Judge Daniel P. Dawson: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Daniel P. Dawson (Ret.) served as a judge for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Dawson was elected to the bench in 1990. He retired on June 30, 2019, and continued to serve as a senior judge.

The 9th Judicial Circuit encompasses Osceola County and Orange County. Dawson has held assignments in both counties, presiding over cases in the Criminal Division, the Juvenile Division, and the Unified Family Court. He also sat as the administrative judge for the Orange County Juvenile Division (2016 to 2018) and the associate administrative judge for the Osceola County Circuit Court (2019).

Dawson earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1976. He then completed a J.D. at Stetson University College of Law in 1978.

After graduating from law school, Dawson began his legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit. He served in that capacity until his election to the bench, specializing in the prosecution of juvenile matters.

His memberships have included the Florida Bar Juvenile Rules Committee, the DJJ Statewide Advisory Group, the Governor's Child Abuse Prevention and Permanency Advisory Council, and the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice.