From day one, Matt Lufrano’s career has been defined by a simple principle: showing up for people in their most difficult moments. After passing the bar in 2009, he went straight to work at the Duval County Public Defender’s Office, fighting to ensure that our constitution was upheld and that every person received the defense they deserved. Over nearly five years, he distinguished himself in the courtroom, and in 2012 he was recognized as the Public Defender’s Trial Attorney of the Year for the entire 4th Judicial Circuit.
In 2014, Matt founded his own law firm, which he continues to own and operate to this day. He has since tried more than 80 jury trials, handling cases ranging from first-time misdemeanors to homicides. Through that experience, he has built a reputation as one of Jacksonville’s most prepared, principled, and respected trial attorneys.
In 2017, The Florida Bar recognized his record of excellence by awarding him Board Certification in Criminal Trial Law—a distinction held by fewer than 2% of attorneys in the state. He remains the only candidate in this race with board certification in any area of law.
Beyond the courtroom, Matt has served as President of Jacksonville’s chapter of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, he currently sits on the board of several Duval County nonprofits, and has been repeatedly recommended by the Duval County Judicial Nominating Commission for potential judicial appointment—an honor that reflects rigorous review by his peers throughout the legal community.
In 2009 Matt Lufrano started his career within the Courtrooms of the Duval County Courthouse and he continues to practice within them today. Moreover, having worked as a trial attorney from his earliest days as a member of the Bar, Matt intimately understands the critical role that our legal system plays in the lives of our citizens. Having spent countless hours practicing before our local judges, Matt understands what it takes to efficiently run a courtroom. But perhaps most importantly, Matt’s years of practice have taught him that judges are servants of the people, dedicated to ensuring that justice is served.
Matt Lufrano is rooted in Jacksonville—not just through his work, but through his life and ongoing investment in the community. Well before entering the judicial race, he was giving back to our community in meaningful ways by serving on nonprofit boards, representing court-appointed clients at reduced rates, and staying actively engaged in his community. His commitment to service traces back to his time at the University of Florida, where he was a member of the community service organization Alpha Phi Omega.
Matt married his wife, Lauren, in June 2024. She is a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic, where she works with patients facing chronic illness and life-changing diagnoses. Together, they are deeply committed to the well-being of the community they call home. For Matt, two principles guide everything he does—family and duty—and he is prepared to carry both with him to the bench.
Matt Lufrano is rooted in Jacksonville—not just through his work, but through his life and ongoing investment in the community. Well before entering the judicial race, he was giving back in meaningful ways by serving on nonprofit boards, representing court-appointed clients at reduced rates, and staying actively engaged in his community. His commitment to service traces back to his time at the University of Florida, where he was a member of the community service organization Alpha Phi Omega.
Matt married his wife, Lauren, in June 2024. She is a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic, where she works with patients facing chronic illness and life-changing diagnoses. Together, they are deeply committed to the well-being of the community they call home. For Matt, two principles guide everything he does—family and duty—and he is prepared to carry both with him to the bench.
