Judge Scott D. Polodna: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Scott D. Polodna (deceased) served as a judge for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Polodna was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2006, filling a vacancy created by the removal of the Hon. James E. Henson. He passed away on December 6, 2016.

The 9th Judicial Circuit encompasses Osceola County and Orange County. Polodna held assignments in Osceola County, presiding over cases in the Criminal Division and the Civil Division. He also specialized in probate, guardianship, and mental health matters.

Prior to his appointment, Polodna was an assistant county attorney in the Office of the Osceola County Attorney, a position to which he was named in 2001.

Polodna earned a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, in 1990.

After graduating from law school, Polodna began his legal career as an attorney in private practice in Ocala. He then joined the Office of the Public Defender for the 9th Judicial Circuit the following year. He served as an assistant public defender until 2001, rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Felony Division in 1995.

His memberships included the Orange County Bar Association and the Osceola County Bar Association. He was also involved with the Rotary Club of Kissimmee, the Osceola County Historical Society, Community Vision, and the Osceola Education Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Osceola, Polodna spearheaded a project to protect and preserve environmentally sensitive lands.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Polodna attended First Baptist Church in Kissimmee, Florida.