Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz Awards 2024 Judicial Excellence Award to Seventeenth Circuit Judge Ari Porth
Judge Ari Abraham Porth
Judge Ari Abraham Porth is the 2024 circuit court recipient of the Chief Justice Judicial Excellence Award, recognizing Judge Porth’s exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and his outstanding contributions to the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County.
Judge Porth has served on the 17th Circuit Court since his appointment in 2013, where he presides over the circuit’s felony mental health court.
Judge Porth’s dedication to improving the court system is evident through his leadership as chair of the 17th Circuit’s Mental Health Task Force and his role as an executive board member of the Florida Conference of Circuit Court Judges. Judge Porth is also a member of the Florida Judicial Wellness Program Committee and the Justice Unit.
Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz commended Judge Porth for his unwavering dedication to the judicial system and his innovative efforts to enhance the mental health court.
“Judge Porth exemplifies the qualities of integrity, fairness, and compassion that this award seeks to honor,” Muñiz said.
Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Porth served as an Assistant State Attorney in Broward County from 1995 to 2012. He was also elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving from 2004 to 2012. During his time in the legislature, he sponsored landmark legislation mandating insurance coverage for autism therapies.
Judge Porth earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1995 after receiving his bachelor's degree in political science from Northeastern University. He began his career as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Bob Graham in Washington, D.C.
“Judge Porth is our go-to person for crafting innovative solutions to help those struggling with mental health issues,” said a colleague on the 17th Circuit bench in the nomination. “His deep understanding of the challenges faced by the people who come before him, combined with his legal acumen, make him an invaluable asset to our court and our community.”
The Chief Justice Awards for Judicial Excellence, established in 2015, recognize one county court judge and one circuit judge who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the judicial branch and who personify judicial excellence, embodying qualities such as strength of character, integrity, fairness, open-mindedness, knowledge of the law, and sound judgment.