On his way out the courthouse door Wednesday, 1st District Court Judge Paul Hawkes was told by the Judicial Qualifications Commission that they'll be waiting if he ever tries to be a judge again.

In a formal notice that must be approved by the Florida Supreme Court, the JQC cited a 2005 decision involving an Orlando circuit judge who was removed from the bench because his misconduct would raise questions about the integrity of the state's judicial system.

"Should Judge Hawkes claim future judicial office, the Commission and this court have continuing jurisdiction,'' JQC prosecutors Michael L. Schneider and F. Wallace Pope Jr. wrote.

Hawkes turned in his resignation in November after he failed to negotiate an agreement that would leave him on the bench. His resignation was effective Wednesday, a day before members of a North Florida Judicial Nominating Commission meet to interview more than 20 lawyers and judges who want to replace Hawkes.

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