Florida Courts Expand: Examining Judge Bain's New Role in Orlando

Andrew Bain, a familiar name in Orlando’s legal circles, stepped into a new role on April 9, 2025, as a judge on the Orange County Court. Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, Bain brings a resume packed with experience, from leading government and business engagement at Byrd Campbell, P.A., to serving as State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. His appointment fills a vacancy created by HB 5401, a law that’s shaking up Florida’s court system with new judgeships.

Bain’s journey to the bench isn’t a fluke. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and a juris doctor from Florida A&M University, he’s built a career bridging prosecution and private practice. For readers wondering what this means in real life, it’s simple: the guy who once decided which cases to prosecute in central Florida now gets to rule on them. His shift reflects a broader trend in the state, where legal pros are jumping from courtroom battles to judicial robes.

HB 5401 isn’t just a random bill; it’s a calculated move to fix a clogged court system. Passed in 2024, it greenlit 17 new circuit court judgeships and 12 county court ones, including Bain’s spot in Orange County. The Florida Supreme Court pushed for this, pointing to ballooning caseloads and population growth. With $13.6 million in steady funding and a $241,200 one-time boost, the state’s betting big on clearing backlogs. For everyday folks, that could mean faster resolutions to disputes, from traffic tickets to family matters.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Local governments are grumbling about the extra costs for court facilities and staff. Supporters argue it’s worth it to keep justice rolling, while others question if the cash could’ve gone elsewhere. Either way, Bain’s appointment is a tangible piece of this puzzle, showing how legislation hits the ground in real communities like Orlando.

Bain isn’t the only one riding this wave. Governor DeSantis has tapped 168 judges since 2019, including big names like Laura Laurie in the Fifteenth Circuit Court. Many, like Bain, come from state attorney gigs or private firms, a pattern that’s raising eyebrows. Advocates for this approach say it brings seasoned voices to the bench, folks who’ve seen the law from multiple angles. Detractors wonder if it narrows the pool too much, sidelining other talent.

State Attorneys, like Bain once was, are power players in Florida’s 20 judicial circuits. They prosecute everything from petty theft to major felonies, working hand-in-hand with cops and victims. That background gives them a front-row seat to the system’s quirks, which could shape fairer rulings. Yet some argue the leap from prosecutor to judge might tilt perspectives toward the state’s side, a tension worth watching as Bain settles in.

Florida’s judiciary isn’t just about new seats; it’s wrestling with who fills them. Women are storming the legal field, now outnumbering men as law firm associates and federal lawyers. That’s a win for representation, but racial and ethnic diversity lags behind. The Florida Supreme Court’s recent push to ditch diversity funding in the Florida Bar, redirecting it to general outreach, has folks split. Some see it as a practical shift; others call it a step back from inclusivity.

Looking back, governors like Lawton Chiles made diversity a priority, boosting minority voices on Judicial Nominating Commissions. Those gains have slipped since, with retirements and policy shifts thinning the ranks. Bain’s appointment doesn’t directly tackle this, but it lands in a moment when Florida’s courts are under a microscope. Readers might ask: does the system mirror the people it serves? The answer’s still up in the air.

Bain’s new gig is a snapshot of a judiciary in flux. HB 5401’s expansion aims to keep pace with Florida’s growth, while DeSantis’ appointments carve out a distinct flavor on the bench. For Orange County residents, it’s less about politics and more about results, quicker case turnarounds and a judge who knows the local beat. The bigger picture shows a state juggling efficiency with equity, a balancing act that’s far from over.

As Florida’s legal landscape evolves, eyes stay on how these changes play out. Will new judges like Bain cut through the backlog? Can the system reflect the state’s diverse faces? No one’s got a crystal ball, but the stakes are real. From Orlando to the Panhandle, people want a judiciary that works, and works for them. Time will tell if this latest move delivers.