Justice Stephen H. Grimes, who served on Florida's highest court from 1987 to 1997 and led the state courts system as Chief Justice from 1994 to 1996, has passed away. During his tenure, he oversaw significant changes within the judicial system, notably authorizing a website for the Florida Supreme Court in late 1994. This made it one of the first courts globally with an official web presence.
The initial Florida Supreme Court website consisted of just over a dozen informational pages but quickly expanded to include public documents like court opinions released simultaneously with their official announcements—a groundbreaking development at that time.
Grimes' leadership also marked the beginning of long-term planning for the judicial branch, as required by a 1992 amendment to the state Constitution. This planning continues today.
Before joining the Florida Supreme Court, Grimes had an extensive legal career with Holland & Knight in Bartow and served as a judge on the Second District Court of Appeal in Lakeland starting in 1973. He was appointed to this position in October 1973 and served as chief judge from 1978 to 1980.
A native of Peoria, Illinois, Grimes was born to Henry H. and June K. Grimes. He attended the University of Florida, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1950 and his law degree in 1954. While still in college, he married Fay Fulghum from Lakeland; together they had four daughters: Gay, Mary June, Sue, and Sheri.
In early 1987, Governor Bob Martinez appointed Grimes to the Supreme Court. Upon retiring in November 1997, he returned to work at Holland & Knight.
Funeral services are pending with Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee.