Attorney David Van Loon, partner at Highsmith & Van Loon P.A., recently announced his candidacy for County Court Judge, Group 2.
Van Loon has lived in Key West since 1996. He initially moved to the Keys to teach at Key West High School, where he served for four years before pursuing a legal career. He launched his practice in 2003, and has more than two decades of legal experience serving individuals, families, businesses and institutions throughout South Florida, with a primary focus on Monroe County.
Van Loon said he has deliberately balanced transactional and litigation work, developing a comprehensive understanding of the law from multiple perspectives. He has handled more than 1,000 cases across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee, Hendry, Palm Beach and Brevard counties.
In his transactional practice, Van Loon said, he has helped homeowners buy and sell property, drafted lease agreements, and prepared commercial and private loan documents, as well as condominium and homeowners’ association documents. He has also helped individuals form and launch businesses and has guided clients through the purchase and sale of companies. Additionally, Van Loon has represented individuals and families in immigration matters, helping them obtain lawful permanent residency and United States citizenship.
As a litigator, Van Loon has tried cases in county and circuit courts, as well as in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He has represented clients in more than 500 county court matters and over 400 circuit court cases. At the federal level, he has represented national companies in complex, multimillion-dollar litigation, including FDIC-related matters. He is also certified to appear before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Van Loon also has practiced before the Third and Sixth District Courts of Appeal, including presenting oral arguments before the Third District Court of Appeal.
“Beyond private practice, I also have extensive quasi-judicial experience,” Van Loon said. “For more than a decade, I have served as special magistrate for the Monroe County Value Adjustment Board, presiding over exemption-related hearings. Over the past year, I have also served as a traffic magistrate for county court civil traffic infractions. I also have been appointed by the court on several occasions to serve as magistrate in real estate disputes, overseeing and managing property pending sale,” he said.
Van Loon has demonstrated involvement in both the legal community and the broader community. His service includes:
- Member of the Judicial Nominating Committee.
- Chair of the 16th Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee for The Florida Bar.
- Recipient of the Florida Bar Pro Bono Service Award (2014).
- Past president of the Rotary Club of Key West and an active member for 18 years.
- Youth and high school sports coach in the community for nearly 27 years.
“With extensive courtroom experience, meaningful quasi-judicial service and deep community roots, I am committed to bringing fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law to the Monroe County Court bench,” Van Loon said.
Van Loon is currently running against Kevin McCarthy for the Group 2 County Judge seat.
As of the 2024-2025 Florida budget cycle, Florida County Court judges earn an annual salary of about $186,034, according to the Florida Bar.More information is available from Van Loon at 305-697-8404 or dvlforjudge@gmail.com.
