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Jessica G. Costello

for 13th Judicial Circuit, Seat 33

Florida Circuit Court 

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About Judge
Jessica G. Costello

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Judge Jessica Costello is a proven jurist and former career prosecutor with a strong record of upholding the rule of law with integrity and fairness. Appointed to the County Court in 2019 and elected without opposition in 2020, she brings almost seven years of experience handling thousands of cases protecting the safety of families and strengthening communities. From her first day on the bench, she has regularly served as an Acting Circuit Court Judge, presiding over domestic violence injunction matters. In 2025, the Chief Judge appointed her Administrative Judge, reflecting both her leadership and the high regard of her colleagues. Above all, she is known for her steadfast commitment to justice, public safety, and equal treatment under the law.


As a wife, mother, and dedicated public servant, Judge Costello offers a practical, real-world perspective from the bench, grounded in family values and personal responsibility. Respected by law enforcement, attorneys, and civic leaders alike, she is trusted for her steady guidance and enduring commitment to the community she serves.

The Honorable Jessica G. Costello serves as a Hillsborough County Court Judge.

Since her appointment to the bench in 2019, she has presided over Domestic Violence injunction matters and County Civil cases. Judge Costello serves as a statewide educator on domestic violence law issues and was selected by the Chief Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit to serve as Administrative Judge of the Hillsborough County Court Civil Division.  

Dedication to public service has defined Judge Costello’s career. Prior to her judicial appointment, she served as a prosecutor in Florida’s 4th and 13th Judicial Circuits, and as an Assistant Statewide Prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. As a prosecutor, she tried over 100 cases to verdict, including narcotics trafficking, violent felonies, and first-degree murder. She also managed local, state, and federal law enforcement teams in prosecuting organized crime throughout the state, with a focus on counter-terrorism, gangs, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and fraud. For these efforts, she was named Florida’s Gang Prosecutor of the Year in 2015.  

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Outside of her professional career, Judge Costello’s commitment to our community is reflected in the time she dedicates to a variety of philanthropic organizations, including:

  • Moffitt Cancer Center, Institute Board of Directors

  • The Junior League of Tampa, Community Advisory Board

  • Florida's Statewide Children and Youth Cabinet

  • MacDill Air Force Base Honorary Commander

 

Judge Costello has been named the Outstanding Jurist of the Year by the Hillsborough County Bar Association; a Leader in the Law by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers; and Outstanding Young Alumna of the Year by both the University of Florida and Florida State University College of Law. But, Judge Costello considers her titles of wife to husband Shane and mother to their 8-year-old son Cameron as her greatest accomplishments. 

Why Choose
Judge Jessica Costello 

Proven Experience. Trusted Judgment.

Proven Judicial Experience & Legal Qualifications 

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Inspires TRUST because of consistency/stability 

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Breadth of Community Service & Leadership 

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Family & Community Values

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Endorse
Judge Jessica Costello

Endorsement Form

Type of Endorsement:
Individual
Professional
Organizational (if permitted)

Judge Jessica Costello is honored to receive support from members of the legal community, civic leaders, and residents who believe in fairness, integrity, and thoughtful judicial leadership.

Endorsements help demonstrate broad community confidence in Judge Jessica Costello’s experience, temperament, and commitment to justice. If you would like to formally endorse Judge Jessica Costello’s candidacy, we welcome your support.

Major Endorsements:

Mark Ober, Former 13th Circuit State Attorney

H. Lee Moffitt, Former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives & Founder, Moffitt Cancer Center

Doretha Edgecomb, Former Hillsborough County School Board Chair

Arthenia Joyner, Former Florida State Senator

Nicholas Cox, Former Florida Statewide Prosecutor

Jim Davis, Former Florida Congressman 

Manuel Menendez, Jr. , Former 13th Circuit Chief Judge

Perry Little, Retired Hillsborough County Court Judge

 

All endorsements are reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable judicial ethics rules.

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Support the Campaign

Thank you for supporting Judge Jessica Costello’s campaign.

Please note that all fundraising solicitations are made by and on behalf of The Committee for Judge Costello.


The maximum contribution permitted under Florida law is $1,000 per person or entity.

You may contribute securely online using the link below, or you may send a check payable to:

Campaign for Judge Jessica Costello
P.O. Box 10314
Tampa, FL 33679

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