BJ
Bonnie J. Helms
Candidate for Circuit Court Judge - Circuit 16, Seat 4
NON
INCUMBENT
Biography
Bonnie J. Helms is an incumbent Circuit Judge in Florida's 16th Judicial Circuit, Monroe County, where she has served since 2015. She was elected Chief Judge in July 2021 and presides over Family, Dependency, and Juvenile Courts. Judge Helms, who earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law, also leads the Family Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Court and was recognized with the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Distinguished Judicial Service Award for her pro bono support.
Top Priorities
- Community service in the Florida Keys through the judiciary
- Expanding pro bono legal services for low-income residents
- Leading specialized courts such as Family Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Court
Key Voting Record
Election as Chief Judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit N/A
Her colleagues elected her to this administrative leadership position in July 2021, placing her in charge of court administration until July 2025.
Leadership of Family Treatment Court and Juvenile Drug Court N/A
She actively leads these specialized courts, focusing on rehabilitation and support for families and juveniles dealing with substance abuse and related issues.
Appointment to Trial Court’s Professionalism and Responsibility Commission N/A
Appointed by Chief Justice Muniz in 2022, she serves on this commission to uphold professional standards and ethical conduct within Florida's trial courts.
Initiatives to Support Pro Bono Legal Services N/A
Her involvement with the 16th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee significantly improved access to legal services for low-income populations in Monroe County, earning her a Distinguished Judicial Service Award in 2022.