The Supreme Court is asking for one new county court judge for Lake County in its annual certification opinion. The court is seeking no additional circuit judges.

The court released its annual certification opinion November 24. The Florida Constitution requires the court to set a procedure to determine the need for new judges or decertifying existing seats.

The court addressed the need for additional appellate judges in a separate opinion. Saying it would “significantly improve the judicial process,” the Supreme Court is recommending the creation of a sixth district court of appeal and adjusting the boundaries of the First, Second, and Fifth DCAs. (See story, here.) If the Legislature agrees, it would be the first time since 1979 that Florida has created a new district court of appeal.