
I have 20 years of legal experience as an attorney. For 13 years, I served as a prosecutor in the public sector here in the 9th Circuit. For 7 years, I was in private practice. I also interned at the Orlando City Attorney's Office while in law school.
Education
I obtained by Juris Doctorate from Barry's School of Law in Orlando.
Campaign Phone
321-247-8225
Twitter
@electstevek
I have 20 years of legal experience. I have spent years of my work life in the courtroom. At different times, I have worked on both sides of the criminal justice system as well as civil cases. I have practiced law throughout Central Florida and beyond. I have appeared and litigated cases in front of all manner of judges. I have seen the good and the not so good. I pledge to bring the best of what I have experienced throughout the years to the citizens of this circuit. I feel comfortable in the courtroom because of how much of my life I have spent there as a practicing attorney.
A Judge is the leader in the courtroom. A Judge must not allow inadequate representation in their courtroom. Luckily, our Public Defender Office is headed by the fantastic Melissa Vickers who is doing a great job of ensuring that the most at risk of falling into this category are not neglected. However, a Judge is capable of ensuring the rights of the accused are not trampled upon in their courtroom.
The election process is a great place to start. We should strive to vote for judicial candidates who desire to keep judicial races non-partisan. Voters, at least, at the trial court level can vote for the candidate who is most willing to stay out of politics. Vote for experience and don't vote for a judicial candidate that wants you to vote for them based on political leanings. I have 20 years of legal experience that encompasses both the private and public sectors. I have military experience in addition to my legal experience. I have owned my own business and handled the challenges that comes with that. I am a husband and father. I have more than 20 years of experience here in this community.
At the trial court level, I envision a judicial system whereby the Judges work studiously, honorably, with adequate funding, and strive to use the means at their disposal to give the people they serve the best judicial system possible. It may not sound exciting, but calendaring and the system used for it can make a big difference in how efficiently a courtroom runs. I pledge to strive to ensure litigants don't have to wait on me as a Judge, so that cases can move towards a proper resolution. Judges can also encourage the lawyers who appear before them to litigate their cases at the appropriate speed.
Good team members always play a part in how well everything works. A judge must have a good judicial assistant to ensure things run smoothly. Seeking input from other team members is also instrumental in any work environment. Additional relevant team members include: the staff at the courthouse, staff of the Clerk of Courts, Deputies, other courthouse security and also the county personnel that maintain the premises of the two courthouses in our circuit. Judges are leaders, but not direct supervisors of this cross organizational structure that ensures everyone in the judicial system works at its best towards the services provided to those they serve.
Civic Positions/Experience
As space is limited, please visit www.kamilahperryforjudge.com for full listing of positions and experience that are too numerous to list here.
Education
Samford University (BA - Print Journalism); Stetson University College of Law (JD and MBA degrees)
Campaign Phone
7275604776
Twitter
na
I have represented Fortune 500 Companies as a large firm associate, individuals and small businesses as a private practice owner, and I have managed justice for victims and defendants as the Chief Administrator of the State Attorney's Office. My 23 years of litigation experience in virtually every area of the law uniquely qualifies me to be a judge with a vast well of knowledge. My current role is to manage a $37-million dollar budget and handle the conflicts and challenges of 385 prosecutors and staff with efficiency, diplomacy, and the fair application of applicable rules and policies. As such, my most effective methods will utilize my existing skills in efficiency, close attention to detail and high-level organization.
Judges have to be very careful not to provide legal assistance or act as a defendant's personal advocate in the courtroom. However, a judge can ensure that all defendants are aware of their legal rights by advising them of same, that they are informed of their legal options and clearly understand the effects of any plea agreements or other agreed upon court obligations. A judge can also query the public defender in each case to ensure that the defendant has been fully apprised of all of the above so that no defendant falls through the cracks. Lastly, judges can provide information about court-sponsored or community- led resources to ensure that the defendant has access to information or other advice to ensure their adequate representation.
As General Counsel for the State Attorney's Office, I've had to train employees on the importance of maintaining all appearances of avid objectivity and non-bias. I sincerely believe that public trust is paramount to a fair justice system. Judges must be unafraid to make unpopular decisions based on the current state of law and any fear of being ostracized or criticized cannot be a deterrent to making good sound legal decisions. The community must trust that judges will make consistent rulings based on the law. I will balance my judicial independence with my elected status by remembering what the job requires, what the law requires and what justice requires - fair and impartial review and rulings for every person, every time.
Funding is the greatest issue our legal system faces. Only 1% of Florida's budget goes to the legal system. However, judges, prosecutors, public defenders and the clerk's office are all charged with providing unfettered access to the courts, keeping the community safe and holding offenders accountable while maintaining high levels of transparency and keeping up with evolving technology. Funding is critical for the system to work efficiently. As General Counsel, my job is to analyze budgetary needs and lobby the legislature for increased funding for our office. As judge, I would use those skills to assist the Chief Judge in impressing upon the legislature the dire need for additional funding to ensure continued access and public safety.
I have been impressed with creation of the Complex Business Litigation Division in the 9th Circuit. I believe the streamlined process and universal rules for all qualifying cases in the division have greatly improved efficiency and case disposition. If elected, to improve high-volume dockets, I would allow more hearing times, quickly issue my rulings and signed Orders, and allow lawyers to be lawyers by not requiring too many personal preferences for my docket. Happy lawyers make happy judges. I would also keep notes of status hearings to ensure that the parties are keeping the cases on track and doing the necessary work to keep cases moving, and, where necessary, impose deadlines to avoid cases from stalling or otherwise being delayed.
