After more than three decades on the bench, Judge Reginald K. Whitehead is retiring at the end of this year.
Judge Whitehead began his journey at the University of Mississippi, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science. After graduation, Judge Whitehead knew he wanted to become a lawyer and was accepted into law school at the University of Florida’s College of Law, where he earned his juris doctor.
Following law school, Judge Whitehead began his legal career as an assistant state attorney at the Ninth Circuit. During his time at the state attorney’s office, Judge Whitehead and his best friend, Bruce Wayne Batts, decided to go into private practice together. With the support of other lawyers in the community, they opened their firm, Batts & Whitehead.
Although Judge Whitehead enjoyed his time in private practice, he began to consider a judicial career after four years at his firm. It was former Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who consistently encouraged him to apply for the bench, ultimately inspiring him to take the next step in his career.
In 1994, Judge Whitehead was appointed to the Orange County bench by then Governor Lawton Chiles, becoming one of the first Black judges at the Ninth Circuit. He served in county criminal and traffic divisions until his elevation to the circuit court one year later in 1995.
Throughout his time on the circuit bench, Judge Whitehead has served Orange and Osceola Counties, presiding over a variety of divisions, including criminal, domestic relations, civil, and juvenile. He has also served in leadership roles as the Administrative Judge in Criminal, Civil, Juvenile, and Drug Courts.
Most notably, Judge Whitehead was the first Administrative Judge of the Ninth Circuit’s former drug courts division and later became the first Administrative Judge of our unified problem solving courts division. Over the years, Judge Whitehead worked to expand the courts’ approach to addressing substance abuse, mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other challenges faced by those entering the justice system. Today, he serves as Administrative Judge of our problem solving courts division and juvenile division, continuing to dedicate his time to bettering the lives of those in our community.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Whitehead has been committed to mentoring and serving those around him. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Legal Aid Society, as Chair of the Ninth Circuit’s Committee on Racial and Ethnic Bias in the Courts, and as a member of the Judicial Task Force of the Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services. He also teaches the next generation of legal professionals at Florida A&M University College of Law and has been a guest speaker at local schools, business law classes, and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Judge Whitehead’s years of service have also earned him well-deserved recognition throughout his career. In 2022, Judge Whitehead received the James G. Glazebrook Memorial Bar Service Award. In 2024, he was inducted into the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association Hall of Fame, and most recently, he received the Belvin Perry Jr. Legacy of Justice Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
For 32 years, Judge Whitehead has been a pillar of justice at the Ninth Circuit. His dedication to helping others has made a lasting impact on the circuit and the community that will be felt for years to come.
We thank you, Judge Whitehead, for your dedication and years of service. We wish you all the best in your next journey of retirement.