The Honorable Brandon Young
Judge in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Brandon Young majored in legal administration/pre-law and minored in history at the University of West Florida. He earned his law degree from the University of Florida in 2001. He worked at the State Attorney’s Office from 2002-2004 in Bonifay before going into private practice. In 2006, he returned to the SAO part-time, assisting with cases in Holmes County, before returning full-time in 2009. Prior to being appointed by Gov. DeSantis to the Circuit Court, he was the General Counsel to the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners and had served in that role since 2017.
How did you get involved during your time at UWF?
I moved into an old “pizza hut” dorm on the UWF campus at 18 years of age and immediately got a job working in the admissions/registrar’s office right next door. For the next four years, I lived, worked, studied and just generally had a great time on that campus! I was a John C. Pace Jr. Memorial Scholar, and I was heavily involved in many campus clubs and organizations, including Student Government Association. I was even vice president of the student body my senior year. I was fortunate enough to give the welcome address at my Spring 1999 graduation, 31 years after my mom, Gwen Young (Hinson) graduated. She was a member of the inaugural graduating class at UWF back in 1968.
How did your studies at UWF shape your career?
My experiences at UWF undoubtedly shaped my legal career. As a John C. Pace Jr. Memorial Scholar, I was afforded the opportunity to participate in a summer enrichment activity. I chose to go live in Washington, D.C. for the Summer of 1998 and to work on Capitol Hill as a Senate intern. During my time in D.C., I got a very close look at our government in action. I was even able to meet my legal role model, Justice Antonin Scalia. I learned a lot about the law and the “practice” of law from my chosen degree. The research and writing skills I acquired at UWF prepared me for a successful three years at law school at the University of Florida.
You have served Holmes County in several government roles. How does it feel to be able to continue your service, now as a Judge, to Holmes County and the rest of the counties that make up the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida?
While I have practiced in various areas of the law over the past 20 years, I have spent the majority of my career representing the State of Florida as the Chief Assistant State Attorney assigned to Holmes County, Florida. I also was fortunate enough to represent the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners for many years. I feel very humbled that I get to continue serving the people of Holmes County and the 14th Judicial Circuit as a Circuit Judge.