Florida’s legal system often feels like a sprawling, humid maze of paperwork and high-stakes drama. At the center of the 19th Judicial Circuit, serving the folks in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, sits a name you’ve probably seen on a ballot or a court docket: Sherwood Bauer Jr.
Most people just call him "Chip."
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But there is a massive gap between seeing a name on a campaign sign and understanding how a judge actually shapes a community. Honestly, most of us don't think about circuit judges until we’re either called for jury duty or, worse, standing in front of the bench ourselves. With Judge Sherwood Bauer Jr., the story isn't just about black robes and gavels. It is about a career that started in the trenches of the State Attorney’s office and evolved into a decades-long tenure presiding over some of the most sensitive cases in the state—from juvenile delinquency to complex probate battles.
The Path to the 19th Circuit Bench
Sherwood Bauer Jr. didn't just fall into a judgeship. It was a long game.
He started out as a prosecutor. Back in 1988, fresh out of Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad College of Law, he took a job as an Assistant State Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit. Think about that for a second. In the late 80s and early 90s, Florida was a wild place for law enforcement. He was the guy trying to put the bad guys away before he ever considered being the one to decide the sentence.
By 1993, he decided to jump over to the private side, co-founding the law firm of Bauer and Twohey, P.A.
That switch matters. Why? Because a judge who has seen both sides—the prosecution and the private defense—tends to have a much more balanced perspective on the "human" element of the law. You aren't just a case number to someone who spent years sitting at the defense table.
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In May 2005, Governor Jeb Bush appointed him to the Circuit Court to fill the vacancy left by Judge Dwight Geiger. He didn't just sit there, either. He kept winning. He was elected in 2006 and re-elected without opposition in 2012. People in Martin County basically decided, "Yeah, he’s doing fine; let him keep the chair."
What Does He Actually Do All Day?
If you walk into Courtroom A3-3 at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, you’re in Bauer’s world. But don't expect a scene out of a TV law drama.
Most of his current workload is incredibly heavy, emotionally speaking. We’re talking about:
- Juvenile Dependency and Delinquency: These are cases involving kids who have been abused, neglected, or have gotten into serious trouble.
- The Jimmy Ryce Cases: This is the high-stakes stuff—civil commitment for violent sexual predators.
- Probate and Guardianship: Dealing with the estates of the deceased and the care of those who can no longer care for themselves.
It is gritty work. It is not the "glamorous" corporate litigation that makes the front page of the Wall Street Journal. It’s the kind of work that requires you to stay sane while looking at some of the saddest parts of the human experience.
Bauer also oversees the Truancy Court. It’s a specialized role that attempts to catch kids before they fall through the cracks of the education system and end up in the criminal justice system later. It’s basically proactive judging.
The Reputation: Fair or Fast?
In legal circles, every judge has a "book" on them. Some are known for being "law and order" types. Others are "procedural sticklers."
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Bauer has a reputation for being efficient. In a state like Florida, where the court dockets are perpetually backed up like the I-95 at rush hour, efficiency is a virtue. However, some critics of the Florida circuit system often argue that speed can sometimes come at the cost of nuance.
Is that true for Bauer? Not necessarily. His peers often point to his involvement with the Children’s Services Council of Martin County as evidence that he actually cares about the outcomes, not just moving the pile of paper on his desk. He isn't just a guy in a robe; he’s someone who has spent years looking at why families break down.
Addressing the Misconceptions
One thing most people get wrong is the "power" of a circuit judge.
You might think they can just do whatever they want. They can't. Judge Sherwood Bauer Jr. is bound by the Florida Evidence Code and strict administrative orders. In the 19th Circuit, the Chief Judge (currently Judge Schwab) sets the tone, and Bauer operates within that framework.
Also, people often assume judges are partisan hacks because they are appointed by governors. While Bauer was a Jeb Bush appointee, judicial roles in Florida are technically non-partisan. Once you’re on the bench, the "R" or "D" next to your name is supposed to vanish. Bauer’s long tenure—surviving multiple election cycles—suggests he’s managed to stay focused on the law rather than the politics.
Practical Insights for Dealing with the 19th Circuit
If you find yourself with a case in front of Judge Bauer, there are a few things you absolutely need to know. This isn't just legal advice; it’s common sense for the Martin County court system.
1. Respect the Judicial Assistant
Emily Johnson is Bauer’s Judicial Assistant. In the world of Florida courts, the JA is the gatekeeper. If you’re rude to the JA, your life will be difficult. If you follow the procedures for scheduling (which are explicitly laid out on the Circuit 19 website), things go smoothly.
2. Know the "Local-Local" Rules
Every judge has "courtroom procedures" that are specific to them. For Bauer, this includes specific rules on how evidence is submitted and how "Non-Jury" civil cases are handled. He currently handles about 75% of the civil non-jury cases in Martin County (excluding certain foreclosures).
3. Show Up Prepared for Probate
Since Bauer handles a massive chunk of probate and guardianship, don't walk in with half-finished paperwork. Florida probate law is notoriously finicky. Bauer isn't there to be your lawyer; he’s there to ensure the law is followed to the letter to protect the heirs and the wards.
Why Should You Care?
You might think a circuit judge in Stuart, Florida, doesn't affect you if you don't live there.
You’d be wrong.
The rulings made in these circuits—especially regarding juvenile law and the Jimmy Ryce Act—set precedents that ripple across the state. They influence how Florida treats its most vulnerable and its most dangerous.
Judge Sherwood Bauer Jr. represents a specific era of the Florida judiciary: the bridge between the old-school "handshake" legal world of the 80s and the high-tech, data-driven courtrooms of 2026. He’s a fixture.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Docket: If you have an active case, use the 19th Judicial Circuit's online portal to track your status. Don't wait for a letter in the mail.
- Review the Procedures: If you are a pro se litigant (representing yourself), download Judge Bauer’s specific Court Procedures PDF from the Circuit 19 website. It’s the "cheat sheet" for his courtroom.
- Attend a Hearing: Most courtrooms are open to the public. If you want to see how the law actually works in Martin County, go sit in the back of Courtroom A3-3 for an hour. It’s a free education in civics.