Judge Renatha Fran can be found in Courtroom 6B, Judge Daniel T.K. when she isn’t working in chambers. Hurley Courthouse, the main courthouse in West Palm Beach. She has been the presider of Family Division “FC”, and Probate Division (“IC”) since November 2019. This vacancy was caused by the tragic and untimely passing of Judge Meenu Sasser.
One can trace Judge Francis’ journey to the bench and see the amazing transformation of a little girl from humble Jamaican roots to becoming a hardworking American jurist who has gained the trust and respect of many including state leaders.
Judge Francis began her life in Jamaica with her younger sister and parents. Her father left her family, and she was left to care for the children. Judge Francis’ mother, despite not finishing high school, had a remarkable work ethic and resilience, which helped her see a better future for her and her children. In order to provide for her family, she was a businesswoman and opened a trucking and bar company.
Judge Francis was in her twenties when she inherited the businesses. While completing a double degree in International Relations and Politics at the University of the West Indies, Judge Francis managed the businesses for five years. All of this while serving as a surrogate mom to her younger sister.
These responsibilities can quickly wear down mature adults. Many people would succumb to such immense pressures—but Renatha Francis. Judge Francis, who displayed remarkable strength and was supported by her strong religious faith managed to manage her critical responsibilities with determination, grit and laser-like focus. She learned many life skills, such as multitasking, managing people, negotiation, time management, and how to manage people.
After graduating with distinction from UWI, Judge Francis immigrated to the United States and began working in the retail sector, saving money for law school. After graduating from UWI with honors, Judge Francis enrolled at Florida Coastal Law School in Jacksonville. She was a winner in numerous moot court competitions and received many other awards.
After graduating from law school, she began work at the First District Court of Appeal, Tallahassee. There, she held three positions with distinction: she was an attorney to Judge Scott Makar; a Central Staff attorney; as well as a Law Clerk for Judge Peter Webster. She joined Shutts & Bowen Of Counsel where she represented Fortune 500 clients as a member the class Action and Mass Litigation Practice Group.
Governor Rick Scott appointed her as a Miami County Court judge in 2017. Governor Scott elevated her to the Miami-Dade Circuit court bench a year later. Her appointment to the circuit bench was the second black woman ever appointed in the history Miami-Dade County. It came some twenty-five decades after the first. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed them to the bench in Palm Beach County.
Judge Francis is an active member of numerous organizations including the American Appellate Inn of Court and the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. She has been a panelist at many conferences and participated in a variety of talks at events. The Florida Supreme Court appointed her on January 4, 2019, to the Judicial Management Council Workgroup on Appellate Review County Court Decisions.
Judge Francis married Phillip Fender five years ago. She had met Phillip Fender years earlier in Jamaica. After her move to the United States, they reconnected. Joshua, a two-year-old boy from their union, is now their child. After her husband was offered a job in Palm Beach County, Judge Francis submitted her name to be considered for a judgeship. Her family and she are enjoying their new life in Palm Beach County as much as they enjoyed living in Miami-Dade County. Judge Francis’ adaptability helped her transition to Palm Beach County and the bench.
She expresses her deep gratitude for all the life experiences and people who have helped to propel her on a bright path. She says, “I have achieved well beyond my wildest expectations.” “I don’t take anything for granted and I am so thankful to God, my mother and my mentors for making me who and what I will be.”
Judge Francis is acutely aware of her unique perspective and life experiences. She issues rulings that affect people from all walks of life from her bench. It is a privilege to be able to give justice in every case.
She lives by the Golden Rule and strives to treat all people, including litigants and lawyers, with dignity and respect. Judge Francis hopes that every litigant and lawyer leaves her courtroom feeling heard, understood, and even if they don’t win, in the end. Respect for the rule and limited role of judges when applying law to facts is what guides her. She brings the same determination, hard work and intellect to the bench that she has brought with her from Jamaica to Palm Beach County.
Judge Renatha Francis is welcomed to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. When you see Renatha Francis, please greet her warmly.