Judge David L. Stevens: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. David L. Stevens is a judge on the 1st Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Ron DeSantis on November 7, 2024, filling a vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.

The 1st Judicial Circuit encompasses Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties.

Prior to his appointment, Stevens was deputy chief assistant state attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit, a position to which he was named in 2023. Before that, he owned and operated the Stevens Law Firm, representing clients in criminal defense matters (2019 to 2023).

Stevens earned a B.S. in political science from Florida State University in 2007. He then completed a J.D. at Regent University School of Law (2010) and an M.Div. in apologetics at the Southern Evangelical Seminary (2024).

He was licensed to practice in Florida (2010).

After graduating from law school, Stevens began his legal career as an associate at Zalkin Revell in Santa Rosa Beach. He worked in that capacity until 2011, at which time he began his first stint as an assistant state attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit.

Raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Stevens graduated from Choctawhatchee High School. He currently resides in Niceville, Florida, alongside his wife and their daughter. The family attends Destiny Worship Center.