Judge Luis Garcia was only 37 years old when then-Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him to the 16th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. The year was 2000; Garcia continued to be re-elected term after term, distinguishing himself as one of the longest-sitting judges in the Florida Keys.
But after 24 years on the bench, Garcia is putting down his gavel. On June 3, 2024, Garcia wrote a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, informing him of his intention to retire.
“It’s time,” said the now-61-year-old Garcia of his decision to retire at the end of November.
The Chicago native and graduate of Northeastern School of Law in Boston started out as a prosecutor in Miami in 1989 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually being tapped to become a judge in Monroe County.
“I’ve been basically working for the state of Florida as a prosecutor or a judge since 1989,
and it’s a long time,” said Garcia. “I’m ready for a new stage in life, to spend more time with my family. I have grandkids now.”
Garcia and his wife of 30 years have two young granddaughters; one is 2 years old and the other just an infant. The couple plans to travel and spend time with their four grown children and grandchildren who live up north, from Tennessee to the Vermont area.
Garcia joked that his retirement may be an adjustment for his wife as well.
“She’s happy, but probably a little worried that I’m going to drive her crazy,” he said with a laugh.
Garcia presided over thousands of cases during his more than two decades on the bench in Monroe County and along the way, changed the lives of those who appeared before him.
He was instrumental in helping a former addict get her life together. She did not want us to use her name for this story, but said she is grateful for Garcia’s tough love approach that helped her get clean, and stay clean.
“I struggled for many years, mainly with addiction issues, and he was always very sympathetic, tough, but fair.
“He may not realize it, but the decisions he’s made, not just for me, but I’m sure for hundreds, maybe thousands of other people during his 24 years, saved lives.”
Garcia’s seat at the Plantation Key Courthouse was unique, presiding over a wide range of cases from family law, to civil cases of all kinds, juvenile cases, criminal felonies, drug court, probate, guardianship, mental health, injunctions; he saw it all.
“They all stick with you,” said Garcia.
Monroe County Public Defender Robert Lockwood described Garcia as fair and impartial with great patience to hear from all sides.
“He has compassion and empathy for those appearing before him. He has a deep understanding of the issues with mental health and substance abuse that plagues so many of our clients,” said Lockwood.
“His work ethic, temperament and demeanor has made him a role model to the attorneys of my office and the Monroe County legal community as a whole. He leaves an indelible legacy and will be greatly missed,” added Lockwood.
Besides spending more time with his family, Garcia plans to do mediation work in family law and civil cases. He will also help out in circuit court as needed.
“I’m not going to be completely gone. Whenever they need me I can come in and handle a few days or a couple cases, whatever the circuit needs,” said Garcia.
Hundreds attended a retirement party held for Garcia on Nov. 2 at Whale Harbor, including his many co-workers, whom he refers to as family.
“I think I’m going to miss the people I work with because really, they do all the heavy lifting, my JA (judicial assistant), the case managers, the clerk of the courts, the court deputies, we really are kind of a team. They’re kind of like my Plantation Key Courthouse family and I’m going to miss them.”
As for the Keys community as a whole, Judge Garcia had this to say:
“The only thing I’d like to say to the community is it’s been my honor to serve them and from day one they’ve made me feel at home. I consider the Keys my home and I will miss them.”
On Oct. 18, DeSantis’ office requested County Attorney Bob Shillinger convene the 16th Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission to select and submit names of highly-qualified lawyers to the governor for appointment. A letter from the governor’s office said he’d like at least six names to choose from. Nov. 8 was the deadline for applicants to declare their interest.
Among the interested lawyers are Donald Barrett, Jack Bridges, Joe Mansfield, Monroe County Judge James Morgan and Alexandria Suarez. They will undergo interviews on Dec. 16 at the Marathon Council Chambers. The commission has until Dec. 17 to submit names to DeSantis’ office.
