Judge Melissa M. Polo - Professional Background & Legal Expertise

Biography

The Hon. Melissa M. Polo is a judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Hillsborough County. She was elected to the bench on November 8, 2016.

Prior to her election, Polo was the owner of the Law Offices of Melissa M. Polo, a law firm she opened in 2009. Before that, she spent time as an associate at Wilkes & McHugh (2001), Reynolds & Stowell (2002 to 2006), and Trentalange & Kelley (2006 to 2009). Polo specialized in personal injury, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and criminal defense litigation.

Polo earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and law from the University of Florida in 1991. She then completed a J.D. at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1995. She is admitted to practice in Florida (1996) and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida (1996).

After graduating from law school, Polo began her legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Felony Drug Division of the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit. She served in that capacity until 2001, at which time she entered into private practice.

Her memberships have included the Florida Justice Association, the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers, the American Bar Association, and the Hillsborough County Bar Association. She has also been involved with L’Unione Italiana, the Tampa Gator Club, the Spring Auxiliary, and the Juvenile Justice Council Planning Committee.

Polo was born in Tampa, Florida.

Recent Cases by Hon. Melissa M. Polo

Temples, Anna Samantha Bramell vs Ndiaye, Maka

On May 15, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

9 Files

Filed

May 15, 2024

Status

Open

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Case Last Refreshed

May 15, 2024

Ligori, Juliana vs Wurst, Avery

On May 15, 2024 an other negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

6 Files

Filed

May 15, 2024

Status

Open

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

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Category

Other Negligence

Case Last Refreshed

May 15, 2024

Ponce, Margarita vs Johnston, Amy B

On May 15, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

4 Files

Filed

May 15, 2024

Status

Open

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Case Last Refreshed

May 15, 2024

PIERRE, ERNST STEEVEN vs HOLTON, MICHAEL LEE

On May 14, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

7 Files

Filed

May 14, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

RODRIGUEZ, YODALGIS DIAZ vs CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORPORATION

On May 14, 2024 contract & indebtedness case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

8 Files

Filed

May 14, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

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Category

Contract & Indebtedness

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

McDaniels, Tyneisha vs Florida Health Sciences Center, Inc.

On May 14, 2024 a premises liability-commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

9 Files

Filed

May 14, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Premises Liability-Commercial

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

General Commercial

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

White, Catherine L vs Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, LLC d/b/a Busch Ga

On May 14, 2024 a premises liability-commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

6 Files

Filed

May 14, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Premises Liability-Commercial

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

General Commercial

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

Tackett, Hope vs Currington, Alexis

On May 14, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

4 Files

Filed

May 14, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

JONES, CHRISTOPHER PAUL vs SIMEON, AIDA D

On May 13, 2024 contract & indebtedness case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

4 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Contract & Indebtedness

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

OTTALLAH, SAMERAH vs LGI HOMES-FLORIDA LLC

On May 13, 2024 a construction defect case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

3 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Construction Defect

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Construction

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

BURGOS, JOSE vs AMERICAN INTEGRITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF FLORIDA

On May 13, 2024 insurance claims case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

8 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Insurance Claims

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

BARTNET LLC vs BRIDGE INTERNET, LLC

On May 13, 2024 civil action for damages case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

3 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Civil Action for Damages

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

Keith, Greggory vs State Farm Florida Insurance Company

On May 13, 2024 contract & indebtedness case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

3 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Contract & Indebtedness

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

General Creditor

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

Sullivan, Haleigh vs Allstate Insurance Company

On May 13, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

9 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

BURGOS, JOSE vs AMERICAN INTEGRITY INSURANCE COMPANY OF FLORIDA

On May 13, 2024 insurance claims case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

8 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Insurance Claims

Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

Insurance Coverage

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

Hargett, Holly vs United Services Automobile Association

On May 13, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

4 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

Abrams, Candaice vs Dillard's, Inc.

On May 13, 2024 a premises liability-commercial case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

3 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Premises Liability-Commercial

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

General Commercial

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

CASTRO, EVELYN vs WOOLEY BRANDON, INC.

On May 13, 2024 an other negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

7 Files

Filed

May 13, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Other Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Negligence

Case Last Refreshed

May 14, 2024

IRAZOQUI, FERNANDO vs CARRASQUILLO QUINONE, JOHNATAN LEE

On May 10, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

6 Files

Filed

May 10, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

SIEWNARINE, Kerry vs RANDALL, DARRELL OKEEFE

On May 10, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

6 Files

Filed

May 10, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

LOGGINS, DAMON vs ASKEW, FAKEIR S

On May 10, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

3 Files

Filed

May 10, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 10, 2024

BONO, HAROLD vs FIORINO, STEPHEN PAUL

On May 9, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

8 Files

Filed

May 09, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

Ibrahim, Abdool vs Titan Florida LLC

On May 8, 2024 an auto negligence case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

8 Files

Filed

May 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Category

Auto Negligence

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE vs AMT: FIVE THOUSAND $350.00 U.S. CURRENCY

On May 8, 2024 a contraband forfeiture case was filed in the jurisdiction of Hillsborough County. Judge Polo, Melissa. M. presiding.

5 Files

Filed

May 08, 2024

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Polo, Melissa. M. 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Polo, Melissa. M.

Court

Circuit

County

Hillsborough County, FL

Case #

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Category

Contraband Forfeiture

Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

Forfeiture

Case Last Refreshed

May 13, 2024

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About

Melissa M. Polo
Current Appointment 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Department Room 523, Courtroom 504	13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, Department Room 523, Courtroom 504
Election/Appointment November 8, 2016 - 13th Judicial Circuit Court; 2022 - Re-elected	November 8, 2016 - 13th Judicial Circuit Court; 2022 - Re-elected
Education Bachelor's degree, University of Florida - 1991 J.D., Loyola University New Orleans College of Law - 1995	Bachelor's degree, University of Florida - 1991 J.D., Loyola University New Orleans College of Law - 1995

Documents related to Melissa M. Polo

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	FL - 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Clerk phone:	+1 (813) 272-6994

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Assistant State Attorney	Office of the State Attorney for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit	Hillsborough County, Florida
Associate	Wilkes & McHugh	None
Associate	Reynolds & Stowell	Pinellas County, Florida
Associate	Trentalange & Kelley	None
Owner	Law Offices of Melissa M. Polo	Hillsborough County, Florida
Judge	13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida	Hillsborough County, Florida