Florida judge resigns after investigation finds she made $30,000 in political donations

A Florida judge has resigned after an investigation found that she was making political contributions in violation of state rules on judicial conduct.

Diana Tennis, who served the Ninth Circuit Court in Orange and Osceola counties since 2015, came under investigation in September 2025, according to local news outlet WESH. 

The judicial qualifications commission found that she contributed nearly $30,000 in 900 donations to left-leaning political organizations and candidates including former President Joe Biden and Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, Democrats.

The Florida Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judges from making political donations, attending political party functions or endorsing candidates. 

The Florida Supreme Court ordered her suspension in July, and she was hit with a fine and public reprimand. Tennis instead resigned four months before the end of her term. 

“Judge Tennis is an outstanding Judge who has diligently served the central Florida community with distinction for many years. Her retirement is a loss for the community," her attorney said in a statement to WESH.