Florida judge faces renewed suspension after being sworn in

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Florida. – A Florida agency investigating allegations of judicial misconduct has again recommended the suspension of a judge for “excessive conduct,” which included raising his voice and using foul language.

This week, the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission released its findings on Circuit Court Judge Wayne Culver. Recommendations in the report include a 60-day suspension, a public reprimand and continued anger management training.

It is the second time Culver has faced a possible suspension for his conduct on the bench. After several incidents during a two-and-a-half-week period in 2022, it seemed likely that he would face disciplinary action, but when the JQC first recommended a suspension, the Florida Supreme Court rejected it.

A JQC investigative committee first filed charges against Culver in June 2022, alleging that he behaved inappropriately while presiding over two hearings in January and February 2022.

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Court records show that while presiding over a temporary restraining order on January 25, 2022, Culver made sarcastic remarks toward a litigant and “accused the litigant of direct criminal contempt of court without conducting the hearing required by law.”

In February, the documents describe an exchange between Culver and a man who entered the courtroom looking for a seat. In a video obtained by News 6, Culver can be heard raising his voice, using profanity and threatening to use his contempt power.

“Can you shut up and sit down?” he can be heard saying in the video.

After the JQC announced its first planned disciplinary actions, the Florida Supreme Court filed a document in response.

It stated, among other things: “The Court rejects the agreement and disapproves of the proposed sanctions” and orders “further proceedings, including a full hearing before the Judicial Qualifications Commission.”

This action led to a hearing in April where Culver himself testified. He admitted that he had behaved improperly and voluntarily completed an anger management course and sought psychological counseling.

The new JQC report this week states, in part: “Judge Culver admitted that he had shocked himself by his use of foul language and that the public would rightly be appalled.” It goes on to say: “He knew it immediately when he left the bench and told his judicial assistant, ‘I really messed up there.'”

News 6 reached out to an attorney representing Culver on Tuesday, and our request for comment was never returned.

Culver still tries cases in Seminole County.

A spokesman for the Florida Supreme Court said the Judicial Qualifications Commission panel’s recommendation will now be reviewed by the court for a final decision.

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