Broward Judge Stefanie Moon Faces Discipline Over Political Contributions

Broward County Circuit Judge Stefanie Moon is under scrutiny once again, this time for allegedly violating judicial conduct rules by donating to political campaigns. This latest accusation compounds existing allegations of misconduct that have already been referred to Florida’s Supreme Court for potential disciplinary action.

According to newly submitted filings, the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) claims that Judge Moon breached judicial ethics by contributing to political candidates and organizations.

NBC Miami reports that the donations in question were made to prominent Democratic figures, including Kamala Harris and Joe Biden, as well as the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. The total value of the contributions was $2,115 — an amount considered unlawful under the state's code of conduct for judges.

As outlined by the Sun Sentinel, a proposed agreement between Judge Moon and the JQC suggests that she would face a public reprimand and a financial penalty matching the total of her political donations.

One of the commission’s filings states, “The commission believes that a public reprimand and fine will be sufficient to deter similar misconduct by the respondent (Moon) in the future and will also serve as a reminder to future candidates for judicial office that they must protect the integrity of judicial elections by refraining from inappropriate campaign activity and improper political contributions.”

This new allegation comes while Judge Moon is already awaiting the Florida Supreme Court’s decision regarding an earlier set of misconduct accusations.

Back in January, the JQC recommended formal censure after determining that Judge Moon had acted improperly in two separate instances. These included addressing an attorney in court about not returning a call tied to her reelection campaign, and making direct contact with a therapist involved in a case she was overseeing.

The authority to issue judicial discipline lies with the Florida Supreme Court, which evaluates the JQC’s findings and proposals.

Despite these controversies, Moon was recognized in 2024 by the Florida Bar for her appointment to the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society Board of Trustees, where she is set to serve a three-year term.

NBC News has also reported that Judge Moon may have breached rules barring judges from engaging in political campaign activities while still serving on the bench.

This week, the JQC formally recommended to the Florida Supreme Court that Moon receive a public reprimand. Judge Moon has consented to this disciplinary measure, although the final decision will rest with the state's highest court.

The JQC expressed being “quite disturbed” by an incident in which Judge Moon questioned an attorney in a courtroom setting about his failure to return a campaign-related call. The inquiry involved soliciting help for her reelection committee — an action the commission said carried “the inherently coercive nature of the interaction between a robed judge in court questioning an attorney who appears with a client about the attorney’s support or non-support of their campaign.” The commission added that her behavior “could reasonably raise questions about the judge’s integrity or impartiality.”

Attorney Michael Jones, the subject of the courtroom exchange, told NBC6 Investigates in May that the encounter left him “extremely uncomfortable,” particularly since he supported Judge Moon’s challenger, attorney Johnny Weekes.

Judicial candidates and incumbents are bound by stringent campaign rules, which prohibit most political activity in or around courthouse premises. Judges are not allowed to directly solicit donations for their campaigns, but they are permitted to establish a “committee of responsible persons” to manage fundraising efforts, oversee expenditures, and gather endorsements in accordance with Florida’s judicial conduct guidelines.