The U.S. Senate has confirmed Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe as a United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida following a 53–46 vote on October 21, 2025. Her nomination, submitted by President Donald Trump in June 2025, fills the vacancy created by Judge Brian J. Davis’s transition to senior status. This confirmation further extends the administration’s influence on the federal judiciary. The Middle District of Florida, one of the nation’s busiest courts, serves key cities including Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Judge Moe now begins her federal judicial service with a strong foundation in both state and federal law.
With over two decades of legal experience, Judge Moe brings extensive knowledge and professionalism to the bench. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Furman University in 2001 and her law degree from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2005. Her early career included serving as a federal law clerk in the Middle District of Florida. Later, she practiced at Bush Ross, P.A. in Tampa, specializing in commercial litigation, where her work established her as a respected figure in the legal community.
Before her federal appointment, Moe served in Florida’s judiciary at several levels. Appointed as a circuit judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in 2017 by Governor Rick Scott, she was later elevated to the Second District Court of Appeal in 2024 by Governor Ron DeSantis. During her tenure, she handled diverse civil and appellate matters with precision and integrity. Colleagues and legal professionals have praised her disciplined approach to interpreting and applying the law.
Judge Moe’s new role is expected to influence key judicial decisions for years ahead. The Middle District of Florida frequently oversees cases involving constitutional questions, business regulations, and public policy. Her dual experience in trial and appellate courts positions her to offer a balanced and fair perspective on complex legal matters. Observers anticipate that she will continue to uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and legal consistency. Her appointment underscores the ongoing emphasis on experience and merit within the federal judiciary system.