Court calls for 24 new trial judges.

The state needs 24 new judges, according to the Supreme Court--23 for the county courts and one for the circuit bench.

The court released its call for new judges November 19 in its annual certification opinion. The court did not ask for any new appellate judges.

"As Florida's economy gradually improves, we recognize that competing demands for state funding persist across state government," the court said. " We also note that during the recession and in the post-recessionary period the judicial branch has had no increase in the number of trial court judges since 2007, despite a documented need. Nonetheless, our judges and court staff continue to work diligently to administer justice, promptly resolve disputes, and ensure that children, families, businesses, and all who come before Florida's courts receive the judicial attention their cases require."

For the circuits, the court certified a need for one additional judge for the Fifth Circuit, which "continues to be one of the fastest growing areas of the...