After more than 20 years on the Orange County bench, Judge Faye L. Allen will be retiring at the end of this year.
Judge Allen began her journey at Florida A&M University, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in criminology before earning her Juris Doctor at Florida State University.
Shortly after graduating, Judge Allen began her legal career at the public defender’s office, where she worked for 15 years. Although she was proud of her work there, Judge Allen felt a call to the bench. It wasn’t until meeting former Judge Evelyn Golden, the first African American female judge to serve in the Ninth Circuit, and discussing her journey to the bench, that Judge Allen knew joining the judiciary was right for her.
In 2005, Judge Allen was appointed to the bench by Governor Jeb Bush, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Janis Halker Simpson. At the time of her appointment, she was the only African American female judge serving in the Ninth Circuit.
Throughout her time on the bench, Judge Allen has presided over both county criminal and county civil divisions. She currently serves in the county specialized division and has received several honors for her service to the Orange County community, including Jurist of the Year by the Paul C. Perkins Association and the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida. She has also received the Orange County Bar Association James G. Glazebrook Professionalism Award, demonstrating her service to the legal profession.
Beyond the courtroom, she has remained dedicated to educating and mentoring others. She has served as a faculty member with various organizations including the Florida Judicial College, Conference of County Court Judges of Florida, and Inside the Courts at the Orange County Courthouse. She also co-founded Pathways-in-Law, a program designed to engage and educate youth in the community. Most recently, Judge Allen was named Chair of the Florida A&M University Dean’s Advisory Council, where she continues to support the next generation of legal professionals.
As she closes this chapter of her professional life, Judge Allen leaves behind an impact that will continue long after retirement. We thank you, Judge Allen, for your service and dedication to justice. We wish you all the best in your next chapter.
Please join us in celebrating Judge Allen and her upcoming retirement on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Orange County Courthouse in the Jury Assembly Room.