Jacksonville University alumnus and former Board of Trustees member Judge Gary Flower has been named the 2025 recipient of the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence, one of the highest honors within Florida’s judicial system. A respected Duval County Court judge for 25 years, Judge Flower was recognized for his integrity, professionalism and deep commitment to the advancement of the judicial branch.
The award was presented to Judge Flower on July 9 during the annual meeting of the Conference of County Court Judges of Florida. In nominating materials, colleagues described him as a valued mentor, admired leader and passionate educator whose contributions have significantly shaped the state judiciary.
“Receiving the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence is more than just a professional milestone. It is a deeply personal affirmation of my dedication to fairness, integrity and service,” said Judge Flower. “It’s a reminder that the small, often unseen, choices we make each day to act with honesty and compassion truly matter.”
Appointed to the bench in 2000, Judge Flower has held the position of administrative judge of the county courts four times. He helped lead the Conference of County Court Judges as president and chair of education, was co-department head for the Advanced College of Judicial Studies and is a longtime faculty member of the Florida Judicial College. He also serves on the Judicial Qualifications Commission.
“Gary and I were classmates at Jacksonville University in the late 1970s and early 1980s,” said President Tim Cost. “He was a terrific student, very engaged. In the 45 years since then, he’s become an extraordinary judge, a world-class alumnus and a friend to so many. He’s a remarkable advocate for all things Jacksonville who constantly keeps his family, community and university uppermost in his mind and his heart. This recognition is well deserved and a great point of pride for our University.”
In addition to his distinguished judicial service, Judge Flower remains active in his community as a member of the Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America board of directors and as program chair of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Judge Flower began his legal career as an assistant state attorney. He later served as a magistrate and child support hearing officer and spent time in private practice. He earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from JU, where he later returned as a valued member of the Board of Trustees.
Leslie Redd, JU’s vice president of university advancement, shared her pride for the former trustee’s accolade.
“Judge Flower exemplifies the values we instill at Jacksonville University: leadership, ethics and a lifelong commitment to service. We are incredibly proud to count him among our alumni and former trustees. His recognition with the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence is a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the legal profession and to the community he serves.”
Judge Flower credited JU for helping him develop critical thinking and analytical skills and shaping his potential as a leader.
“Faculty members like Dr. Blanton, Dr. Carver, Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Quinton White challenged me to look beyond surface-level answers, encouraging a habit of thorough research and clear, persuasive communication skills that are indispensable in the legal field,” he said. “Jacksonville University provided not only the academic foundation but also the ethical compass and leadership opportunities that shaped me into the husband, the father and the judge that I am.”
