About

Judge Elijah Smiley has served as a Florida Trial Court Judge for thirty years, including as a County, Circuit, and Chief Judge. He has adjudicated more than 30,000 cases.
Born, raised, and educated in Gulf County. Judge Smiley graduated with honors from Port St. Joe High School. Judge Smiley and his wife, Kathy, have one child, Danielle. Currently, he presides in the civil and probate divisions. 
Judge Smiley believes education and training are the gateway to opportunity and economic success. He encourages all young people to take advantage of available education and training opportunities.
Judge Smiley holds a Bachelor of Science in Government and a Juris Doctorate from Florida State University. He graduated cum laude from the accounting program at Florida State University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant with a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of West Florida.
Judge Smiley has been a member of the Florida Bar for 40 years.