Serving Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties
Larry G. Smith Award

LARRY G. SMITH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD CEREMONY



In conjunction with National Law Day, the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit will host the Larry G. Smith Professionalism Award Ceremony. National Law Day is an annual event occurring on May 1st, and this year's theme is: "The Rule of Law and the American Dream".



Since 2016, the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit has held the Larry G. Smith Professional Award Ceremony. This annual award was established by the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit's Professionalism Committee and is presented to a local attorney who exemplifies and advances professionalism. The award is named after the Honorable Larry G. Smith who served this area as a private attorney, assistant State Attorney, and Circuit Judge. In 1979, he was appointed by Governor Bob Graham to the First District Court of Appeal of Florida where he served until his retirement in 1994.



The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Courtroom S-1 of the Bay County Courthouse.

Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Welcome to Our New Website

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly designed website, created to serve our community with greater accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. This platform offers easy access to court services, resources, and updates, ensuring justice is more approachable than ever.

Our user-friendly design reflects our commitment to fairness and clarity in all court proceedings.

Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to serving you.

Our Judges
why choose

Welcome from the Chief Judge

Christopher N. Patterson

Welcome to Floridas Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, which includes the six counties of Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit was created in 1915. It is the mission of Floridas independent Judiciary is to protect rights and liberties, uphold and interpret the law, and provide for peaceful resolution of disputes. Our clear vision is to be accessible, fair, effective, responsive, and accountable to the citizens of Florida.

Throughout the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit you will find committed judges who uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary, perform their duties diligently and impartially, and engage in activities designed to improve the law and the administration of justice. You will also find a team of skilled professionals dedicated to expanding the vision of our courts and maintaining an efficient Court Administration. We aspire to the highest ethical standards and professionalism in our performance both in and out of the courtroom. The judges and staff constantly endeavor to uphold the public trust and confidence in our court system.

We hope you find this site helpful as you navigate your way through the judicial system.

Christopher N. Patterson, Chief Judge

Robyn Gable, Court Administrator

Courthouse Locations

Bay County Courthouse

300 East 4th Street
Panama City, Florida 32401

Calhoun County Courthouse

20859 East Central Avenue
Blountstown, Florida 32424

Gulf County Courthouse

1000 Cecil G. Costin Sr. Blvd
Port St. Joe, Florida 32456

Holmes County Courthouse

201 North Oklahoma Street
Bonifay, Florida 32425

Jackson County Courthouse

4445 Lafayette Street
Marianna, Florida 32446

Washington County Courthouse

1293 Jackson Ave
Chipley, Florida 32428

Court News FLorida

Court News Florida: Newsworthy Events Happening In And Around The Florida Court System

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