Jose M. Rodriguez, Retired Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, joins JAMS after serving in Florida’s judiciary for over 30 years. He presided over a broad range of complex civil matters. His judicial experience includes overseeing contested proceedings, managing high-volume dockets and resolving disputes involving sophisticated legal and factual issues. Now a dedicated ADR practitioner serving as a mediator, arbitrator, special magistrate and neutral evaluator, he brings to his work a deep understanding of trial procedure, motion practice and case management.

Prior to joining the bench, Mr. Rodriguez practiced law in Florida, where he represented clients in civil litigation matters from inception through trial and appeal. His background as a litigator informs his practical approach to dispute resolution and his ability to evaluate legal risk, evidentiary issues and settlement dynamics from multiple perspectives.

Mr. Rodriguez is known for his preparation, professionalism and even-tempered courtroom demeanor. As a neutral, he emphasizes efficiency, clear communication and thoughtful engagement with counsel and parties, with a focus on helping participants reach informed and lasting resolutions.

• Honors
  • Mario Goderich P.A.V.E.R. Award, Cuban American Bar Association, 2025
  • Distinguished Service Award, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 2021
  • Judge Steven Levine Award, Miami-Dade Trial Lawyers Association, 2019
  • Hispanic Heritage Trailblazer Award, Miami-Dade Bar Association, 2018
• Memberships
  • Member, Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), 1981–2025
  • Member, Indiana University School of Law Latino Advisory Board, 2015–2025
  • Former Member, Miami-Dade Bar Association (MDB)
  • Former Member, State Supreme Courts Judicial Mentor Program
• Bar Admissions
  • Florida
• Selected Speaking Engagements:
  • Presenter, “Professionalism in Practice: A Judicial Perspective on Ethics” National Business Institute, 2021
  • Presenter, “The LatinX Experience: The Next Frontier in Diversity and Inclusion,” Bank of America Seminar, 2021
  • Speaker, National Construction Defect and Insurance Claims Conference, MC Consultants (San Diego), 2013–2020
  • Presenter, “As Judges See It: Best Practices in Civil Litigation” National Business Institute, 2012–2016
  • Presenter, 2nd National Forum on Construction Claims & Litigation, American Conference Institute (New York), 2015
• Selected Publications:
  • Author, Florida Civil Procedure Cases and Materials (4th edition), Carolina Academic Press, 2025
  • Author, Florida Civil Procedure and Florida Evidence, Mathew Bender/Lexis Nexis, 2025
• Additional or Unique Skills
  • Former member of Florida Supreme Court Mediators Qualifications Committee, charged with determining and reviewing neutral qualifications
  • Former member of the Florida State Supreme Court Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee, which reviewed judicial ethical issues
  • Fluent in Spanish

• Circuit Court Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, 2000–2025
• Adjunct Professor and Faculty, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 2018–2025
• Adjunct Professor and Faculty, Florida International University College of Law (and Legal Studies Institute), 2010–2025
• Adjunct Professor and Faculty, University of Miami School of Law, 2025
• Adjunct Faculty, Anahuac Mayab University School of Law, Mexico, 2018–2025
• Faculty, Florida Judicial College, 2001–2004
• County Judge, 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, 1994–2000
• Solo Practitioner, 1981–1994
• J.D., Indiana University Maurer School of Law, 1980
• B.S., Florida International University, 1978