John Guard

On May 28, 2025, President Trump nominated John Guard to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Biography

John Guard received his B.A. from Florida State University in 1997 and his J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 2000. While at FSU, he was a member of Phi Delta Theta and participated in a student group known as the “Scalphunters.”

Legal Experience

Guard began his legal career at Holland & Knight LLP (2000–2002), followed by a federal clerkship at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida (2002–2004). He returned to Holland & Knight (2004–2009) and later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Jacksonville (2009–2012). He joined Quarles & Brady LLP as a partner (2012–2019). From 2019 through early 2025, Guard served as Florida’s Chief Deputy Attorney General under Ashley Moody. He briefly served as Interim Attorney General in early 2025 before returning to his role as Chief Deputy. In February 2025, he was reappointed to the post under the new administration.

Guard is a member of the Federalist Society and the National Rifle Association. He played a central role in Florida’s involvement in the Purdue Pharma and Sackler family settlement. He co-signed a letter with other Republican attorneys general calling for an investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci and the federal COVID-19 response. Guard also led major litigation efforts on behalf of the State of Florida, including:

• State of Florida v. United States, challenging DHS policies under the Biden administration that allegedly allowed the unlawful release of noncitizens.
• Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, et al. v. State of Florida, defending the state’s 15-week abortion ban following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.