5 Landmark Decisions That Define Judge Stephanie Ray's Judicial Legacy In Florida

The Honorable Stephanie Williams Ray has become one of the most discussed appellate judges in Florida, particularly following a landmark Second Amendment ruling issued in late 2025. Her judicial philosophy, often aligned with a textualist and originalist approach, has shaped significant legal precedents across the state, affecting everything from public employee rights to fundamental constitutional freedoms. As of today, December 14, 2025, her tenure on the Florida First District Court of Appeal (1st DCA) continues to be marked by meticulous opinions that delve deep into the historical context of the law. Judge Ray’s career is a testament to a deep commitment to legal scholarship and public service, transitioning from academia and administrative roles into one of the state's most influential appellate positions. This article provides an in-depth look at her complete biography and the pivotal decisions that have cemented her place in Florida's legal history.

The Complete Biography and Professional Profile of Judge Stephanie Williams Ray

Judge Stephanie Williams Ray serves on the Florida First District Court of Appeal, a position she has held for over a decade. Her path to the appellate bench involved significant roles in both the academic and administrative sectors of Florida’s legal landscape.

• Full Name: Stephanie Williams Ray
• Current Position: Judge, Florida First District Court of Appeal (1st DCA)
• Jurisdiction: The First District Court of Appeal hears appeals from trial courts and state agencies in the northern part of Florida.
• Appointment: Appointed to the 1st DCA by then-Governor Rick Scott in June 2011.
• Term: Her current term is set to expire on January 7, 2031.
• Former Judicial Role: Served as the Chief Judge of the First District Court of Appeal from 2019 to 2021.
• Education:
  • Undergraduate: Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts.
  • Law School: Florida State University College of Law (J.D., 1995).
• Prior Career Highlights:
  • Chair of the State of Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) from 2008 to 2011.
  • Assistant Dean for Administration at Florida State University College of Law.
  • Practiced law in the areas of appellate, criminal, and labor and employment law.
• Legal Affiliation: Member of The Federalist Society.

Her work ethic and dedication to legal competency were evident early in her career. Before her judicial appointment, her time as Chair of the Public Employees Relations Commission involved overseeing complex labor disputes and administrative law matters, providing her with a broad foundation in state regulatory frameworks.

The Landmark Second Amendment Ruling: McDaniels v. State of Florida

The most significant and widely reported decision featuring Judge Stephanie Ray’s authorship in recent times is the September 2025 ruling in the case of McDaniels v. State of Florida. This unanimous, 20-page opinion, joined by Judges Lori Rowe and M. Kemmerly Thomas, sent immediate shockwaves through the state’s political and legal systems, effectively striking down Florida's long-standing ban on openly carrying firearms.

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The case originated from the 2022 arrest of a man who was charged under Florida Statutes § 790.053 for openly carrying a holstered pistol. The defendant challenged the statute's constitutionality, arguing it violated the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

In her detailed opinion for the First District Court of Appeal, Judge Ray applied the historical test mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision in *New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen*. This test requires the government to prove that a firearm regulation is consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Judge Ray’s central finding was direct and unequivocal: "No historical tradition supports Florida's open carry ban." She meticulously analyzed historical laws, concluding that a complete prohibition on the open carrying of firearms for self-defense had no roots in the nation's founding or subsequent legal history. The opinion explicitly stated that the Constitution protects the right to carry arms openly for self-defense, a right that cannot be reconciled with the state's nearly 40-year-old ban.

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This decision, while subject to potential review by the Florida Supreme Court, temporarily made open carry legal in Florida and solidified Judge Ray's reputation as a strong proponent of the Second Amendment rights, interpreted through a strict originalist lens.

Understanding Judge Ray’s Legal Philosophy and Judicial Temperament

Judge Ray's judicial temperament and legal philosophy are often described as principled and rooted in legal formalism. Her affiliation with The Federalist Society, a prominent conservative and libertarian legal organization, further suggests a strong commitment to textualism and originalism—the belief that the law, particularly the Constitution, should be interpreted based on its original public meaning or the plain meaning of the text.

This approach is clearly reflected in her *McDaniels v. State* opinion, where she prioritized a historical analysis over a balancing of governmental interests, as required by the *Bruen* framework. For Judge Ray, the role of a judge is to determine "what the law is," not what a judge might believe the law ought to be.

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Her opinions are known for their clarity and thoroughness, a trait she emphasizes in her interactions with the legal community. She has previously stressed the importance of legal competency, even offering a 2006 appeal brief as a textbook example of how a lawyer should not behave, highlighting her high standards for appellate practice.

Other Significant Opinions and Contributions to Florida Law

While the open carry ruling is her most high-profile decision, Judge Stephanie Ray has contributed to Florida jurisprudence across numerous fields:

• Administrative Law and Public Employees: Given her background as Chair of the Public Employees Relations Commission, Judge Ray frequently presides over complex administrative appeals. Her opinions in this area often focus on the strict adherence to statutory language and agency rules, ensuring a clear separation of powers and proper due process in governmental actions.
• Workers’ Compensation Appeals: She has been involved in numerous cases reversing or affirming decisions by Judges of Compensation Claims. For instance, she authored an opinion that reversed and remanded a compensation decision, underscoring the need for specific findings of fact and proper application of the Florida Workers' Compensation Act.
• Contract and Commercial Disputes: Judge Ray has been part of panels that have sided with state entities, such as the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), in contract cases, demonstrating a consistent judicial deference to executive branch decisions when they are supported by law.
• Election Law and Constitutional Amendments: Judge Ray was part of a panel that dismissed an appeal concerning the financial statement of a proposed constitutional amendment related to abortion. These types of decisions are critical in shaping the language and presentation of ballot initiatives to Florida voters.

The breadth of her work, from administrative law to fundamental constitutional rights, illustrates her comprehensive understanding of the Florida legal system. Her position on the First District Court of Appeal makes her a key figure in establishing precedent for a significant portion of the state.

The Impact of Judge Ray’s Legacy

Judge Stephanie Williams Ray's legacy is defined by her commitment to a particular school of judicial thought: the belief that the law must be applied precisely as written and understood historically. Her unanimous opinion in *McDaniels v. State of Florida* is a powerful example of this philosophy in action, applying the U.S. Supreme Court’s new Second Amendment test to dismantle a long-standing state regulation.

As she continues her term through 2031, legal experts and political observers will closely monitor her future opinions. Her consistent application of textualism and originalism ensures that her decisions will remain a central point of discussion in Florida's ongoing legal and political debates, particularly concerning individual rights and the scope of government power.

For those tracking the evolution of constitutional law in Florida, Judge Ray’s opinions are essential reading. Her work not only sets precedent for the First District but also offers a clear, consistent judicial perspective that influences the broader legal environment.