Hon. Robert E. Long

Judge Robert “Bobby” E. Long, Jr., was appointed to the First District Court of Appeal on June 10th, 2020, by Governor Ron DeSantis.  Prior to joining the Court of Appeal, Judge Long served as a trial court judge on Florida’s Second Judicial Circuit Court.  He was appointed to the Circuit Court on June 26th, 2016, by Governor Rick Scott.

Prior to joining the Circuit Court, he was the General Counsel and a Major on the Executive Command Staff at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.  A law enforcement officer and an attorney, he oversaw the operations of the Legal and Professional Service Division at the Sheriff’s Office.  In that capacity he ran internal affairs, all law enforcement and corrections professional training, supervised all litigation, managed legislative affairs, handled employment matters, and provided counsel to the Office of the Sheriff.  Prior to that, he worked in private practice at a statewide law firm where he handled diverse civil litigation matters.  

Judge Long started his legal career as an active duty Judge Advocate with the United States Navy.  He is a veteran of the war in Afghanistan.  He also served as a Naval Officer in the pacific area of operations.  He currently serves as a Commander in the United States Navy Reserves.

As an attorney, his civil and criminal litigation experience ranged from wrongful death to murder.  Prior to attending law school, Judge Long worked as a law enforcement officer at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. 

Judge Long has served on the Boards of Directors for the Legal Aid Foundation, the Rotary Club of Tallahassee, and the American Inn of Court.  He is a member of the Economic Club of Florida, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Leadership Tallahassee. 

Judge Long and his wife have four sons.  He is a volunteer coach for their baseball, soccer, basketball, and football teams.  He and his wife lead children’s Sunday School at their church.  He is the Chairman of his sons’ Cub Scout Pack and an Assistant Scoutmaster with their Boy Scout Troop. 

Judge Long holds a law degree from the University of Florida, College of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Florida State University, College of Business.