Judicial Candidate Alex Annunziato Discusses His Legal Experience, Commitment to Fairness and Path to the Bench

By N. Street

Alex Annunziato is a lifelong Miami-Dade resident, experienced trial attorney, former Florida Highway Patrol lieutenant, Coast Guard Reserve officer, and former assistant public defender. He has also served as legislative counsel and taught constitutional and criminal law at Miami Dade College. As a husband father of six, and person of faith he brings courtroom experience, public service, compassion, and a firm commitment to fairness to his campaign for Circuit Court Judge.

Annunziato responded to Hy-Lo News’ candidate questionnaire, sharing insights into his legal experience, judicial philosophy and the qualities he believes he would bring to the bench. Here’s what he had to say.

What position are you running for?

Circuit Court, Group 5

What is your election date?

August 18th, 2026

What kinds of decisions would a judge in this position make? How could those decisions affect the daily lives of local residents—even people who never enter a courtroom?

As a Circuit Court judge, I would make decisions that can deeply affect people’s lives. Circuit judges hear serious felony cases, major civil lawsuits involving more than $50,000, divorces and other family disputes, child welfare and juvenile delinquency cases, and probate matters involving wills, estates, guardianships, and inheritances.

How long have you been a lawyer, and what kinds of legal work have you done (prior to this campaign)?

I have been a lawyer for 11 years. Law is my second career. Before becoming an attorney, I served as a Florida state trooper. My legal experience includes criminal defense, serious civil cases, personal injury and insurance matters, government and legislative work, and cases involving mental health and competency. That combination has given me experience both inside and outside the courtroom.

List 2 cases where you were lead or co-counsel and why they are significant.

In State v. Jermaine Culbreth, I represented a former student charged with carrying a concealed firearm. Because the undisputed facts did not support the charge, I obtained a dismissal after an evidentiary hearing, allowing him to avoid a felony conviction that could have permanently damaged his future. In More v. Department of Children and Families, I represented a foster family pro bono in a contested adoption matter. Following a seven-day trial before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, the child remained with the foster family who had cared for her since infancy. I am a trial lawyer by training. I have tried 28 civil and criminal cases to verdict before a jury, including 12 criminal trials and 16 civil trials. I have also tried 20 criminal and civil cases to verdict before a judge in what we call a bench trial. I’ve tried 11 family-law cases to resolution, handled hundreds of matters resolved through mediation, and handled 11 appeals in courts throughout Florida, including the Florida Supreme Court.

How would you or do you make sure every person has a fair chance to be heard?

I will make sure everyone receives a fair hearing by being prepared, listening carefully, and treating every person with dignity and respect. A judge must understand the law, the facts, and the real-life context in which decisions are made. I will stay connected to the community, keep an open mind, and apply the law fairly and evenly to everyone who comes before me.

What community service, volunteer work, teaching, mentoring, or other activities have helped you understand the people this court serves?

Since 2015, I have volunteered through the Dade County Bar Association’s Put Something Back program, handling more than 40 pro bono cases referred by Dade Legal Aid. I am also active in my church community and previously served as Grand Knight of the Miami Council of the Knights of Columbus, supporting charitable work throughout Miami-Dade. I am also open about being in long-term recovery from addiction. As a member of the Bethesda Guardians, I regularly meet with new clients at St. Luke’s Treatment Center to offer encouragement, guidance, and hope. I also support Miami-Dade’s problem-solving courts and volunteer to speak at drug court and recovery-related programs.

Judges must sometimes make decisions they personally dislike. Please give an example of a time when you followed the law or your professional duties even though you had personal concerns

I have represented victims of domestic violence who later decided not to pursue a final injunction. Although I may have personally believed continued protection was in their best interest, it was their case and their decision. My duty was to explain the consequences, provide sound legal advice, and then respect the client’s lawful choice. That experience reinforced that personal views must never override the law or a person’s legal rights.

List current memberships in civic, social, business and social organizations.

I am currently a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1726, a proud parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Mary, an active volunteer with the Put Something Back Pro Bono Law Program, and a member of the Bethesda Guardians, where I support individuals beginning their recovery from addiction.

Is there anything you would like to share with voters that we did not ask?

I am also a proud military veteran. I served our country twice—first as an enlisted member of the United States Navy and later as a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. That experience strengthened my commitment to duty, discipline, integrity, and public service.

Why do you deserve residents’ vote?

I have devoted my entire life to public service, especially here in Miami-Dade. I bring broad legal experience, extensive trial experience, and a well-rounded background in law enforcement, the military, government, and the courtroom. I have also overcome serious personal challenges, which taught me humility, compassion, and that no one is perfect. I believe those experiences make me prepared to serve fairly, thoughtfully, and with respect for every person who comes before the court.

Hy-Lo News wanted to help South Florida residents understand the experience, public record, and responsibilities of candidates seeking judicial office. Judges matter, and impact the day-to-day life of everyone in our community. All candidates in groups 5, 11, 12, 35, 52, and 69 were invited to participate and were given adequate time to reply. If a candidate did not submit responses, they were not included in our coverage.

Due to ethical constraints set by Florida law, incumbents are able to speak about their cases, and therefore were given three additional questions to speak directly to their own records.

Each candidate has their own profile. Please check them all out. This is a nonpartisan candidate profile and not an endorsement from this outlet.

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