Florida Judge Suspended for Inappropriate Jokes

A Circuit Court judge in Broward County, Florida, is set to be suspended next week following a decision by an advisory board to the state Supreme Court, which deemed him unsuitable for his position after making what was described as an “exceptionally bad joke.”

According to court filings, a panel from the Florida Judicial Qualifications Committee (FJQC) found that Broward Circuit Judge Gary Farmer, a former Florida senator and member of the Democratic Party, will be without pay as he awaits a hearing.

The suspension is scheduled to take effect at 11:59 PM on Monday.

This decision comes about a month after the FJQC recommended halting Farmer’s duties.

The investigation stems from comments made by Farmer in October 2024, leading the panel to determine there is sufficient cause for a hearing, which is set for December 2024.

The FJQC report highlighted several instances where Farmer made inappropriate remarks.

“Through his extensive misconduct over an extended period, Judge Farmer has negatively impacted the public’s view of the judicial system,” the report stated.

In one situation from August 15, 2024, while overseeing a felony case, Farmer reportedly laughed at a defendant expecting three children with different women.

He quipped, “Okay, you were busy. You were just filming here and there! That’s a good thing. Do you know their names? First and last? Romantic, don’t tell Susie about Jane. Don’t tell Jane about Mary. God bless you.”

Later, Farmer allegedly told the defendant he should wear condoms for his own benefit, joking about probation checks. After court, he suggested the defendant hire a particular female lawyer but cautioned him against getting her pregnant.

During another case involving a defendant named Georgia Smith, Farmer sang a tune about “Sweet Georgia” and jokingly suggested she should be referred to as “Peachy.”

At one point, he apologized to a lawyer for “challenging” the situation with humor.

Additionally, during a different felony case, Farmer referenced a comedy sketch from “In Living Color” that ridiculed LGBTQ+ individuals.

Another joke he made on August 15 involved a play on words about the arrival of spring, which the court filing noted as part of the “exceptionally, exceptionally bad jokes.”

Beyond humor, he faces allegations of neglecting judicial duties, exceeding 30 days of leave, and failing to respect legal processes by showing bias in some cases.

Farmer’s legal team responded to the court’s recommendation, acknowledging he had made jokes that were meant to ease tension for defendants and highlight his humanity. They described these as G-rated dad jokes that, while perhaps risky, were not intended to offend or degrade.

They noted that Farmer recognized the inappropriateness of some comments and apologized during the hearing.

Regarding the “In Living Color” reference, Farmer indicated he had forgotten his microphone was on and subsequently acknowledged his remark was unsuitable.

A committee from the Florida Supreme Court ultimately decided to suspend Farmer without pay.