(WEST PALM BEACH, FL)- Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the latest addition to the Florida Supreme Court at the historic courthouse in West Palm on Friday.

Judge Renatha Francis, who currently serves on the 15th Circuit Court in West Palm Beach, will become a state Supreme Court justice on September 1, filling the seat currently held by outgoing Justice Al Lawson.

Gov. DeSantis Appoints Renatha Francis to the Florida Supreme Court https://t.co/087XutcTKo

— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 5, 2022

A native of Jamaica, Judge Francis started her career on the bench in Miami-Dade County in 2017 before being appointed to the Circuit Court in 2019.

Gov. DeSantis had attempted to appoint Francis to the high court in 2020, however the move was blocked by the court because she fell short of the minimum requirement of 10 years as a member of the Florida Bar in order to be eligible.

Francis started her Florida legal career in 2011 as an attorney for First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee .

A graduate of the University of The West Indies, Judge Francis received her law degree from Florida Coastal Law School.

Prior to emigrating to the U.S. she ran two businesses in her native Jamaica.

“Judge Renatha Francis has an incredible life story that epitomizes the American Dream and proves that those who come to our country have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and, through hard work and the application of their God-given talents, reach the highest heights of whatever field they choose,” Gov. DeSantis said in a release.

“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by Governor DeSantis’ unwavering support for my ascension to the Florida Supreme Court,” said Judge Renatha Francis. “I continue to be in awe of this country’s respect for the rule of law and the freedoms guaranteed in the text of the United States Constitution. As a Supreme Court Justice I will apply the law as written by the people’s duly-elected representatives.”