Overview
Charles David "Dave" Hood Jr. (April 24, 1954 – March 15, 2019) was an American public official who served both as an elected state legislator and later as a trial-court judge in Florida. A member of the Republican Party, he represented Florida's House of Representatives 25th District from 2012 to 2014 before serving on the bench of the Seventh Judicial Circuit.
Early life and background
Hood Jr. was born near Leesville, Louisiana, in 1954. He spent his adult life in Florida where he became known locally for his involvement in law and public service. Details of his private life and early career are sparsely reported in public records, but his later roles placed him at the intersection of state legislation and the judicial system.
Legislative service
Hood served a single term in the Florida House where he represented District 25 from 2012 until 2014. The district includes portions of east-central Florida and serves communities with a mix of suburban and coastal interests. As a representative he participated in the legislative process at the state level, voting on bills and serving the needs of constituents in his district.
Judicial career
After leaving the legislature, Hood served as a judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, the trial court that hears civil and criminal cases in Volusia and Flagler counties. Judges on this circuit preside over jury and bench trials, manage pretrial proceedings, and handle a wide range of matters from family law to major felonies. Hood's role placed him directly in the administration of local justice.
Death and legacy
Dave Hood Jr. died on March 15, 2019, in Ormond Beach, Florida, after a battle with brain cancer. He was 64. Colleagues and local reports remembered him for his service in both the legislative branch and the judiciary. His career is an example of a public servant who worked at multiple levels of state government.
Notable facts
- Held office as a state representative for one term (2012–2014).
- Served as a judge on Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, which adjudicates trial-level cases in Volusia and Flagler counties.
- Born near Leesville, Louisiana, and died in Ormond Beach, Florida, in 2019.
This article summarizes publicly reported aspects of Hood's public life: his legislative term, judicial service, and community ties. For further details, consult official legislative biographies and local court records.