County Dedicates Courthouse in Honor of Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr.

Today, Leon County Government, in coordination with the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida, dedicated the Leon County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe St., in honor of the Honorable Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. During the dedication ceremony, the Leon County Courthouse was renamed the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.

Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. has been a pillar of the Leon County judicial system, exemplifying dedication and service throughout his extensive career. A native of Madison County, Florida, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration and his law degree from Florida State University. Appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to the Leon County Bench in November 1997, Judge Aikens was re-elected in 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018, making him the longest-serving Leon County Judge.

"Judge Aikens has been a pillar of our judicial community, and his legacy of service and dedication is unmatched," said Leon County Commission Chairman Brian Welch. "Dedicating the courthouse in his honor is a fitting tribute to his contributions and the impact he has had on Leon County."

Before his judicial appointment, Judge Aikens served the State of Florida as an attorney for over 20 years, holding positions such as General Counsel of the Department of Administration, legal advisor to the Florida Career Service Commission, and Chief Legal Counsel for the State of Florida’s Retirement System. He also maintained a private law practice in Leon County.

In addition to his distinguished judicial career, Judge Aikens honorably served in the military. His service, spanning three decades, includes roles as Staff Judge Advocate, military judge, military police officer, and field artillery officer. He retired as a full Colonel in June 2003 and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during Operation Desert Storm. He was also awarded the Legion of Merit Medal “for exceptionally meritorious service throughout a long and distinguished career.”

"By dedicating this courthouse to Judge Aikens, we ensure his legacy will not only be remembered but also followed, shaping and guiding public servants for generations to come," said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long.

Furthermore, Judge Aikens was instrumental in establishing the Leon County Veterans Treatment Court in 2015, a program providing treatment and diversion for veterans and service members facing service-related mental health or substance abuse challenges. Drawing on his 30 years of military experience, Judge Aikens brought credibility and unique insight to this role. He has been a member of The Florida Bar for 49 years and has held significant leadership positions within the Florida Conference of County Judges, including President.

On March 5, 2024, Judge Aikens was honored with a proclamation from the Supreme Court of Florida for his dedicated service. His numerous accolades include the Harvey Ford Award, the highest recognition for a Florida County Judge, the Richard W. Ervin Equal Justice Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tallahassee Martin Luther King, Jr. Foundation. In 2022, he was named the “County Judge Who Made a Difference” by the Conference of County Judges of Florida.

"Throughout his career, Judge Aikens has been a mentor, leader, and friend to many within our judicial system," said Chief Judge Francis J. Allman of the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. "His work, particularly with the Veterans’ Treatment Court, has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals, and his dedication to justice will be remembered for years to come."

Judge Aikens’ final term concluded on Monday, November 18, 2024, officially marking his retirement with the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida. The Leon County Courthouse will stand as a tribute to Judge Aikens’ significant contributions, inspiring all who enter to uphold the values and principles he championed.

"It has been an honor to serve the people of Leon County,” said Judge Augustus D. Aikens Jr. “I am deeply moved by this recognition and am grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in our community.”

For more information, contact Leon County Community and Media Relations at 850-606-5300 / CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov.  

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are quotes from members of the judiciary and community leaders regarding the dedication of the Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.

Leon County At-Large Commissioner Carolyn D. Cummings:

"Judge Aikens is not just a colleague, he has been a dear friend over the years. As a practicing attorney, I have witnessed firsthand in his courtroom, his profound commitment to justice and equality. I am proud of his legacy of honesty, I honor him for his integrity and thank him for his service to the judiciary and to the countless lives he touched along his journey.”

Leon County Circuit Judge Jonathan Sjostrom of the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida:

“He is the living embodiment of our judicial values of diligence, competence, integrity and humility.”

Leon County Administrative Judge Nina Ashenafi-Richardson of the Second Judicial Circuit Court of Florida:

"Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. has been a mentor, a trusted friend, and a tireless drum major for justice in our community. His unwavering dedication to fairness and equality has left an indelible mark on the legal profession and on all of us fortunate enough to walk beside him."

Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Earley:
“I am proud to have served alongside Judge Aikens on the Leon County Canvassing Board. Judge Aikens has served as Chair of the Board for over twenty years. During his tenure, he has led us through over twelve election cycles, helping Leon County become nationally known for excellence in election administration and voting rights. In his wake, he leaves a legacy of public service and commitment to our local community.”

Past President of the Florida Conference of County Court Judges and Sarasota County Judge David Denkin of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida:

“Judge Aikens has long been a leader, mentor, and educator for the county judges of the state of Florida. His inspiring service as a county judge has provided the citizens of Leon County with everything they could hope for from the judiciary as evidenced by his wisdom, compassion, and desire to serve.”

Broward County Judge Louis Schiff of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida:

"Judge Aikens has been one of the most caring, competent and learned colleagues that I have ever had the pleasure to serve with. His retirement has been well earned, but is a loss for the people of the state of Florida."