Richard W. Ervin, III, the longest serving judge on Florida’s First District Court of Appeal, passed away in Tallahassee, Florida, on October 22, 2024.
Born on October 16, 1934, in Palatka, FL, he was a highly respected figure in the legal community, serving as a judge from 1977-2006 and chief judge from 1983-1985. Judge Ervin received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1957 and his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law in 1960.
After spending time as a federal prosecutor, Ervin became the first public defender for the 2nd Judicial Circuit,
Judge Ervin was on the court for 30 years and was the last judge to be directly elected to the court before Florida moved to an appointment and merit retention election system. He also was chief judge from 1983 to 1985,
“He was an excellent judge and a compassionate man,” said fellow retired 1st DCA Judge James R. Wolf, who served with Ervin. “We might disagree (on a case) but he always respected your view. I don’t really think I ever heard him raise his voice.”
After his retirement from the court in 2007, Ervin went into private practice and specialized on worker’s compensation appeals.”
He is survived by his wife, Carol and his son, Richard Ervin IV (Emily), He is predeceased by his father, former Florida Supreme Court Justice Richard W. Ervin