Matthew C. Lucas

Judge Matthew C. ("Matt") Lucas received his B.S. degree in economics, magna cum laude, from the Florida State University. He earned his J.D., with honors, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, where he was the articles and research editor for the Journal of Technology Law & Policy.

Following law school, Judge Lucas went into private practice with the law firm of Carlton Fields, P.A. He later joined Bricklemyer Smolker & Bolves, P.A. in Tampa, eventually becoming a shareholder of the firm. His practice focused on commercial and real estate litigation and appellate work throughout central Florida. He was Board Certified in Business Litigation Law, a certified circuit civil mediator, and served as an arbitrator in commercial disputes.

In May of 2010, Governor Charlie Crist appointed Judge Lucas to the Hillsborough County Court. He was retained by election in 2012, and then appointed to the Circuit Court of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in January of 2013 by Governor Rick Scott. While on the trial bench, Judge Lucas served as the president of the Tampa Family Law Inn of Court, vice chair of the Thirteenth Circuit's Pro Bono Committee, and on the Florida Bar's Business Litigation Certification Committee, the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Civil Jury Instructions, and the Thirteenth Circuit's professionalism and executive technology committees. In December of 2014, Governor Rick Scott appointed Judge Lucas to the Second District Court of Appeal