Judge Christopher A. France: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Christopher A. France is a judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Rick Scott in 2016, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Joseph G. Will.

The 7th Judicial Circuit encompasses Flagler County, Putnam County, St. Johns County, and Volusia County. France has held assignments in Flagler County, presiding over cases in the Family Division.

France earned a B.A. in English and history from Loyola University New Orleans in 1992. He then completed his J.D. at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law in 1995.

After graduating from law school, France began his legal career as a judicial staff attorney for the Putnam County Circuit Court. He served in that capacity until 1997, at which time he became an assistant state attorney with the Office of the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit. He spent the next eighteen years there, prosecuting environmental crimes, sex crimes, homicides, and drug enforcement matters. He concluded his tenure there as a managing attorney for the St. Johns County Office.

His memberships have included the Florida Bar Association, the Volusia County Bar Association, the St. Johns County Bar Association, and the Putnam County Bar Association. He has also been a member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church Vestry, the Board of Directors of the Betty Griffin House, the Advisory Board of EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, and the Veterans Court Steering Committee for St. Johns County.

He received a Meritorious Public Service Award from the Florida Bar Association (2013) for his service as chair of the Florida Bar Grievance Committee.

France was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but raised in Florida, where he graduated from Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach. His wife has served as the Director of Elementary Education for the Putnam County School District. When not presiding over legal proceedings, he enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, boating, and off-road motorcycling.