Broward County Circuit Court Judge Gary Farmer has been suspended without pay following findings from the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission deeming him unfit to serve due to bias and poor behavior, including his penchant for telling "G-rated dad jokes" in court.

Farmer's suspension is slated to commence Monday night, pending an official state Supreme Court hearing to review the findings, as the New York Post reports.

The judge, who also has a history as a Florida state senator, faces these proceedings following a panel's recommendation to the state Supreme Court concerning his conduct.

Initiated by the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission in October 2024, the investigation raised questions about his ability to properly fulfill his judicial duties.

Courtroom remarks form basis of complaint

The investigation unearthed several instances where Farmer made remarks deemed inappropriate while presiding over court cases.

Notably, during a felony case on Aug. 15, 2024, he made disparaging comments about a defendant's personal life. Accused of mocking the defendant expecting children with different women, Farmer aimed jokes at the defendant, stating, "I'm going to order that you wear a condom at all times."

In another case involving a defendant named Georgia Smith, he attempted humor by commenting, "You're supposed to say 'peachy.' How you doin’ Georgia? Peachy!" These incidents prompted concerns over Farmer’s courtroom demeanor and demonstrated a lack of respect for the proceedings.

Reports state that Farmer also referenced comedy sketches mocking gay people during court sessions, further contributing to the decision to suspend him. Such actions reflect a significant deviation from expected judicial conduct, emphasizing the need for a judge to maintain professional standards and impartiality in court.

Unprofessional behavior claimed

The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission panel has articulated its concerns, pointing out Farmer’s ongoing misconduct and its effect on public trust in the judiciary.

Despite acknowledgment from Farmer’s legal representative that the jokes were intended to "lighten tension," the panel viewed them as undermining the solemnity of judicial proceedings.

Farmer's attorney elaborated that these comments were not aimed at being offensive or degrading but served to reduce stress in a courtroom setting. Describing them as "G-rated dad jokes," the attorney contended that they should be seen as harmless attempts at humor.

Nonetheless, Farmer himself admitted, upon reflection, that some of his jokes were "racy" and expressed regret for their inappropriateness. His apologies came during a probable cause hearing, further emphasizing his acknowledgment of the issues with his conduct.

State Supreme Court to decide judge's future

The panel has cited his behavior as detrimental to the judiciary’s reputation, stating that he has shown "a present unfitness to serve." Their recommendation for suspension underscores the seriousness of upholding the integrity and professionalism expected from members of the judiciary.

Compounded by Farmer's record of exceeding his allotted leave days and perceived bias in specific legal cases, the decision to suspend him arose as a response to preserving the judicial system’s credibility. The Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission’s recommendation reflects a commitment to ensuring fairness and accountability within the courts.

Farmer did not provide comments to Fox News Digital when approached for a response. However, his cooperation in admitting to previous lapses in judgment signals a recognition of the need for change in approach should he continue in his role.

Hearing poised to determine next steps

The suspension will take effect at the designated time, with an official review on the horizon to assess the implications of these findings and determine further action. This hearing will offer an opportunity for Farmer to address the panel’s concerns and potentially seek redemption for past misjudgments.

The case of Judge Gary Farmer serves as a reminder of the critical role the judiciary plays in maintaining public confidence in legal proceedings. Ensuring that judges conduct themselves with professionalism and impartiality remains essential to the justice system.

Going forward, this situation highlights the need for continuous evaluation and potential reforms in the oversight of judicial conduct. By addressing such issues, the judiciary can work towards restoring and maintaining the public’s faith in its function and decisions.