The Honorable Alan S. Apte, a distinguished former Florida 9th Circuit Court Judge, civil litigator, and Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the age of 59.
With a legal career spanning more than three decades, Judge Apte was widely recognized throughout Central and South Florida for his dedication to justice, his mentorship of legal professionals, and his commitment to alternative dispute resolution.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on April 6, 1967, in Miami Beach, Florida, Alan Apte spent his formative years in South Florida, graduating from Miami Beach High School in 1985.
He pursued his undergraduate studies at Emory University before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry—with minors in Computer Science and Fine Art—from the University of Miami in 1989. Following his undergraduate career, he pursued law at the Nova University Shepard Broad Law Center, earning his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in 1993. He was admitted to the Florida Bar that same year.
A Distinguished Legal Career: Prosecutor, Judge, and Mediator
Judge Apte’s career was defined by extensive trial experience, judicial leadership, and a passion for dispute resolution.
Early Practice and Prosecution
Prior to taking the bench, Apte served as a civil litigator at Gilbride, Heller, and Brown, P.A., handling complex plaintiff and defense cases across personal injury, business litigation, real estate, and malpractice law. He subsequently served for eight years as an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, first-chairing over 100 jury trials and 100 non-jury trials.
18 Years on the Florida 9th Circuit Bench
In January 2003, Apte was sworn in as a Circuit Judge for the Florida 9th Judicial Circuit, serving Orange and Osceola Counties. Over his 18-year tenure on the bench (2003–2021), he presided over more than 100 jury trials across every major division:
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Civil, Probate, Guardianship, and Mental Health
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Orange & Osceola County Juvenile Divisions
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Domestic Violence & Family Law
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Unified Family Court (UFC)
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Orange County Criminal Division
In addition to his circuit duties, he had the distinction of serving as an Associate Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal (5th DCA).
Judicial Education and Statewide Leadership
A respected voice in judicial administration, Judge Apte held key leadership roles within the Florida Conference of Circuit Judges (FCCJ), serving as Chair-Elect, Secretary, 5th DCA Representative, and Education Committee member. He frequently served as faculty and lecturer for Advanced Judicial Studies (AJS), educating judges and attorneys statewide on trial ethics, evidence code, criminal procedure, and expert witness testimony.
Mediation and Arbitration (2021–2026)
Following his judicial tenure in January 2021, Judge Apte joined Florida Mediation and Arbitration, LLC, focusing on alternative dispute resolution under his core philosophy: “Your case, your decision.”
He held certifications from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil, County Civil, Appellate Law, and Family Law Mediator, as well as being a Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator and Certified U.S. District Court Mediator for the Middle District of Florida.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Beyond the courtroom, Alan Apte was an active community member, mentor, and avid sports enthusiast. He coached youth soccer, mentored young attorneys, and supported local non-profit initiatives assisting seniors across Central Florida. An active outdoorsman, he enjoyed football, basketball, baseball, golf, fishing, spinning, and hiking.
On April 12, 2026, he married his wife, Julie Hamric Pearson.
Tributes from long-time colleagues highlighted his impact on those around him:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of my long time friend, retired Orlando Judge Alan Apte. Alan who was only 59 graduated from Beach High in 1985. May his memory be for a blessing.”
— Retired Judge David Young
Surviving Family and Services
Judge Apte is survived by his wife, Julie Hamric Pearson, extended family members, and a community of colleagues and friends across Miami Beach and Orlando.
Information regarding memorial services and community commemorations will be announced by the family.