Judicial Biography
Year elected to the bench: 2020
Assignments
County Criminal, Division E, (March 2024 – Present)
East County Criminal, Division P, (June 2021- March 2024)
East County Traffic, Division P & Q, (June 2021-March 2024)
East Circuit Protective Injunctions, Division S, (June 2021-March 2024)
East Circuit Probate, Division U, (June 2021-March 2024)
East Circuit Guardianship, Division U, (June 2021-March 2024)
East County Civil, Division Q, (June 2021 – March 2024)
County Civil, Division J, (January 2021- June 2021)
Professional Activities (Past & Present)
Adjunct Professor: (2024-Present) University of Tampa.
Member: Tampa Bay Chamber, Leadership Tampa Class of 2025.
Participant: (2023) Sister Cities French Delegation.
Past Member: (2022-2023) The Tampa Bay American Inns of Court.
Member: (2019-Present) Jesuit Bar Association.
Member/Past Board Member: (2019-Present) Tampa Hispanic Bar Association.
Member: (2018-Present) Hillsborough County Bar Association.
Member/Past President: (2011-Present) Herbert G. Goldburg-Ronald K. Cacciatore Criminal Law American Inn of Court.
Member: (2010-Present) Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers.
Member: (2010-Present) Florida Association of Women Lawyers.
Alumni: Tampa Connection Class of 2019-2020.
Alumni: Florida Bar Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Academy Class of (2018-2019).
Past Member: (2011-2012) Stetson Shadow Trial Team.
Past Member: (2011-2012) Bruce R. Jacob Criminal Appellate Inn of Court.
Ambassador: (2010-2011) Stetson University College of Law.
Community Involvement (Past & Present)
Current Board Member/Vice President: (2018-Present) Epilepsy Service Foundation.
Current Member/Mentorship Committee Co-Chair: (2019-Present) Hispanic Professional Women’s Association.
Current Board Member: (2024-Present) Sister Cities Barranquilla Colombia.
Past Board Member/Past Secretary: (2018-2024) Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council.
Past Member: (2023-2024) Plant City Rotary.
Volunteer: Humane Society.
Volunteer: Metropolitan Ministries.
Volunteer: Paint Your Heart Out.
Mentor: (2010-Present).
Professional Honors
Awarded: 2024 Hispanic Excellence Jurist Award, Awarded by the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association.
Awarded: 2023 Leadership Academy Judicial Award, Awarded by the Florida Bar Leadership Academy.
Awarded: Woman of Impact 2021 of the Know Women of Tampa Bay.
Awarded: The 2010 and 2011 Richard Gunderman Beacon of Hope Scholarship.
Awarded: The 2011 James Nemec Scholarship.
Education
Juris Doctor, Stetson University, College of Law, Concentration in Advocacy, (2012).
Law Enforcement Officer PSAV Certificate: Hillsborough Community College, (2006).
Bachelors of Arts - University of South Florida, (2004).
Professional Background
Monique Scott is a dedicated and accomplished legal professional with a distinguished career spanning over a decade in the fields of criminal law, public service, and education. Currently serving as an Elected Hillsborough County Court Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Tampa, Florida. Monique brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the bench. Since 2020, Monique Scott has presided over various divisions, including County Criminal, Domestic Violence, Probate and Guardianship, and County Civil. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a commitment to fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.
Before becoming a judge, Monique Scott served as an Assistant State Attorney with the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office from 2013 to 2020. During this time, Monique prosecuted a wide range of felony cases, from third-degree felonies to those punishable by life imprisonment. Monique gained extensive trial experience, having first-chaired numerous jury trials and more than 100 bench trials.
Monique also collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, ICE, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, handling high-profile cases and ensuring justice was served. Monique’s legal acumen and ability to navigate complex cases were honed through years of litigation, legal research, and writing appeals and motions.
Monique’s path to the judiciary began with a Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law, where she concentrated in Advocacy and honed her skills in legal research and courtroom strategy. Prior to law school, Monique earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida.
Throughout Monique’s career, she has been deeply committed to community involvement and leadership. Monique has served as the President of the Herbert G. Goldburg-Ronald K. Cacciatore Criminal Law American Inn of Court and has been an active Board Member for organizations such as the Epilepsy Service Foundation and the Tampa Hispanic Bar Association. Monique has been involved in various leadership programs, including the Florida Bar Wm. Reece Smith, Jr. Leadership Program and the Leadership Tampa program through the Tampa Bay Chamber. Monique’s leadership and dedication to public service has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named the Woman of Impact in 2021 by The Know Women of Tampa Bay.
In addition to her professional achievements, Monique is passionate about mentorship and education. Monique currently serves as a Co-Chair for the Hispanic Professional Woman’s Association Mentorship Program and has mentored over a dozen of mentees ranging from high school students to law school students. Monique has a background in teaching, having worked as a Science Teacher at Dr. John Long Middle in Wesley Chapel, Florida, before pursuing a career in law.