Cuban-American Judge From Lakeland Named To Florida Supreme Court
DESIGNED BY SYDNEY SILVA
Gov. Ron DeSantis recently appointed Lakeland judge Meredith Sasso to the Florida Supreme Court, making her the fourth Hispanic justice DeSantis has appointed to the high court since taking office in 2019.
The Cuban-American Sasso has served as the Chief Judge at the Florida Sixth District Court of Appeal, located in Lakeland, since January 1, 2023. She served as a judge for the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal for four years prior.
“I am proud to appoint Judge Meredith Sasso to the Florida Supreme Court because her fidelity to the Constitution will help preserve freedom in our state for generations to come,” DeSantis said in a press release from the governor’s office. “As a Cuban-American woman who understands the importance of our constitutional system and the rule of law, Judge Sasso will serve our state well.”
With Sasso's appointment, three women will serve on the Florida Supreme Court simultaneously for the first time in state history.
“I am incredibly honored that Governor Ron DeSantis is entrusting me with this position,” said Judge Meredith Sasso in the release. “The judiciary plays a critical and unique role in our constitutional government, and I am resolutely committed to upholding the rule of law for as long as I am privileged to serve.”
Sasso was chosen by DeSantis to lead the development of and launch the Sixth District Court of Appeal in Lakeland, which is currently located on Main Street while funding is identified to construct a new facility.
Before being appointed a judge, Sasso served as Chief Deputy General Counsel for Gov. Rick Scott, representing the governor's office in litigation before the Florida Supreme Court, the First District Court of Appeal, and state and federal trial courts.
Prior to starting her career in government, Sasso represented clients in large loss general liability, auto negligence, and complex commercial claims in state and federal courts at trial and on appeal. She also served as a guardian ad litem, representing abused or neglected children.
Judge Sasso received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2005 and her law degree from the University of Florida in 2008, where she was a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board.
She was raised in Tallahassee, and is married with two children. She currently serves as an appointed member of the Florida Bar Appellate Court Rules Committee. She is also a member of the American Enterprise Institute Leadership Network and the Federalist Society.
Sasso is replacing Judge Ricky Polston who retired from the high court earlier this year.