“I am so honored to serve in such an important position,” Labarga said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust of my colleagues and pledge to make sure our constitutional principles are enforced.”

Only the second Cuban-American appointed to Florida’s high court, Labarga came to Florida as an 11-year-old after the Cuban revolution.

Labarga, 61, graduated from Forest Hill High School in West Palm Beach. From there, he went to the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1976. Labarga remained at the University to attend law school and received his law degree in 1979.

Before he became a justice on the Supreme Court five years ago, Labarga served as a trial judge in Palm Beach County, presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases. He also served as the administrative judge of the circuit’s civil division.

Labarga became the state’s 56th Chief Justice when he succeeded Chief Justice Ricky Polston on July 1, 2014.

The photos below are from the Passing of the Gavel ceremony and reception that followed and was hosted by the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society 

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Please view the Full Photo Gallery of the Ceremony & Reception hosted by the FSCHS

Larry Coltharp, photographer

LEARN MORE about the History of the Passing of the Gavel in Florida > > >