Chief Judge Crawford has authorized the cancellation of all court proceedings in Seminole and Brevard Counties effective Noon, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, through Thursday, October 10, 2024.
A decision will be made Thursday regarding Friday proceedings.Stay informed by following us on Facebook or X (Twitter). You may also call (321) 637-5700 in Brevard or (407) 665-4945 in Seminole.

Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Courts
Serving the Citizens of Brevard and Seminole Counties

Circuit Judge

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The Honorable Kristen Smith-Rodriguez

Division: B - Circuit Civil
Judicial AssistantKaren Flash
Office: (321) 264-6777 | Email
Located at the Titusville Courthouse Titusville, Brevard

KRISTEN SMITH-RODRIGUEZ

BIOGRAPHY

EDUCATION

Judge Smith-Rodriguez received her Juris Doctorate from Florida Coastal School of Law, after receiving her Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Central Florida.

BAR ADMISSIONS

Judge Smith-Rodriguez was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2010 and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 2016.

JUDICIAL AND QUASI-JUDICIAL HISTORY

Judge Smith-Rodriguez began her service as Magistrate in the Family Division in February 2019.

Judge Smith-Rodriguez presides over cases in the family division pursuant to Florida Statute chapters 61, 88, 742, 751, 57, 39, 394, 397 (specifically: dissolution of marriage, alimony, equitable distribution, child support, contempt, enforcement, modification, parenting plans, paternity, relocation, stepparent adoptions, name changes, attorney fees, UIFSA/UCCJEA, mental health (the Baker Act), substance abuse (the Marchman Act)).

Since 2014, Judge Smith-Rodriguez has served on the City of Titusville Board of Adjustment and Appeals. She has been the chairwoman since 2022. The Board hears requests, in a quasi-judicial proceeding, for variances from the City of Titusville Code and Code of Land Regulations, as well as appeals from decisions of the building official.

LEGAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Judge Smith-Rodriguez is an active member in the Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court.  The Organization includes members of the bar and the bench who present on monthly on a variety of legal topics to educate their colleagues and build relationships in the legal community.  Judge Smith-Rodriguez has been a member since 2013 and held the role of team captain twice.


In 2019, Judge Smith-Rodriguez joined the Florida Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.  She is currently a board member and has been the chair/co-chair of the annual education program since 2022.  In such role, Magistrate Smith-Rodriguez actively contributes to the dissemination of quality content and cutting-edge research for family law professionals, including lawyers, mediators, and mental health professionals.


From 2019-2021, as a co-chair on multiple task force subcommittees with the FLAFCC, Judge Smith-Rodriguez was a contributor to the November/December 2021 Florida Bar Journal article, Blueprint for a More Effective Family Court Intake Process and Beyond: Opening the Umbrella to Process Family Court Cases.


Judge Smith-Rodriguez is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Titusville.  Since 2013, Ms. Smith-Rodriguez has been a member, board member, and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Titusville, where she actively participates in initiatives that aim to serve one child and one community at a time. Her most recent service projects include in installing community libraries, providing shoes for students in need, organizing holiday gifts and necessities for children, and she has previously served as a mentor to the students in the Kiwanis Builder’s Club at Jackson Middle School.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Judge Smith-Rodriguez has been the recipient of the Brevard County Legal Aid Outstanding and Distinguished Pro Bono Service Awards as well as the President’s Award in the Florida Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
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Historic Titusville Courthouse
Judge Smith-Rodriguez Holds Court at the Titusville Courthouse in
Brevard County

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32796-3501
Office: (321) 637-5305

Florida Courts Help available at the touch of a screen:

For constituents, customers, or callers seeking help with family law cases – divorce, adoption, name change, custody, order of protection, and much more – there is now a one-stop source for lots of information aimed at self-represented people. Florida Courts Help is available at app stores as well as online at help.flcourts.gov.