Judge Peter F. Estrada: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Peter F. Estrada is a judge for the 10th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2005.

The 10th Judicial Circuit encompasses Hardee County, Highlands County, and Polk County.

Prior to his appointment, Estrada was a judge for the Highlands County Court, a position to which he was named in 2003.

Estrada earned a B.A. in history and American studies from the University of South Florida in 1983. He then completed a J.D. at South Texas College of Law in 1988.

After graduating from law school, Estrada began his legal career as an assistant state attorney in the Office of the State Attorney for the 10th Judicial Circuit. He served in that capacity until his appointment to the bench.

His memberships have included the Highlands County Bar Association, the Florida Supreme Court Standing Committee on Fairness and Diversity, the Sebring Noon Rotary Club, the Highlands County Law Library Committee, the Highlands County Domestic Violence Task Force, the Highlands County Public Safety Coordinating Council, the Highlands County Election Canvassing Board, and the Highlands County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team.

Estrada was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where his father worked as a sandblaster on ships. As the son of Cuban immigrants, Estrada was the first Hispanic judge to serve in the 10th Judicial Circuit.